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The ancient throne of Benin has firmly drawn a cultural red line, as the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, on Tuesday, cautioned Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, daughter of President Bola Tinubu against parading the title of Iyaloja-General within the Benin Kingdom, declaring it alien to centuries-old Benin tradition.

The revered monarch issued the clarification at his palace in Benin City during a courtesy visit by Tinubu-Ojo, who has imposed herself as the leader of market women across Nigeria. She was in Edo State to inaugurate Pastor (Mrs.) Josephine Isi Ibhaguezejele as the Iyeki-General of the state.

But the Oba wasted no time in setting the cultural record straight. He explained that the authentic title for a market leader in Benin is Iyeki — not Iyaloja — and that every Iyeki holds deep administrative and spiritual significance rooted in Benin’s traditions.

“The title of Iyaloja does not exist in our culture,” Oba Ewuare declared. “Benin is the home of tradition, and our customs must be respected. Each market has its Iyeki, chosen by the market women but confirmed by the palace. They also perform sacred roles at shrines within the markets.”

The Oba disclosed that he had conferred with his chiefs and other custodians of tradition, who unanimously affirmed that the notion of a single, overarching market leader — Iyeki-General — is foreign to Benin’s time-honoured system.

Chief Osaro Idah, speaking on behalf of the palace, elaborated on the sacred structure: “Each market — whether Oba Market, Ogiso Market or others — has its independent Iyeki. They are more than coordinators; they carry out spiritual duties on behalf of the palace. Once chosen by traders, they must be presented to the palace for confirmation.”

He continued: “The concept of a ‘general’ market leader is not part of Benin custom. We see Iyaloja as a socio-cultural construct from elsewhere — much like a social club. No Iyeki wields authority over another. Each operates autonomously. The Iyeki in Oba Market has no say in Ogiso Market. Our markets were established by the Oba for the benefit of all, and our customs are not negotiable.”

The palace’s firm stance underscores the Benin Kingdom’s enduring commitment to preserving its cultural identity and sends a clear message that traditional institutions, no matter how ancient, remain deeply relevant in defining authority and structure within their domains.