The Edo Art and Cultural Heritage Institute (EACHI), has thrown its weight behind Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin, on his stance on market leadership in the kingdom.
This is contained in a statement by Mr. Okpioba Idemudia on behalf of EACHI and made available to newsmen on Wednesday, in Benin.
Mr. Idemudia said that the group aligned itself with the position of the Oba that the Iye-Eki was the only recognised traditional head of the markets in the kingdom.
According to Idemudia, EACHI believes that the Iye-Eki holds a significant and revered position in the Benin Kingdom, serving as markets traditional head.
He also expressed the group’s commitment to preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Benin people.
He further noted that attempts to impose external leadership structures would contradict cultural norms and traditions of the kingdom and warned against such.
He commended the Oba of Benin for his unwavering commitment to upholding the cultural values and traditions of the kingdom.
He also commended Edo market women for taking a bold stand against the imposition of market leadership and Iyaloja on them.
Idemudia also called on sons and daughters of the state to stand in unity and continue to support the Oba’s disapproval of the Iyaloja concept.
”We at EACHI reassure the people of Edo and the broader community that we will continue to support and promote the preservation of our rich cultural heritage,” he said.
