Tinubu’s daughter Folashade caught in Benin Iyaloja row - Newstrends
Connect with us

metro

Tinubu’s daughter Folashade caught in Benin Iyaloja row

Published

11 months ago

on

Folashade Ojo-Tinubu

Tinubu’s daughter Folashade caught in Benin Iyaloja row

Controversy has continued to trail the recent installation of Pastor Josephine Ibhaguezejele by the Iyaloja-General of Market Women Association, Mrs Folashade Ojo-Tinubu, as the Iyaloja of Edo State, a title that literally means head of markets in the state.

The uproar stems from the unfamiliarity of the title within Benin’s cultural structure, the process of selection, and alleged politicisation of the position.

Specifically, the dispute over the leadership of markets in Benin, symbolised by Mrs. Blacky Ogiamen, gained traction shortly after the September 21, 2024 governorship election when traders raised concerns over plans to replace Ogiamen.

Before then, Ogiamen had led a protest in July, alleging attempts to remove her illegally from office as the head of market women in Edo, a position which Oba Ewuare II had earlier declared non-existent, explaining that every market in Benin Kingdom has its head known as Iye’ki, who performs cultural and religious functions on behalf of the palace.

Ogiamen was accused of using her position to advance political loyalty to former Governor Godwin Obaseki and openly supporting the PDP candidate, Asue Ighodalo, during the election.

Protests

The controversy deepened weeks ago when members of the Edo State Market Women Association (ESMWA) protested the alleged imposition of Ibhaguezejele, claiming she is not of Benin extraction.

In a statement signed by Mrs. Florence Ahunwan and five others, the women described the installation as “a taboo” and “a negation of Benin tradition.”

READ ALSO:

”It is an injustice where a non-Benin, with no inclination to our customs, has been imposed to oversee markets in Benin City and Edo State,” they said.

The protesters alleged that the appointment was politically influenced by some government officials and Mrs. Ojo-Tinubu, the Iyaloja-General of Lagos.

It’s politically motivated – Ibhaguezejele

In her response, Pastor Ibhaguezejele dismissed the protest as politically motivated, describing the allegations against her as false. She said the protesters were not members of the association she leads.

What shocked many observers was that Ojo-Tinubu inaugurated Ibhaguezejele before visiting the Oba of Benin, contrary to tradition.

At the event, Governor Monday Okpebholo, represented by the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Edesiri Anani, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to empowering women and strengthening families.

He said: “Our vision is to promote thriving marketplaces where peace, fairness, and mutual support form the foundation of commerce. Women remain the heartbeat of Edo’s economy.”

Mrs. Ojo-Tinubu, in her remarks, clarified that no one was displaced, insisting that the position had been vacant for years.

Pastor Ibhaguezejele, in her acceptance speech, said the position had been unoccupied for 12 years and that leaders from 151 of the 152 markets in Edo attended her inauguration.

Iyaloja alien to Benin tradition – Oba Ewuare II

However, Oba Ewuare II, while receiving Ojo-Tinubu and her delegation, declared that the title of Iyaloja-General or Iyeki-General is alien to Benin tradition.

READ ALSO:

He recounted the historical structure of market leadership in Benin and the revered roles of ancient queens such as Idia and Iden n’Okpokhuo, emphasizing that market leadership is rooted in spiritual and cultural duties, not politics.

”Iyaloja is alien to us in Benin. Here, every market has its Iye’ki, who performs cultural roles for the palace. The Oba does not interfere as long as the Iye’ki performs her duties,” the monarch said.
Chief Osaro Idah, speaking on behalf of the Oba, explained that each market’s Iye’ki is selected internally and later presented to the palace for confirmation, adding:

“The concept of a ‘general Iye’ki’ is foreign to Benin custom. Every market has its own Iye’ki, and none controls the other.”

The development has continued to attract strong reactions.

In a statement, the Aiguobasomwin Movement Worldwide, through its President Iyamu Osaro Culture and Secretary-General Osayuki-Osa Benson, insisted that Iye’ki is a creation of Benin heritage, not government or politics.

”Only a Benin woman can be Iye’ki. Pastor Ibhaguezejele’s inauguration should be disregarded because she lacks the cultural eligibility,” the group said.

Former Senator Ehigie Uzamere also weighed in, writing on Facebook that market leadership in Benin is “a sacred traditional structure governed by the Oba of Benin, not by politics.”

”The term Iyaloja is not indigenous to Benin. It does not exist in the Benin language and should not be imposed,” he stated.

Similarly, an activist and lawyer, Jefferson Uwoghiren, urged the state government to de-escalate tensions, describing the development as “a communication failure capable of causing disaffection.”
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), through its Publicity Secretary Dan Osa-Ogbegie, also condemned the installation.

As of press time, Edo State government had yet to issue an official response.

