The Palace of the Oba of Benin has rejected the introduction of the “Iyaloja” title into Edo State’s market system.
The Palace said the Iyaloja title is alien to Benin culture and potentially disruptive to peace and tradition.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Benin Traditional Council (BTC) and authorized by His Royal Majesty, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II.
The Palace also warned that both the introduction of the Iyaloja concept and the growing influence of political trade associations in local markets threaten Benin’s traditional market structure.
It then urged market women across Edo State to respect the traditional hierarchy that governs market administration and to desist from aligning with political actors who may attempt to exploit their influence.
The Palace also noted that it was not consulted before the Iyaloja initiative was introduced, insisting that prior consultation could have prevented the tension and misunderstanding currently surrounding the issue.
It also questioned the authenticity and motive behind the move to introduce the Iyaloja system into Edo, asking why a title that originated in other parts of Nigeria should suddenly be adopted in Benin markets.
The statement reads in parts, “While the Palace maintains its position that the Iyaloja concept is alien to the culture of Benin, the Palace also frowns at the use of trade associations to run open markets and to play partisan politics.
“These twin factors are anthetical and inimical to the essence of our market tradition in Benin culture.
“The Palace has observed that for sometime now our markets have become a veritable tool in the hands of partisan politicians and unscrupulous individuals to express themselves for their personal benefit. This situation has persisted since even long before the present administration.
“While the Palace takes a deem view of such alien concept of “iyalojaI” being introduced into the market system of Edo culture, it is also pertinent to point out that the Palace has serious reservations about the tendency of market women allowing themselves be used as political pawns in the political field under the aegis of market associations in Edo State.
“The Palace has received numerous complaints that the practice of using associations in negative ways in the markets has also contributed immensely to rise in prices of foodstuffs thereby seriously impacting on the efforts of Mr. President to bring food prices down.
“At this juncture the Palace wishes to appeal to the market women and the politicians behind them to eschew dragging the sanctity of the name of the Oba into their partisan political affairs.
“We want to emphasize that this administration is doing wonderfully well for everyone and do not need Iyaloja concept to guarantee anything. The Palace feels that if we were duly consulted about what the tradition says about Iyeki Role in Benin tradition all the ensuing controversy or tension would have been avoided.
“The Palace, although not partisan, strongly supports state government administration. We do not know the aim of this Iyaloja concept being introduced to Edo State. We hope if it is a national thing then Iyaloja of Lagos (or Nigeria) must extend this concept to the other states in Nigeria before we can believe its authenticity and motive.”
