Tension has gripped Edo State following the installation of Pastor Josephine Ibhaguezejele as Iyaloja by Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, daughter of President Bola Tinubu and National Iyaloja-General.

The installation, which took place at the Government House in Benin on Tuesday, has sparked outrage among market women and cultural leaders.

During a visit to his palace on Thursday, the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, dismissed the recognition of the Iyaloja title in the Benin Kingdom, declaring it “alien” to Benin culture.

“The concept of Iyaloja is not part of our tradition here in Benin,” the monarch stated. “Our markets are headed by the Iyeki, who maintain a spiritual relationship with the palace and perform cultural rites in shrines located within the markets.”

The Oba explained that each Iyeki plays a vital cultural role on behalf of the palace, adding that the Benin royal institution does not interfere so long as market leaders perform their traditional duties.

His remarks come after market women in Benin staged protests against the installation of Ibhaguezejele, insisting that only Benin women under the authority of the Oba had historically led market associations in the kingdom.

Cultural commentator Patrick Osadalor described the installation as “an exercise in futility,” noting that without the Oba’s blessing, no Iyaloja could function in Edo South.

“The Iyeki are the authentic leaders of Benin markets. They have cultural roles the so-called Iyaloja cannot perform because she is not of Benin origin,” Osadalor said.

While some residents from Edo Central and Edo North have downplayed the controversy, suggesting the Iyaloja might still function as a coordinator outside Benin City, the Oba’s position is seen as decisive within the kingdom.

The development underscores a deepening clash between political authority and traditional institutions in Edo State.