Tinubu’s daughter Folashade caught in Benin Iyaloja row

Vanguard

Loading

Related Topics:
Advertisement

metro

Just In: FG Announces Public Holiday – Here’s When Nigerians Will Get Break

Published

13 hours ago

on

August 21, 2026

By

Just In: FG Announces Public Holiday – Here's When Nigerians Will Get Break
Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo

Just In: FG Announces Public Holiday – Here’s When Nigerians Will Get Break

In a move that has sparked excitement across the country, the Federal Government has made an official declaration that will see workers nationwide enjoy a well-deserved break from their daily routines. The announcement, which came through the Ministry of Interior on Friday, has sent waves of anticipation through offices and businesses as citizens begin making plans for the upcoming holiday.

The Federal Government has officially declared a public holiday to commemorate this year’s Eid ul Mawlid, which marks the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). The declaration gives workers across the country a break and provides Muslim faithful an opportunity to observe the occasion with prayers, religious activities, and family gatherings. The declaration was made by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on behalf of the Federal Government in a statement issued on Friday, August 21, by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Magdalene Ajani. The announcement has been welcomed by Muslim communities across Nigeria, who are now preparing to mark the significant religious occasion with traditional observances and communal festivities.

READ ALSO:

In his goodwill message, Tunji-Ojo extended warm felicitations to Muslims in Nigeria and across the diaspora, while also urging all Nigerians, regardless of their religious affiliations, to use the occasion as an opportunity for introspection and moral renewal. He emphasised that the life and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad offer timeless lessons that transcend religious boundaries and speak to the universal values of humanity. The minister stated that every Eid ul Mawlid gives citizens reason to pause and draw lessons from a life defined by compassion, humility and service to others, adding that these are qualities the nation needs now more than ever. He encouraged every Nigerian, not just Muslim brothers and sisters, to reflect on them, underscoring the importance of embracing these virtues as a foundation for national transformation.

The minister stressed that the celebration period should serve as a time for collective prayer for peace, unity, and national cohesion, emphasising that the task of maintaining peace across the country requires the collective efforts of all citizens, irrespective of their ethnic or religious backgrounds. He called on citizens to observe the celebration with restraint, mutual respect, and consideration for one another, while wishing the Muslim community a joyous and peaceful Eid. Tunji-Ojo further noted that the occasion presents an opportunity for Nigerians to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and foster a spirit of tolerance and understanding, which are essential for the nation’s progress and development.

Reaffirming the Tinubu administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, the minister assured Nigerians that the government remains dedicated to ensuring peace and stability across the nation at all times. He encouraged citizens to support initiatives designed to promote national unity and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians of diverse religious and cultural backgrounds, noting that sustainable development can only thrive in an environment of peace and security.

Eid ul Mawlid, also known as Mawlid al-Nabi, is observed by Muslims in many parts of the world to honour the birth of Prophet Muhammad. In Nigeria, the occasion is usually marked with special prayers, religious gatherings, lectures, and charitable activities. The declaration means workers across the country will enjoy a day off from work on the designated day, giving many Nigerians an opportunity to rest, spend quality time with family, and participate in Eid ul Mawlid activities. Businesses, schools, and government offices are expected to remain closed on the holiday.

Just In: FG Announces Public Holiday – Here’s When Nigerians Will Get Break

Loading

Continue Reading

metro

Dry Cleaner Pleads Guilty to Stealing Senator Ireti Kingibe’s Jewellery Worth N45.7 Million

Published

13 hours ago

on

August 21, 2026

By

Dry Cleaner Pleads Guilty to Stealing Senator Ireti Kingibe's Jewellery Worth N45.7 Million
Senator Ireti Kingibe

Abuja Dry Cleaner Pleads Guilty to Stealing Senator Ireti Kingibe’s Jewellery Worth N45.7 Million

A Chief Magistrates’ Court in Dutse, Abuja, has ordered the remand of a 52-year-old dry cleaner, Abdul Mohammed, who pleaded guilty to stealing expensive jewellery belonging to Senator Ireti Kingibe, the lawmaker representing the Federal Capital Territory in the National Assembly. The stolen items, which included gold bangles, necklaces, luxury wristwatches, and earrings, were allegedly sold by the suspect to two buyers for a total sum of N45.7 million.

Magistrate Abdullahi Ilelah gave the remand order on Friday following Mohammed’s guilty plea and adjourned the matter until September 21 for sentencing, allowing the court time to deliberate on the appropriate penalty for the offence .

The case has drawn significant attention due to the high-profile nature of the victim and the brazen breach of trust by a service provider who had been granted access to the senator’s residence. The prosecution told the court that Senator Kingibe, who resides in the upscale Zangon Daura Estate in Kado, Abuja, first reported the incident at the Criminal Investigation Department of the Nigeria Police Force on June 27 .

