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Benin City serves as the capital and largest metropolitan centre of Edo State, situated in southern Nigeria. Notably, it ranks as the fourth-most populous city in Nigeria, according to the 2006 national census, preceded only by Lagos, Kano, and Ibadan.
The Oba of Benin is the traditional ruler and the custodian of the culture of the Edo people and all Edoid people. The then Kingdom of Benin has continued to be mostly populated by the Edo.
The Kingdom of Benin, also known as Great Benin or Benin Kingdom is a kingdom within what is now considered 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; it was annexed by the British Empire in 1897.
The Kingdom of Ugu is a kingdom that exists in Nigeria, in what is now Edo State. The Edo State is also called Benin, though it is not to be confused with the country. The Kingdom of Ugu originated out of Igodomigodo in Nigeria.
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.
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.
The Ovia River or Osse River is a perennial watercourse in Southwestern Nigeria, flowing through the states of; Kogi, Ondo and Edo, before emptying into the Gulf of Guinea. Its watecourse spans approximately 120 kilometers through diverse terrain.
Delaiso or Laiso is a morning greeting (ukhu) in Edo State, Nigeria, primarily associated with individuals whose family heritage can be traced back to the historic Ogiso Dynasty. The term "Delaiso" is a combination of the Edo words "Dela," meaning "good morning," and "Oiso," signifying "Ogiso," the ancient rulers of the region.
Oguola was the fifth Oba of the Benin Kingdom, reigning from 1280 AD to 1295 AD. His reign was marked by achievements in fortifying the city of Benin, enhancing its defences, and contributing to the cultural and economic development of the kingdom. Born into the royal family, Oguola's ascent to the throne was prompted by the extended absence of his elder brother, Prince Obuobu, who was engaged in military campaigns. This unorthodox succession was a pragmatic decision by the kingdom's elders and advisors to ensure stability and effective leadership during a critical period.
Obanosa, originally known as Prince Osifo, was the thirty-first Oba of the Benin Kingdom, reigning from c. 1804 AD – c. 1816 AD. His reign was marked by a notable conflict known as the Okpughe. Little is known about Obanosa's early life, including specific details about his birth date and place of birth. However, historical records indicate his royal lineage within the Benin Kingdom, and he ascended to the throne following the passing of his predecessor, Oba Akengbuda.
Eweka I was the first Oba of Benin and presided over the kingdom's shift from the Ogiso Dynasty to the establishment of the Obaship. His 35-year reign had a notable impact on the political, cultural, and traditional aspects of the kingdom. Before Eweka I's rule, the Benin Kingdom faced uncertainty due to the banishment of Owodo, the last Ogiso, for misrule. Oduduwa, who was the father of Oromiyan had been exiled to Uhe (Ife), which eventually set the stage for Eweka I's ascension to power. The turning point occurred when Oduduwa sent his son, Oromiyan, to Benin as an emissary. Oromiyan's arrival was met with resistance, leading to his settlement in Usama, on the outskirts of Benin City.
Akengbuda was the thirtieth Oba of Benin who reigned from c. 1750 AD – c. 1804 AD. 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.
The Igbesanmwan is a hereditary guild of ivory carvers in the Benin Kingdom, a pre-colonial African state located in present-day Edo State, Nigeria. Members of the Igbesanmwan guild hold the responsibility of crafting ivory items, including masks, tusks, staffs, leopards, and various other symbols denoting royal authority and eminence, for the Oba (king) and the royal court. In addition to their ivory craftsmanship, the Igbesanmwan possess proficiency in working with a range of other materials, such as wood, brass, and coral. This guild is recognised as one of the most ancient and esteemed in Benin, with their artistic work being widely appreciated for its aesthetic appeal and technical mastery.
