Ìyál'ọ́jà (pronounced[ì.jál.ɔ́.jà]) is aYoruba word that literally translates as 'Mother of the Market'.[1] It has commonly been used to refer to a prominent traditionalchieftaincy title among theYoruba people.
Across various Yoruba markets and the states to which they belong, an Iyaloja is usually democratically chosen by her constituents (and is thereafter confirmed by theoba) or single-handedly chosen by the oba himself. In rare situations, like the case of the Iyaloja of Lagos in 2013, the deceased Iyaloja can choose her successor before her death.[2]
Research into the ancient culture and tradition of the Yoruba people has shown that despite the chieftaincy structure being largely patriarchal, the female titleholdersIyalode, Iyaloja and Iyalaje are three of the most important leaders in the system, figures whose opinions carried as much weight as those of the male chiefs.[3][4] An equivalent male title known asBabaloja, meaningFather of the Market, is also functionally a subordinate of the Iyaloja.[citation needed]
| Name | Reign |
|---|---|
| Abibatu Mogaji | 1980s–2013[5] |
| Folashade Tinubu-Ojo | 2013–present[6][7] |
On 1 January 2017, theNews Agency of Nigeria reported that the Iyaloja ofIbadan, Chief Labake Lawal, had been impeached for financial misconduct by the "Ibadan Joint Traders Association". The supposedly removed Iyaloja later played down her removal, explaining that only the traditional monarch, theOlubadan of Ibadanland, had the authority to appoint or replace the Iyaloja.[8] On 9 May 2017, after the appointment of Alhaja Iswat Abiola Ameringun as the new Iyaloja by the Olubadan, Chief Lawal described her removal as a show of ethnic bias and a reflection of a lack of due process as only the Olubadan-in-Council was capable of removing her.[9] A new development ensued when most of the members of the traditional council disagreed with the decision from the Olubadan and posited that the removal of Chief Lawal did not represent the position of most of the cabinet members.[10][11] Further to this, Chief Labake Lawal sued theOlubadan, Olubadan-in-Council and the newly installed Iyaloja for "violating her right to natural justice", urging the court to declare the new appointment "null, void and of no legal effect".[12]
In July 2013, it was reported that the daughter of former governor ofLagos State, ChiefBola Ahmed Tinubu, had been selected as the new Iyaloja of Lagos, pending the granting of official approval by theOba of Lagos. This immediately caused a media storm, as critics argued that she wasn't qualified in terms of age and market experience. Others contended that it was a strategy by Chief Tinubu to acquire more power for his family among Lagosians.[13][14][15] The market leader forLagos Mainland local government opined that her appointment was a collective one and was not politically influenced.[16] The Secretary General for Lagos Markets explained that her ascension was lawful, and in accordance with the market association's statutes. She also stated that she met the minimum requirement needed to be an Iyaloja.[17] It was also reported that Folashade was the choice of the late Iyaloja.[18] Despite these apparent hindrances to her coronation, on 29 October 2013, Folashade Tinubu-Ojo was officially installed as the new Iyaloja. Those present at the ceremony included her stepmother,Oluremi Tinubu, theOba of Lagos, and theAlake of Egbaland.[19][14]