READ ALSO:

According to the prosecution counsel, Adama Musa, the dry cleaner gained unlawful entry into the complainant’s private room, where he forcefully broke open her jewellery box and carted away an assortment of high-value items . The offence, which contravenes Section 289 of the Penal Code Law, carries prescribed punishment for theft and related property offences .

During police investigation, Mohammed reportedly confessed to the crime and disclosed that he did not act alone in disposing of the stolen assets . The defendant admitted to selling all the stolen jewellery to two buyers, identified as Suleiman Isah and Isah Yusuf, both residents of the Federal Capital Territory, for a total sum of N45.7 million . This confession formed a crucial part of the evidence linking him to the crime.

The prosecution urged the court to proceed with sentencing without further delay, citing Section 112(8) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, which empowers the court to act swiftly on guilty pleas in appropriate circumstances . The court is now expected to determine the legal consequences for the convicted dry cleaner when it reconvenes for sentencing on September 21 .

Dry Cleaner Pleads Guilty to Stealing Senator Ireti Kingibe’s Jewellery Worth N45.7 Million

Loading

Continue Reading

metro

Ooni of Ife, Other South-West Monarchs, Sunday Igboho Unite for Historic Security Summit in Ekiti

Published

14 hours ago

on

August 21, 2026

By

Ooni of Ife, Other South-West Monarchs, Sunday Igboho Unite for Historic Security Summit in Ekiti
Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi and Chief Sunday Adeyemo, widely known as Sunday Igboho

Ooni of Ife, Other South-West Monarchs, Sunday Igboho Unite for Historic Security Summit in Ekiti

In a historic show of unity, traditional rulers across the South-West geopolitical zone have finalized plans to hold a high-stakes security meeting with Yoruba nation activist and founder of the Iru Ekun Security Network, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, widely known as Sunday Igboho. The meeting, scheduled to take place today (Friday) in Ijero Ekiti, Ekiti State, marks a major turning point in regional efforts to combat rising insecurity through collaborative community-based strategies.

The high-level gathering will be hosted by the Owa Ajero of Ijero Ekiti, Oba Joseph Adebayo Adewole, and presided over by the Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, who also serves as the Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC). This convergence of royal authority and grassroots security activism underscores the urgent need for inclusive, homegrown solutions to the banditry, kidnapping, and communal violence threatening rural communities across the region.

According to a statement released by the Igboho media office on Friday, the stakeholders’ meeting will bring together monarchs from Oyo, Lagos, Ondo, Osun, Ekiti, Ogun, and parts of Kwara State. The breadth of representation highlights the collective determination of South-West leaders to transcend political and ethnic divisions in pursuit of lasting peace. The meeting is expected to deliberate extensively on measures aimed at ensuring effective security architecture for the South West, with particular emphasis on synergizing local initiatives such as the Iru Ekun Security Network with existing state and federal security frameworks.

READ ALSO:

A central focus of the discussions will be the active involvement of traditional rulers in local security management. Given their deep-rooted connections to grassroots communities, monarchs are uniquely positioned to mediate disputes, gather intelligence, and foster trust between security agencies and the populace. The meeting will also address the prevention of inter-ethnic crises and the management of disputes between Yoruba communities and other ethnic nationalities residing in the South-West, reinforcing the region’s long-standing tradition of peaceful coexistence.

In a notable departure from past tensions, the statement from Igboho’s media office commended federal security agencies—including the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, and other paramilitary bodies—for their “enormous support” of the Iru Ekun Security Network. The activist’s team assured the public of continued cooperation with all stakeholders in the security sector to sustain the prevailing peace and safety in the South West. This gesture of goodwill follows a significant reconciliation earlier in August 2026, when the Ooni of Ife publicly endorsed Igboho’s security initiative with a donation of ₦100 million and a Hilux vehicle, signaling a new era of collaboration between traditional institutions and civil society security advocates.

The statement specifically appreciated the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd); the Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu; and the Director-General of the DSS, Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, for their visible efforts, which have contributed to a drastic reduction in cases of insecurity and other criminalities across Nigeria. This acknowledgment reflects a growing recognition that sustainable security requires a multi-stakeholder approach, where federal agencies, state governments, traditional rulers, and community networks work in tandem.

As the South-West grapples with complex security challenges, today’s meeting in Ijero Ekiti represents more than a routine consultation—it is a bold statement of intent. By bridging the gap between traditional authority and grassroots activism, the region’s leaders are charting a pragmatic path toward safer, more resilient communities. The outcomes of this historic gathering are likely to shape the trajectory of local security governance in Yorubaland for years to come.

Ooni of Ife, Other South-West Monarchs, Sunday Igboho Unite for Historic Security Summit in Ekiti

Loading

Continue Reading

Trending