BENIN CITY: THE ANCIENT CITY OF BRONZE, CRADLE OF BLACK CIVILIZATION AND THE CENTRE OF THE WORLD (EDORISIAGBON)
Many centuries ago, (about 800 A.D.) the geographical area now known as Benin, was called Igodomingodo. It was the hob of a conglomeration of little towns that developed into modern Mid-West Region and later Bendel State. Throughout that period, Igodomingodo made steady progress especially in the area of spirituality, philosophy, craftsmanship and administrative development.

The focus of Igodomingodo was largely concentrated on the arrangement of human order so that by the advent of the Europeans in 15th century, the people had already established an administrative system which baffled the Europeans and earned for the capital the appellation ‘City’.

The nucleus of this great civilisation was the monarchy which the Binis perfected steadily from the 12th century, after a series of experimentation with the Ogisos and Ogiso-Obas. They also introduced a monarchical system based on the principle of primogeniture.

This system of direct ascension has endured making the Benin Royal Family one of the oldest families in Africa. Its history spans more than 1400 years. The present Oba of Benin, Omon’Oba N’Edo Uku-Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, who is 7years on the throne, is the 39th Oba in the line of succession from Oba Eweka I who reigned in 12th century A.D. Before Eweka I however, 31 Ogisos and Prince Oronmiyan, a grand son to the last (Ogiso Owodo) reigned. In all, 71 Kings have sat on the Benin Throne.

A mention of Benin City, to many, brings to mind the Benin-British war of 1897 popularly known as the Benin Massacre and Expedition. At the end of it all, Oba Ovonramwen was deported to Calabar on September 13, 1897.

Before Oba Ovonramwen (1888 – 1914), the people of Benin had an organized society vast in the Act of War, Astronomy, Medicine, Travels and Craftsmanship. Among the many crafts, Bronze Casting was paramount.

It is said that a man called Iguerra, who came from a Nubian City on the River Nile in Egypt introduced the art to Benin in AD 900. The Bronze Casting Families have preserved the art and have today formed themselves into a guild which is based on Igun Street, Benin City.

Through the First Dynasty, (the Ogiso era) casting was done solely to create jewelleries and other ornamentals. However by the Second Dynasty, beginning with the reigns of Oba Eweka I (1200 A.D.), more serious casting was done for the royal house. Further progress and development was made during the reign of Oba Oguola about 1280 A.D. At this point, tin took the place of zinc in the copper mixture to give a dark reddish brown metal called Bronze.

In the quest to protect the city, and her treasures, Oba Oguola ordered the digging of the first Benin Moat.

The return of Prince Esigie from Portugal, where he studied Arts and Crafts, to become king about 1504 A.D., brought about the formal institutionalization of the various crafts known to the kingdom. Besides being a great craftsman, Esigie was an astrologist and linguist. He spoke Portuguese fluently.

After becoming King, Oba Esigie set up schools of Astronomy (Iwoki), and of Arts and Crafts. The crafts school had several departments called Ugha. Some of them were, Working Tools, Bronze Casting, Carving and Weaving. The Oba appointed Chiefs to head the departments.

The Bronze Casting Department had seven chiefs appointed to oversee its activities. They were led by Chief Inenigun assisted by Chiefs Ihamanigun, Ehanire, Akenuwa, Olague, Obazogie and Chief Obadolayi.

From this point, bronze casting became a full time occupation to the appointed families and they were called sons of Iguerra after the initiating craftsman from Nubia. This period also witnessed the casting of three-quarter head figure of past Obas of the kingdom in solid bronze.

Furthermore, major events were now cast in bronze, which now became a medium of documenting the history of the people. The Eguerra Chiefs who witnessed all major events were given charge to carry out this documentation through bronze casts. Their descendants are still in the business today on Igun Street.

Even the art of Bronze Casting had some administration segmentation as the responsibility for sourcing the raw material, copper, tin and zinc was carried out by the Owinas who were expert miners.

