In this piece, platinumtimes.ng documents fascinating insights about the Benin city in Edo State.
Benin City, the capital of Edo State in southern Nigeria, is an ancient city that is rich in history, culture, and tradition. With a population of over 1 million, this Urban settlement is not only a significant economic and commercial center but also a city filled with captivating facts and awesome stories. From its origins as the capital of the mighty Benin Empire to its role in the transatlantic slave trade, Benin City has been instrumental in the history of Nigeria and the international community.
Origin
History has it that Benin City was founded by Prince Oranmiyan of Ife, the son of Oduduwa, who is believed to be a deity and the ancestral father of the Yoruba people.Benin was gotten from the word “Ubini” meaning “a place of heavenly pageantry and prosperity”.
The ancient Kingdom of Benin originated around AD 900 in a part of Africa called Igodomigodo. The Kingdom of Benin came to an end in 1897 when the it was invaded by the British. The British had wanted to profit from trading the Kingdom of Benin’s palm oil and rubber and to control the trade of enslaved people. In 1960, Benin become part of the independent country of Nigeria.
Location
Benin City is the capital and largest city of Edo state, southern Nigeria. Benin City is situated on a branch of the Benin River and lies along the main highways from Lagos to the eastern states.
It is inhabited by the Edoid peoples consisting of the Edos, Esans, and the Afemais. Benin city is the fourth largest city in Nigeria.
Population
Benin city has a population of about 1,500,000 people making it the largest city in the state as well as the fourth-largest city in Nigeria.
Language
The indigenous people of Benin City are the Edo people, and they speak the Edo language and other Edoid languages. English is also widely spoken here.
Leadership
The ruler of the Edo people is called the Oba or Omo N’Oba and he commands great power and influence over his people. The Oba of Benin, also known as the Omo N’Oba, is the traditional ruler of Benin City. The current Oba is Ewuare II, he was enthroned in 2016.
Occupation
Benin City is the centre of Nigeria’s rubber industry, and oil production. They are also known for their enormous art works. They are known to be the best bronze casters in the world.
Beliefs
Religion in Benin kingdom is divided as a part are Christians, Muslims and traditionalists.
It is also a belief in Benin land that crowned prince mothers were usually killed before their sons ascend the traditional throne in Benin but Queen Idia became the first mother of Oba to see her son ascend the throne and the people made a mask in remembrance of her after which Oba Ogiso Igodo and Oba Oranmiyan ascended the throne without a crown.
Culture
The people of Benin city have one of the richest dress cultures on the African continent and are known for their beads which represents royalty and usually stand out during the traditional marriage of the Benin people, body marks, bangles, anklets, raffia work.
Festivals
Benin City celebrates numerous vibrant festivals throughout the year, such as the Igue Festival which is an annual event held in Benin to usher in the new year and also renew the king’s powers for the coming year.
Another festival celebrated by the Benin people is the Benin film festival, Erha Oba festival amongst others.
Attraction sites
Some attraction sites in Benin city which causes an influx of tourists to the city are;
The National Museum of Nigeria which is sited in Benin city showcasing a gallery of artifacts and artworks that promotes the rich cultural heritage of the Benin Kingdom.
The Oba Palace, Igun Street which is known for bronze casting and other metal works, the Benin Moats, the King’s Square also known as as Ring Road and its traditional markets.