The Aiguobasinmwin Movement Worldwide has denounced the inauguration of Josephine Ebhaguejezele as Iyaloja (Iyeki) in Edo State, declaring the act null and inconsistent with Benin tradition.

In a statement signed by President Iyamu Osaro and Secretary-General Osayuki-Osa Benson, the socio-cultural group stressed that the Iyeki institution is a sacred heritage of the Benin Kingdom and cannot be altered by political influence or personal interests.

According to the group, the position is exclusively reserved for Benin women, chosen by their peers across markets, before the apex Iyeki is formally presented to the Benin Royal Palace for blessings 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 said.

Quoting the words of the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, the organisation urged the public to dismiss the inauguration, stressing that Ebhaguejezele “lacks the eligibility of becoming Iyeki because she is not a Benin woman.”

The movement also cautioned politicians and individuals against meddling in traditional institutions, emphasising that the Iyeki 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 electing their Iyeki in line with cultural practices, ahead of the formal presentation of the apex Iyeki to the palace.