Oba Market

Last updated
Oba Market
Location Ring Road, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria
Coordinates 6°20′26″N5°37′22″E / 6.3406°N 5.6227°E / 6.3406; 5.6227
Opening date15th century (15th century)
Number of tenantsOver 5,000
Total retail floor area Approximately 20 acres
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Oba Market
Location in Nigeria

The Oba Market (also referred to as Edo : Eki-Oba) is an open-air market situated at Ring Road in the center of Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. [1] Its roots date back to the 15th century, making it one of the most historically significant markets in the region. [2]

Contents

History

Establishment

The history of Oba Market reaches back to the 15th century when commerce thrived at this location. [3] Over centuries, it has served as a pivotal trading center within the Benin Kingdom, evolving in tandem with the city. [4] [5]

Role of Emotan

One prominent figure associated with Oba Market is Emotan, also known as Uwarraye. [6] In the 15th century, during the reigns of Oba Uwaifiokun and Oba Ewuare the Great, Emotan was a respected market woman celebrated for her humanitarian work and dedication to children. [7] [8] Importantly, she played a key role during Prince Ogun's (Oba Ewuare I) quest to reclaim his throne after a period of exile. [9] [8]

Emotan and Prince Ogun conspired to overthrow the usurper, Oba Uwaifiokun. Emotan's astuteness played a crucial role in Prince Ogun's successful return to the throne. [8] [10] She provided sanctuary for him within her modest dwelling in Oba Market, becoming his trusted informant as Uwaifiokun sought to eliminate him to retain power. [11] [8]

Upon Emotan's passing, Oba Ewuare the Great decreed that she should be forever remembered. [12] To honor this decree, he deified her by planting a sacred Uruhe tree at her resting place, which was the same location where she had resided adjacent to Oba Market. [13] [14]

Features

Diverse range of goods

Oba Market is renowned for its extensive array of products, encompassing food items, clothing, fabrics, traditional beads, jewellery, and electronics. [15] The market serves as a comprehensive source for daily necessities and cultural artifacts. [16] [17]

Emotan statue and shrine

A prominent landmark at Oba Market is the Emotan statue and shrine, positioned directly opposite the market. [18] This statue commemorates Emotan's pivotal role in Benin Kingdom history. [19] [20] [21]

Preservation efforts

In recent years, concerted efforts have been made to preserve the historical and cultural heritage of Oba Market, particularly the Emotan shrine. [22] These initiatives aim to ensure that the market's significance is passed down to future generations and that Emotan's contributions are remembered and celebrated. [23] [24]

2020 fire incident

In 2020, Oba Market encountered a formidable challenge as a fierce fire engulfed the market, resulting in extensive destruction. [25] [26] The incident, which took place on 22 June 2020, generated considerable concern and brought into focus the market's susceptibility due to its historical significance. [27] [28]

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References

  1. ↑ Egharevba, Jacob U. (1953). The Origin of Benin. B.D.N.A. Museum.
  2. ↑ Eguavoen, Festus (2019-08-10). Emotan. ISBN   978-1-0993-6964-3.
  3. ↑ Ogbeifun, Nowamagbe P. R. I. N. C. E. (2021-01-01). "Assessment of Noise Pollution in Oba Market, New Benin Market & Oregbeni Market, Benin City, Edo State Ogbeifun, Nowamagbe Prince 1 and Njokede, Fortune .O. 2". Nigerian Institution of Professional Engineers and Scientist.
  4. ↑ Zeijl, Femke van. "The Oba of Benin Kingdom: A history of the monarchy". Aljazeera.com . Retrieved 2023-09-05.
  5. ↑ Edo State of Nigeria: A Guide : Inside One Year of Edo State Pictorial : Special Attractions. Eribo. 1997.
  6. ↑ "Nigerian women across various tribes have been recognized". RefinedNG. 2021-03-06. Retrieved 2023-09-05.
  7. ↑ "THE BENIN MONARCHY: An Anthology of Benin History(CASED)". Quintessence. Retrieved 2023-09-05.
  8. 1 2 3 4 "EMOTAN: QUEEN OF EKIOBA". www.edoworld.net. Retrieved 2023-09-05.
  9. ↑ Board, Benin Traditional Council Editorial (2018). The Benin Monarchy: An Anthology of Benin History. WELLS CRIMSON. ISBN   978-978-54734-1-4.
  10. ↑ Aisien, Ekhaguosa (2001). The Benin City Pilgrimage Stations. Aisien Publishers. ISBN   978-978-31533-5-6.
  11. ↑ Igbafe, Philip A. (July 1970). "The fall of benin: A Reassessment". The Journal of African History. 11 (3): 385–400. doi:10.1017/S0021853700010215. ISSN   1469-5138.
  12. ↑ "Head of an Oba | Edo peoples". The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Retrieved 2023-09-05.
  13. ↑ "The Kingdom of Benin (article) | Nigeria". Khan Academy. Retrieved 2023-09-05.
  14. ↑ The Calgary Herald. The Calgary Herald.
  15. ↑ Mason, Paul (2015-09-10). Daily Life in Ancient Benin. Raintree Publishers. ISBN   978-1-4062-9849-9.
  16. ↑ "Traders Seek Oba of Benin's Intervention in Planned Markets' Demolition by State Govt - THISDAYLIVE". www.thisdaylive.com. Retrieved 2023-09-05.
  17. ↑ Egharevba, Jacob U. (1949). Benin Law and Custom. Niger Press.
  18. ↑ Onakoya, Tolu (2021-03-25). "10 great markets to explore in Edo". Culture Intelligence from RED. Retrieved 2023-09-05.
  19. ↑ Ezedinma, Chuma; Sanni, L. O.; Okechukwu, Richardson U. (2007). Socioeconomic Studies on Selected Cassava Markets in Nigeria. IITA. ISBN   978-978-131-276-2.
  20. ↑ "The Kingdom of Benin". education.nationalgeographic.org. Retrieved 2023-09-05.
  21. ↑ Omoregie, S. B. (1972). Emotan and the Kings of Benin. Longman. ISBN   978-0-582-60925-9.
  22. ↑ Salami-Agunloye, Irene Isoken (2001). Emotan (a Benin Heroine). Mazlink Nigeria Limited. ISBN   978-978-35644-3-5.
  23. ↑ Meriden Journal. Meriden Journal.
  24. ↑ Lawrence Journal-World. Lawrence Journal-World.
  25. ↑ "Oba Market In Benin Gutted By Fire | Sahara Reporters". saharareporters.com. Retrieved 2023-09-05.
  26. ↑ "Early morning fire consumes part of Oba Market, Benin". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. 2020-06-22. Retrieved 2023-10-10.
  27. ↑ Momoh, Idris Umar (2020-06-24). "We lost all in Oba Market fire, traders lament". Businessday NG. Retrieved 2023-09-05.
  28. ↑ Ajibola, Akinola (22 June 2020). "Fire Guts Section Of Oba Market In Edo". Channels Television. Retrieved 5 September 2023.
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