Ewedo, originally known as Prince Efabo, was the fourth Oba of the Kingdom of Benin who reigned from c. 1255 AD – c. 1280 AD. He was the only son and successor of Ehenmihen. He is credited with moving the seat of his government from Usama to the present palace site, introducing various gods and laws, and changing the name of the country from Ile or Ile-Ibinu to Ubini (Benin). He also reformed the political and administrative system of the kingdom, established a palace bureaucracy, and expanded the territory and influence of Benin.
The Battle of Ekiokpagha was a military conflict that took place in 1255 on the Plains of Ogboka, near Benin City. Its designation as a battle is a mere historical formality as there was no fighting, but Ewedo's forces killed Chief Oliha, a senior ally of Ogiamien. The battle was fought between Ewedo, the recently coronated Oba of Benin, and Ogiamien III, the head of a royal family in the Benin Empire who disputed his claim to the throne. Oba Ewedo was victorious and established his palace at the site of the battle. Ewedo recognised Ogiamien III as a chief under his kingship.
Egbeka was the ninth Oba of Benin, ruling from 1370 AD to 1400 AD. He was the eldest son of Oba Ohen and took over the throne after his father's death.
The Ogiso dynasty was the earliest known ruling dynasty of the Edo people, founded by Igodo, the first Ogiso of Igodomigodo. The dynasty began around 900 AD and lasted until the early 12th century when it was succeeded by the Oba Dynasty. The Ogiso Dynasty influenced the early sociopolitical structure of the region by introducing centralised governance and laying the foundations for the Benin Empire.
Oriagba was the twenty-third ruler of the Ogiso dynasty in the ancient Kingdom of Igodomigodo, later known as the Kingdom of Benin. He implemented reforms to the monarchy, including the establishment of the system of primogeniture for succession. Oriagba's reign involved the subjugation of the Dukedom of Udo and the strengthening of hereditary governance structures for both the monarchy and the Edion'isen, the kingmakers. His reign also included the revival of the guild system and the organisation of the first royal pilgrimage to Uhe. He was succeeded by Ogiso Odoligie.
Uwa was the twenty-fifth Ogiso of the Kingdom of Igodomigodo, an early state that later became part of the Benin Empire. He was the son of Ogiso Odoligie and ruled during a period of political transformation shaped by earlier reforms. His reign saw the expansion of the Benin monarchy’s influence from the River Oroghodo in the east to the River Ohosu in the west. He ordered the expulsion of the nobleman Ovio, an event that led to migrations affecting present-day Delta and Anambra.
References
Citations
- 1 2 3 Ọmọregie 1997, p. 34.
- 1 2 3 Ọmọregie 1997, p. 35.
- 1 2 3 4 Ero 2003, p. 40.
- ↑ Roese & Bondarenko 2003, p. 51.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 Ọmọregie 1997, p. 36.
- 1 2 Ọmọregie 1997, p. 37.
- 1 2 3 Ọmọregie 1997, p. 38.
- 1 2 Ọmọregie 1997, p. 40.
- 1 2 Ọmọregie 1997, p. 42.
- ↑ Ọmọregie 1997, p. 43.
- ↑ Ọmọregie 1997, p. 49.
- ↑ Ọmọregie 1997, p. 50.
- ↑ Ọmọregie 1997, p. 51.
- ↑ Roese & Bondarenko 2003, p. 52.
Works cited
- Ero, Osayomwanbo Osemwegie (2003). The History of Benin: Ogiso Dynasties, 40 BC - 1200 AD. Nosa Computers. ISBN 978-978-31533-7-0 . Retrieved 2025-01-21.
- Ọmọregie, Osarẹn S. B. (1997). Great Benin: The age of Ogiso Reform (1050-1130 AD). Neraso Publishers. ISBN 978-2734-47-0.
- Roese, Peter M.; Bondarenko, Dmitri Mikhailovich (2003). A Popular History of Benin: The Rise and Fall of a Mighty Forest Kingdom. Peter Lang. ISBN 978-0-8204-6079-6 . Retrieved 2025-01-22.