Oba of Benin Rejects 'Iyaloja' Title as Alien to Benin Tradition

Oba Ewuare II of Benin rejected the title of 'Iyaloja' in Edo State, labeling it as foreign to Benin tradition and lacking roots in the kingdom's cultural heritage. The monarch emphasized that the Benin Kingdom already has a traditional market leadership structure known as the Iyeki system, deeply connected to the palace's ancestral heritage.

Oba Ewuare II cautioned against introducing alien titles like Iyaloja, stressing the need to preserve the sanctity of Benin's cultural identity. The rejection of the title came during a visit to the palace by Mrs.

Folashade Tinubu, daughter of President Bola Tinubu, and other dignitaries, highlighting the importance of cultural preservation in Benin.