On Tuesday, September 30, 2025, Benin City, Edo State capital, witnessed a historic moment as the Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, Chief Dr. Mujidat Folasade Tinubu-Ojo, visited the Heartbeat of the Nation to formally inaugurate market leadership across the state.
A statement made available to Team@orientactualmags.com on Friday noted that the Iyaloja-General was warmly received by Governor Monday Okpebholo, and Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani while the governor praised her visionary leadership and commended her for putting in place necessary structures to engage the grassroots—particularly market traders—across the state.
The statement noted that sequel to the passing of the former Iyeki of Edo State over 13 years ago, the leadership of market traders had remained vacant and in recent times there had been calls from different quarters demanding the emergence of new leadership to restore peace and harmony in markets in the state.
In response, Mrs. Josephine Ehis Ibhaguezejele was unanimously adopted by Edo State market leaders as the state Iyeki while they also sought the endorsement and blessings of the Iyaloja-General and requested that she should lead the newly inaugurated market leaders to the palace of the Oba of Benin for royal recognition and blessings.
Shortly after the inauguration ceremony, Chief Tinubu-Ojo led the inaugurated market leaders to the palace of His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Oba Ewuare II, to receive his royal blessings.
The Oba, who was joined by his revered high chiefs, warmly welcomed the delegation while tasking one of the chiefs with enlightening the newly inaugurated Iyekis on their sacred roles as custodians of Benin culture and traditions and emphasizing that certain cultural practices that have to do with market communities must be upheld in alignment with palace directives.
Expressing gratitude to the Iyaloja-General and the state government, the Oba commended the initiative as a significant stride in women’s empowerment and sociocultural development while urging the new leaders to uphold the cultural values of the Benin Kingdom with dignity and dedication.
Highlighting the importance of the visit, the Oba noted that he had excused himself from critical engagements both within and outside the state to personally receive the Iyaloja-General and the market leaders while he also allowed them to have a group photograph with him to commemorate the historic occasion-Team@orientactualmags.com Do you have any information you wish to share with us? Do you want us to cover your event or programme? Kindly send SMS to 08035023079, 08059100286, 09094171980 or get in touch via orientactualmag@gmail.com. Thank you
