Tinubu’s Daughter’s Iyaloja Installation Sparks Controversy In Benin

A cultural dispute has erupted in Edo State following the installation of Pastor Josephine Ibhaguezejele as Iyaloja by Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, daughter of President Bola Tinubu.

The ceremony, held at the Edo State Government House in Benin on Tuesday, was swiftly met with resistance from traditional authorities and sections of the public.

During a courtesy visit to Oba Ewuare II on Thursday, Tinubu-Ojo and her entourage were told by the Benin monarch that the title of Iyaloja has no place within the kingdom’s cultural structure.

“The concept of Iyaloja is alien to us here in Benin,” the Oba said, stressing that market leadership in Benin is vested in the Iyeki, who maintain both spiritual and cultural ties to the palace. He explained that each Iyeki performs sacred duties at the shrines of their markets, reinforcing their deep-rooted connection to Benin traditions.

The installation has also drawn opposition from market women, some of whom staged protests, insisting that only natives should lead market associations.

Cultural commentator Patrick Osadalor described the appointment as “an exercise in futility,” noting that without the monarch’s approval, the Iyaloja title would carry no weight in Benin. “The Iyeki remain the authentic market leaders. A non-Benin cannot perform the necessary rites in the markets,” he said.

Still, not all voices opposed the development. A resident from Edo Central argued that the controversy was unnecessary, suggesting that the Iyaloja would simply play a coordinating role across markets while the Iyeki continue as traditional heads.