Chief Dr. Mujidat Folasade Tinubu-Ojo, the Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, has inaugurated new market leaders in Edo State, restoring organized leadership to the state’s market system.
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The event took place on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, during her official visit to Edo, where she was warmly received by Governor Monday Okpebholo and the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani.
The state government commended her for her visionary leadership and dedication to improving the welfare of market traders, Prince Emmanuel Odunayo Ikusagba reports.
The inauguration put an end to a 13-year leadership vacuum in Edo’s market sector, following calls from traders and stakeholders. After wide consultations, market leaders unanimously adopted Mrs. Josephine Ehis Ibhaguezejele as their new Iyeki. The Iyaloja-General later led the newly inaugurated team to the palace of the Oba of Benin for royal recognition and blessings.
At the palace, His Royal Majesty Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Oba Ewuare II warmly welcomed the delegation and described the initiative as a key step toward promoting women’s empowerment and cultural continuity. He instructed one of his chiefs to enlighten the new Iyekis on their duties as custodians of Benin traditions and urged them to uphold the cultural values tied to market communities.
In a show of unity and respect, the Oba personally received the Iyaloja-General despite other engagements and posed for photographs with the market leaders to commemorate the historic occasion.
