Edo culture, pure Nigerian history
Description
In the Africa Overland expedition we did in Kumakonda between March and April 2023, we knew that Nigeria was not going to make it easy for us, but we also knew that this is a very interesting destination. So much so that it has left us with the desire to repeat and go deeper. For example, what we were able to learn about Benin City and the Edo Culture.
Benin City is the centre of the Edo Kingdom, also known as the Kingdom of Benin, and we arrived here after crossing the mythical Niger River at Onitsha from the stunning mountains of Nigeria.
Yes, we are in Nigeria and Benin City has nothing to do with the current state of Benin, which takes its name from the Gulf of Benin and more or less corresponds to the former Dahomey kingdom. Join us to discover its history and attractions.
Who are the Edo people?
The history of the Edo dates back to the 12th century, but it was in the 15th century that the kingdom of Benin flourished thanks to the trade in palm seeds, ivory and slaves. An exclusive trade controlled by the Oba, the Yoruba word for king.
Thanks to this trade, the Oba or King, always a man, attained a not inconsiderable power, came to be considered a demigod, and could afford to negotiate with the Portuguese traders who came in search of these treasures in the 15th century. In fact, the kingdom of Benin is the first state visited by the Portuguese on this coast, being the first European power to establish diplomatic and commercial relations with the Edo.
Over the following centuries the warlords and secret societies of the region gained an increasing share of power, and the Oba was relegated to the role of spiritual leader. Even so, the kingdom survived until the 18th century, but by then civil wars had greatly weakened it, and in 1897 the British took advantage of its situation to conquer it. For a more detailed account of its history, we recommend this article.
However, this monarchy has not disappeared. Some kings have lived in exile perpetuating the lineage, and the current Oba lives in the Royal Palace in Benin City. His name is Oba Ewuare II Ogidigan and he holds a degree in economics from the University of Wales, among other academic qualifications. He is the 39th Oba or king, a number that gives us a clue to the very long dynasty he represents.
Today, the Oba of Benin City has a representative function, although he retains some influence over the Nigerian state authorities by acting as an advisor or counsellor on the affairs of the region. It also has the power to confer titles of nobility on its subjects, and maintains its spiritual importance.
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