Culture

Oba Ewuare II Disapproves Iyaloja-General Title Plan

Published

11 months ago

October 4, 2025

Oba Ewuare II rejects the Iyaloja-General concept, affirming that Benin culture recognises only the Iyeki, a traditional market leader confirmed by the palace

Oba Ewuare II has firmly rejected the idea of an ‘Iyaloja-General’ title, describing it as alien to Benin’s rich cultural heritage.

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Speaking from his palace on Tuesday, the revered monarch cautioned Mrs Folashade Ojo-Tinubu, who holds the national Iyaloja-General title, that the Benin Kingdom recognises only the Iyeki, a position deeply entrenched in its ancestral traditions.

Oba Ewuare II emphasised that in Benin, every Iyeki must be selected by market women and subsequently confirmed by the palace.

He noted that the Iyeki’s role goes beyond managing traders, as they perform vital cultural and spiritual duties within market shrines on behalf of the throne.

The monarch said the Iyaloja-General concept was unknown to Benin customs and should not override the long-established system of Iyeki leadership. “Iyaloja is alien to us here in Benin.

You are in Benin, the home of culture. Every Iyeki has a special relationship with the palace and performs sacred roles in the market,” Oba Ewuare II stated firmly.

Adding clarity to the Oba’s remarks, Chief Osaro Idah, who was authorised to address the visitors, explained that the Iyeki operates independently in each market, such as Oba Market and Ogiso Market.

He said the notion of a ‘general Iyeki’ or a unified market head contradicts Benin’s structure of governance.

“The novelty of general Iyeki is alien to Benin custom and tradition. Each market has its own Iyeki chosen from among traders and confirmed by the palace,” Idah explained.

Earlier, Mrs Edesili Okpebholo-Anani, Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady in Edo State, had introduced Ojo-Tinubu to the monarch, explaining that her visit was to inaugurate Pastor (Mrs) Josephine Isi Ibhaguezejele as the Iyeki-General of Edo State.

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However, the Benin Monarch’s clear and powerful assertion reaffirmed that cultural identity and traditional order remain non-negotiable pillars of the kingdom’s heritage.

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Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

2 weeks ago

August 27, 2026

Mariam Balogun

The contemporary art and photography exhibition “Wake Up!” is back again for a second edition.

Curated by Awele Onwordi, Wake Up! 2 exhibition pays homage to the Nigerian youth and burgeoning street culture which many of its contributing artists reference in their works.

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Titled “Young, Wild, Free”, the exhibition celebrates the creativity, resilience, freedom and cultural influence found in Nigerian youth.

Taking aim at societal issues and economic concerns, the exhibit reflects the youth and their refusal to compromise or bow despite all the challenges stacked against them while charting youth culture through art, music, fashion, skateboarding, photography and community.

The exhibition will be held, once again, at the Angel and Muse Gallery at 25 Sumbo Jibowu street off Ribadu Road off Awolowo Road in Ikoyi.

It will open on Saturday 5 September 2026 and will run until 11 September 2026
This second edition which focuses on celebrating, nurturing and exploring artistic practices rooted in youth and street culture will feature works from DENCITY and SUPERGLIDER HOUSE.

Exhibiting artists include Ajilore Kehinde – their work is deeply influenced by Nigerian street culture and works of other artists like Slawn, Peters Ejiro, etc, Chuka Onwordi – graphic designer who embodies themes of death, melancholy and beauty in his works, ZIDYEP – Abuja based creative whose works move between digital and physical spaces through art, graphic design and air brushing , Franklyn Okoye – graphic designer and artist whose works explore themes of identity and hyper-reality, Awele Onwordi – founder & curator of WAKE UP and multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans character art, creative logo design, album covers and more , Oluchi Kogolo – digital illustrator whose work explores street culture, personality and storytelling through a raw and playful visual style and Kozetuo Apeji – multidisciplinary artists who work explores experimental approaches to problem solving through both digital and traditional art forms.

Commenting on the exhibition in her curatorial statement, Awele noted that “despite economic instability, limited opportunities and socio-political challenges, Nigerian youth continue to shape culture through music, fashion, art, skateboarding, raves, photography and community.”

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Continuing and harping on the raison d’etre of the exhibition she said, “Young, Wild and Free exists to celebrate Nigerian youth while also creating a platform that supports and amplifies them.”