By the reign of Oba Akenzua 1 in 1713 AD, the documentation of past Obas and events during their reign was being executed in bronze. This was however truncated by the British in 1897 who waged war on the Benin Kingdom and looted treasures surpassing the hieroglyphics found in tombs below the Egyptian Pyramids. To this date, this documentation of events in bronze can be executed by the guild of artists now led by Chief Ine, a direct descendant of Chief Inenigun circa 1504 AD.

The Bronze Institution was reconstituted by Oba Eweka II (1914 – 1933) who was himself an expert carver in Ivory and wood and also a clever blacksmith. He was the father of Oba Akenzua II (1933 – 1978).

The era of Oba Akenzua II witnessed intellectual, cultural, social and economic development. Benin Divisional Council Museum opened in 1947 and Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II visited Benin on 9th February, 1956. He was appointed Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University Zaria on 9th March, 1966. His son Oba Erediawa ascended the throne in 1978 and is the Monarch to this day.



Benin as conservative as it appears today, actually fathered many cities and town across its borders. Prominent amongst these are Eko (Lagos) and several towns in Dahomey and Ga which now are in Benin Republic and Ghana respectively. This expansion took place in 1299 AD during the reign of Oba Udagbedo.

The Urhobos migrated from Benin about 1370 A.D. during the reign of Oba Ogbeka. Hence, they refer to Benin as Ikhuo’roka (the people of Eka after the King). Another nation that traces its origin to Benin is Itsekiri. Iginuan, the son of Oba Olua (about 1473 A.D.) left Benin to settle at Ode-Itsekiri and later became the Olu of Itsekiri.

About 1481 A.D. during the reign of Oba Ozolua, some of his sons left to become Kings in other lands. These include, Alani of Idoani, Olokpe of Okpe, Olowo of Owo, Eze of Aboh and Uguan of Ora. Legend has it that a camp called Eko now Lagos was created by Oba Orhogbua about 1550 A.D. and one of his grand sons was made the Eleko of Eko. More recently, about 1713 A.D. the son of Oba Akenzua I became the Obi of Issele-Uku.

The unique geographic position Benin found herself by occupying mid-way between what the early Europeans referred to as the ‘Yoruba Country’ and the ‘Igbo Country’, no doubt broadened the outlook of the Binis.

After about 800 years of interacting with the Yorubas, the Binis accepted many Yoruba gods like Sango and Olokun while the Yorubas accepted several socio-cultural reforms introduced by the Binis. These include a monarchical system based on primogeniture and an organised traditional ruling council.

Contact with the Yoruba people was first made by Ekaladerhan the son of the last Ogiso (Owodo) who was banished from Benin. He got to Uhe (Ife) and changed his name to Izoduwa. A name which means, ‘I have chosen the path to prosperity’. He is said to be the legendary ancestral hero of the Yoruba race – Oduduwa. He is the father of Oronmiyan, who is the father of Oba Eweka I.

About 1440 A.D. a great warrior, traveller, craftsman and physician rose to the throne. He was Oba Ewuare the Great. He was the first to come in contact with the Europeans and renamed the land EDO.

Today, there is a slight dialectal change among the Edos which identifies them and the major dialects are; Edo, Esan, Etsako and Owan. There is so much to learn about Benin or Edo land but a visit to the Ancient City tells it better. A personal experience of the rich culture of the Edos will definitely amaze you.

Various forms of cultural events and festivals exist in Edo, each with several unique dances. Edo North treats you to spectacular tunes and dances with great agility. The harmony produced by a combination of great Altos, Sopranos and male voices is most remarkable. The echoes remain a long time in the mind after the performance. And also in this part are mountainous land forms and caves all with great historic significance. At the top of one of the mountains in Ososo, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area is the Ososo Resort Centre where the weather can only be compared to that of Jos in Plateau State.

In Edo Central, among the Esan speaking people, a series of New Yam Festivals from one community to the other will thrill visitors from September to early December. Amidst the celebrations, guests are treated to traditional dances which include the Atilogun or Asonogun dance, Igbabonelimhin dance, Kokoma, Kpegbegbe and a host of others. Among these, the Igbabonelimhin masquerade dance is exceptional for the masquerades in their unique and beautiful costumes treat guests to various forms of Acrobatic steps. Their gymnastic display is unparallel and unsurpassable anywhere in the world not even in the Olympics.

