Former Senior Special Assistant to the Edo State Governor on Arts, Culture and Tourism, Amienye Omorogie, emphasized that the people of Edo State cannot abandon their long-standing cultural tradition to adopt the Iyaloja system, which is exclusive to the western parts of Nigeria.
In an interview with News Central TV, he made this statement while reacting to the Oba of Benin’s rejection of the installation of Iyaloja by Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, daughter of President Bola Tinubu and current Iyaloja General.
Omorogie stated that Edo State’s market structure operates under the Iyeki system, a traditional institution that has been in existence for over 700 years. He explained that this indigenous system has produced many respected women leaders who serve both administrative and spiritual roles within Benin markets.
According to him, the Iyeki structure ensures stability and continuity in the market system, and there is no reason to alter what has worked effectively for centuries.
He further noted that the ongoing cultural disagreement over the Iyaloja system would not affect investor confidence or market stability in Edo State. Omorogie assured that the state government maintains harmony with the Benin traditional institution and both will work together to address the matter peacefully.
He maintained that Edo cannot compromise its heritage, as Iyaloja remains a practice unique to the Yoruba people of western Nigeria.
As he said, “There is peace between the state government and the traditional institution here in Benin. You know, this probably is just another bottleneck.”
“I think the state government and the traditional institution will sit together and look at a view of finding a lasting solution to it.”
“We cannot change our tradition just today. Iyaloja is peculiar to the western parts of Nigeria. Here in Benin, what is obtainable here in Edo State is Iyeki.Continue, Full, Reading>>>>
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