The Aiguobasinmwin Movement Worldwide, a leading socio-cultural group, has rejected the inauguration of Josephine Ebhaguejezele as Iyaloja (Iyeki), declaring her ineligible to hold the revered title under Benin tradition
In a statement signed by its President, Iyamu Osaro, and Secretary-General, Osayuki-Osa Benson, the group maintained that the institution of Iyeki is a sacred cultural heritage of the Benin Kingdom that cannot be reshaped by political or personal influence.
The organisation explained that the title is strictly reserved for Benin women, who are chosen by their peers across markets in the kingdom, with the apex Iyeki later presented to the Benin Royal Palace for blessings and spiritual rites.
“It is worthy to note that for anyone to be eligible for the position of Iyeki, one must be a Benin woman,” the statement read.
Citing the pronouncement of the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, the movement urged the public to disregard the purported inauguration, stressing that Ebhaguejezele “lacks the eligibility of becoming Iyeki because she is not a Benin woman.”
The group also warned politicians and individuals against meddling in traditional institutions, insisting that the Iyeki title is a custodian of Benin culture and “cannot be changed by politicians or anybody.”
It further called on Benin women to begin the process of selecting their Iyeki in line with tradition, ahead of the eventual presentation of the apex Iyeki to the palace.
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No chill