From the swift steps in the central region, the spotlight falls on the slow but calculated steps of royal dancers in the south. Benin City has the Igue Festival ceremonies which begin in early December and runs through to the first week of January. Chiefs in their royal regalia come to the Oba’s palace in their numbers to pay homage and celebrate Igue with the Oba.
In their colourful aggregate, they dance the Ugie-Oba dance. It’s a sight to behold! Kings in all the affiliate towns and villages also come in their royal convoy to pay homage and celebrate Igue with the Oba who is the head of the traditional ruling council in Edo land. The entire event is so colourful that you can never be satisfied with a single experience.

Much of the Benin story is told in Bronze and these you can find at Igun Street, home to the Benin Bronze Casters and their families. Past Obas of the kingdoms are well represented in bronze statues both at Igun and the Royal Palace.

The legendary Benin Moat is still in place, visitors can access it from various point within the city as it is no longer outside the city wall but in the heart of modern Benin. The various War Lords and prominent battles are well represented in sculptures at strategic locations all over the city.

Benin also boasts of a wild life sanctuary at the Okomu National Park which holds various species of animals with most of them on the endangered species list. Animals found in the forest include Elephants, Lions, Tigers, Leopards, Buffalos, Apes, Gazelles, Reptiles and countless others with different species of birds. There are tree houses within the sanctuary where guests can quietly observe these animals in-situ.

The history of the Benin people is so long and impossible to abbreviate. The people are proud of their heritage and are always willing to recount to anyone who wishes to hear, but the story is never ending… YOU HAVE TO EXPERIENCE BENIN TO KNOW BENIN.

OBA KHA TO’KPERE... ISE!

This article as written by Godwin Eigbe was first published in Executive travels Nigeria (ETN) magazine Edition 18 (2009)

How is Oba of Benin health right now they should keep checking on him o because of wotowoto he has received this week based on his stup##@d history of Lagos vs Benin ownership

Holluwhakemmy:
How is Oba of Benin health right now they should keep checking on him o because of wotowoto he has received this week based on his stup##@d history of Lagos vs Benin ownership

learn to read

dont be unfortunate to your generation

front page please

Omobude244:
BENIN CITY: THE ANCIENT CITY OF BRONZE, CRADLE OF BLACK CIVILIZATION AND THE CENTRE OF THE WORLD (EDORISIAGBON)
Many centuries ago, (about 800 A.D.) the geographical area now known as Benin, was called Igodomingodo. It was the hob of a conglomeration of little towns that developed into modern Mid-West Region and later Bendel State. Throughout that period, Igodomingodo made steady progress especially in the area of spirituality, philosophy, craftsmanship and administrative development.

The focus of Igodomingodo was largely concentrated on the arrangement of human order so that by the advent of the Europeans in 15th century, the people had already established an administrative system which baffled the Europeans and earned for the capital the appellation ‘City’.

The nucleus of this great civilisation was the monarchy which the Binis perfected steadily from the 12th century, after a series of experimentation with the Ogisos and Ogiso-Obas. They also introduced a monarchical system based on the principle of primogeniture.

This system of direct ascension has endured making the Benin Royal Family one of the oldest families in Africa. Its history spans more than 1400 years. The present Oba of Benin, Omon’Oba N’Edo Uku-Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, who is 7years on the throne, is the 39th Oba in the line of succession from Oba Eweka I who reigned in 12th century A.D. Before Eweka I however, 31 Ogisos and Prince Oronmiyan, a grand son to the last (Ogiso Owodo) reigned. In all, 71 Kings have sat on the Benin Throne.

A mention of Benin City, to many, brings to mind the Benin-British war of 1897 popularly known as the Benin Massacre and Expedition. At the end of it all, Oba Ovonramwen was deported to Calabar on September 13, 1897.

