Abudu | |
---|---|
Town | |
Abudu | |
Coordinates: 6°01′57″N6°02′43″E / 6.0325°N 6.0453°E | |
Country | Nigeria |
State | Edo |
Founded | 18th century |
Government | |
• Type | Local Government |
Area | |
• Total | 45.8 km2 (17.7 sq mi) |
Population (2021) | |
• Total | 50,000 |
• Density | 1,100/km2 (2,800/sq mi) |
Time zone | UTC+1 (WAT) |
Abudu is a town located in Edo State, Nigeria. It was founded in the 18th century and has since become a trading and cultural center in the region. [1] Abudu is situated in the southern part of Edo State and serves as the headquarters of the Orhionmwon Local Government Area. [2]
Abudu traces its origins back to the 18th century when it was founded by settlers who migrated from neighboring communities seeking fertile land and favorable trade routes. [3] These early settlers recognized the strategic advantage of Abudu's location, which enabled it to serve as a crossroads for trade between coastal and inland regions. [4] The town's establishment as a trading post facilitated the exchange of goods and cultural interactions between various communities. [5] [6]
Abudu's central location made it a hub for merchants dealing in commodities such as palm oil, ivory, and textiles. [7] The town's economic growth facilitated an influx of individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds into Abudu, thereby enhancing its cultural pluralism and social structure. [8]
Throughout its history, Abudu has witnessed periods of both cooperation and conflict with neighboring towns and colonial powers. [9] Throughout the colonial era, the town's response to external pressures contributed to the formation of its identity, reflecting attributes associated with its historical significance. [10] [11]
Abudu's history is also marked by its involvement in the broader socio-political movements of Nigeria. [12] The town played a role in advocating for self-governance and independence, contributing to the eventual emergence of Nigeria as a sovereign nation. [13]
Abudu's culture is a fusion of traditional practices and modern influences. The town is renowned for its vibrant festivals, most notably the annual Abudu Festival. [14] This event showcases an array of traditional music, dance, and crafts, providing a platform for locals and visitors to engage with the town's cultural heritage. [15]
Benin City is the capital and largest city of Edo State, southern Nigeria. In central Kings square, the Benin city National Museum traces the Benin empire and has displays of terracotta sculpture. The Oba's palace is known for bronze plaques that once decorated with the walls, depicting historical events and Life at court. It is the fourth-largest city in Nigeria according to the 2006 census, after Lagos, Kano, and Ibadan. It is situated approximately 40 kilometres (25 mi) north of the Benin River and 320 kilometres (200 mi) by road east of Lagos. Benin City is the centre of Nigeria's rubber industry, and oil production is also a significant industry.
The Benin Bronzes are a group of several thousand metal plaques and sculptures that decorated the royal palace of the Kingdom of Benin, in what is now Edo State, Nigeria. Collectively, the objects form the best examples of Benin art and were created from the thirteenth century by artists of the Edo people. The plaques, which in the Edo language are called Ama, depict scenes or represent themes in the history of the kingdom. Apart from the plaques, other sculptures in brass or bronze include portrait heads, jewelry, and smaller pieces.
Edo, officially known as Edo State, is a state located in the South-South geopolitical zone of the federal republic of Nigeria. As of 2006 National population census, the state was ranked as the 24th populated state (3,233,366) in Nigeria. The state population figures is expected to be about 4,777,000 in 2022. Edo State is the 22nd largest State by landmass in Nigeria. The Edo state capital and largest city, Benin City, is the fourth largest city in Nigeria, and the centre of the country's rubber industry. Created in 1991 from the former Bendel State, is also known as the "heartbeat" of the nation. Edo State borders Kogi State to the northeast, Anambra State to the east, Delta State to the southeast and southsouth and Ondo State to the west.
The Esan people (Esan: are an ethnic group of southern Nigeria who speak the Esan language. The Esan are traditionally known to be agriculturalists, trado-medical practitioners, mercenary warriors and hunters. They cultivate palm trees, Irvingia gabonensis, Cherry, bell pepper coconut, betel nut, kola nut, black pear, avocado pear, yams, cocoyam, cassava, maize, rice, beans, groundnut, bananas, oranges, plantains, sugar cane, tomato, potato, okra, pineapple, paw paw, and various vegetables.
Sungbo's Eredo is a system of defensive walls and ditches that is located to the southwest of the Yoruba town of Ijebu Ode in Ogun State, southwest Nigeria. It was built in 800–1000 AD in honour of the Ijebu noblewoman Oloye Bilikisu Sungbo. The location is on Nigeria's tentative list of potential UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Orhionmwon is a Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. Its headquarter is in the town of Abudu. It has an area of 2,382 km² and a population of 206,717 at the 2006 census. The postal code of the area is 301.
