The Aiguobasinmwin Movement Worldwide, a foremost Benin sociocultural organisation, has called on the public to disregard the reported inauguration of Pastor Josephine Ebhaguejezele as an Iyaloja (Iyeki), insisting that she is not qualified to hold the title under Benin tradition.
In a statement signed by its President, Mr. Iyamu Osaro, and Secretary General, Mr. Osayuki-Osa Benson, the group stressed that the institution of Iyeki is rooted in the cultural heritage of the Benin Kingdom and not subject to political or individual manipulation.
According to the Movement, the position of Iyeki is reserved strictly for Benin women, who are elected by their peers across markets in the kingdom. The apex Iyeki, it explained, is later chosen from among them and presented to the Benin Royal Palace for blessing and spiritual cleansing.
“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.
“Therefore, in line with the pronouncement of our GodsKing, Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, we hereby call on the general public to disregard the purported inauguration of Pastor Josephine Ebhaguejezele as Iyeki because she lacks the eligibility of becoming Iyeki due to the fact that she is not a Benin woman.”
The group further cautioned politicians and other individuals against interfering in traditional matters, emphasizing that the Iyeki title serves as custodian of culture across markets in Benin Kingdom and “cannot be changed by politicians or anybody.”
The Aiguobasinmwin Movement also urged Benin women to begin the process of electing their Iyeki in line with tradition and cultural norms in preparation for the final selection of an apex Iyeki.