The Kingdom of Benin, also known as the Edo Kingdom or the Benin Empire, was a kingdom within what is now southern Nigeria. It has no historical relation to the modern republic of Benin, which was known as Dahomey from the 17th century until 1975. The Kingdom of Benin's capital was Edo, now known as Benin City in Edo State, Nigeria. The Benin Kingdom was "one of the oldest and most developed states in the coastal hinterland of West Africa". It grew out of the previous Edo Kingdom of Igodomigodo around the 11th century AD, and lasted until it was annexed by the British Empire in 1897.
Ekpoma is a town in Edo State, Nigeria. It is the administrative headquarters of the Esan West Local Government Area. Ekpoma lies on the geographical coordinate of latitude 6°45′N6°08′E. The town has an official Post Office, and it is home to the Ambrose Alli University. Currently Ekpoma town is developing with major infrastructures, hospitals, schools, modern eateries and roads. The town is also secured.
The Benin ivory mask is a miniature sculptural portrait in ivory of Idia, the first Iyoba of the 16th century Benin Empire, taking the form of a traditional African mask. The masks were looted by the British from the palace of the Oba of Benin in the Benin Expedition of 1897.
The Gun people, also rendered Ogũ, Ogun and Egun, is an ethnic group located majorly in Lagos and Ogun State in southwestern Nigeria, and Ouémé Department in the southeast of the Republic of Benin, who speak the Gun language. The Ogu account for about 15% of the indigenous population of Lagos State and 6% of the total population of the Republic of Benin.
Unuamen also spelt Unuame is an ancient village community by Ovia river in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. Unuame is about 15 kilometres (9 mi) from Benin City and 20 kilometres (12 mi) from Benin Airport. Unuame is one of the ancestral homes of Oba Esigie's maternal grandfather and home town to some group of Binis. The people of Unuame have remained loyal to the monarch since the establishment of the ancient Kingdom of Benin. Being a part of the Kingdom of Benin, Unuame is at the heart of the tropical rainforest in the southern part of Nigeria, way to the west of the delta of the Niger River and inland from the coast.
Ugboha is a town in Esan South Local Government of Edo State Nigeria. Ugboha lies on the geographical coordinate of latitude 6°45′N6°28′E.
Ewohimi is a town in Esan South East Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. Ewohimi lies on the geographical coordinate of latitude 6°28′N6°19′E. which has different quarters, with eguare primary school in the town
Odionwere is a traditional leadership position among the Edo people of Edo State, Nigeria to refer to the oldest or most respected person in a community or family. The term Odionwere can be roughly translated as "village chief" or "elder" in the Edo language. The role of an Odionwere is significant in maintaining the cultural and social fabric of Edo communities.
Afuze is a town located in the Owan East Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria and serves as the administrative headquarters of the Owan East Local Government Area.
Benin City Ring Road also referred to as Kings Square or Oba Ovonramwen Square is a circular road in Benin City, the capital of Edo State, Nigeria. It spans approximately 25 kilometers and has been a vital component of the city's transportation network since its establishment in 1976.
The Ovia River or Osse River is a watercourse in Edo State, Nigeria, spanning approximately 120 kilometers through diverse terrain.
The Oba Market also referred to as Eki-Oba is an open-air market situated at Ring Road in the center of Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Its roots date back to the 15th century, making it one of the most historically significant markets in the region.
Ovia is a deity in the traditional religious beliefs of Nigeria, particularly among the Edo people of Benin City. This deity is associated with concepts of peace and providence. Ovia's historical origins can be traced back to the ancient Kingdom of Benin, known for its cultural traditions and governance structure. Emerging during a period of relative stability, Ovia was regarded as a symbol of peace and prosperity within the kingdom. Oral traditions and cultural practices have preserved the significance of Ovia across generations. Ovia was believed to bestow blessings that contributed to the well-being of the kingdom, fostering an environment of harmony and abundance. The deity was invoked during ceremonies, including royal coronations and harvest festivals.
Akengbuda was the Oba of Benin from 1750 to 1804. He was the son and successor of Eresoyen, and the father of Obanosa. He is regarded as one of the most powerful and influential obas in the history of the Kingdom of Benin, as he expanded the kingdom's territory, improved its administration, and promoted its arts and culture. He also maintained a strong trade relationship with the Europeans, especially the Portuguese and the British, and acquired firearms and other goods from them. He was known for his military prowess, his diplomatic skills, and his patronage of arts and learning.