Before Oba Ovonramwen (1888 – 1914), the people of Benin had an organized society vast in the Act of War, Astronomy, Medicine, Travels and Craftsmanship. Among the many crafts, Bronze Casting was paramount.

It is said that a man called Iguerra, who came from a Nubian City on the River Nile in Egypt introduced the art to Benin in AD 900. The Bronze Casting Families have preserved the art and have today formed themselves into a guild which is based on Igun Street, Benin City.

Through the First Dynasty, (the Ogiso era) casting was done solely to create jewelleries and other ornamentals. However by the Second Dynasty, beginning with the reigns of Oba Eweka I (1200 A.D.), more serious casting was done for the royal house. Further progress and development was made during the reign of Oba Oguola about 1280 A.D. At this point, tin took the place of zinc in the copper mixture to give a dark reddish brown metal called Bronze.

In the quest to protect the city, and her treasures, Oba Oguola ordered the digging of the first Benin Moat.

The return of Prince Esigie from Portugal, where he studied Arts and Crafts, to become king about 1504 A.D., brought about the formal institutionalization of the various crafts known to the kingdom. Besides being a great craftsman, Esigie was an astrologist and linguist. He spoke Portuguese fluently.

After becoming King, Oba Esigie set up schools of Astronomy (Iwoki), and of Arts and Crafts. The crafts school had several departments called Ugha. Some of them were, Working Tools, Bronze Casting, Carving and Weaving. The Oba appointed Chiefs to head the departments.

The Bronze Casting Department had seven chiefs appointed to oversee its activities. They were led by Chief Inenigun assisted by Chiefs Ihamanigun, Ehanire, Akenuwa, Olague, Obazogie and Chief Obadolayi.

From this point, bronze casting became a full time occupation to the appointed families and they were called sons of Iguerra after the initiating craftsman from Nubia. This period also witnessed the casting of three-quarter head figure of past Obas of the kingdom in solid bronze.

Furthermore, major events were now cast in bronze, which now became a medium of documenting the history of the people. The Eguerra Chiefs who witnessed all major events were given charge to carry out this documentation through bronze casts. Their descendants are still in the business today on Igun Street.

Even the art of Bronze Casting had some administration segmentation as the responsibility for sourcing the raw material, copper, tin and zinc was carried out by the Owinas who were expert miners.

By the reign of Oba Akenzua 1 in 1713 AD, the documentation of past Obas and events during their reign was being executed in bronze. This was however truncated by the British in 1897 who waged war on the Benin Kingdom and looted treasures surpassing the hieroglyphics found in tombs below the Egyptian Pyramids. To this date, this documentation of events in bronze can be executed by the guild of artists now led by Chief Ine, a direct descendant of Chief Inenigun circa 1504 AD.

The Bronze Institution was reconstituted by Oba Eweka II (1914 – 1933) who was himself an expert carver in Ivory and wood and also a clever blacksmith. He was the father of Oba Akenzua II (1933 – 1978).

The era of Oba Akenzua II witnessed intellectual, cultural, social and economic development. Benin Divisional Council Museum opened in 1947 and Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II visited Benin on 9th February, 1956. He was appointed Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University Zaria on 9th March, 1966. His son Oba Erediawa ascended the throne in 1978 and is the Monarch to this day.



Benin as conservative as it appears today, actually fathered many cities and town across its borders. Prominent amongst these are Eko (Lagos) and several towns in Dahomey and Ga which now are in Benin Republic and Ghana respectively. This expansion took place in 1299 AD during the reign of Oba Udagbedo.

The Urhobos migrated from Benin about 1370 A.D. during the reign of Oba Ogbeka. Hence, they refer to Benin as Ikhuo’roka (the people of Eka after the King). Another nation that traces its origin to Benin is Itsekiri. Iginuan, the son of Oba Olua (about 1473 A.D.) left Benin to settle at Ode-Itsekiri and later became the Olu of Itsekiri.

About 1481 A.D. during the reign of Oba Ozolua, some of his sons left to become Kings in other lands. These include, Alani of Idoani, Olokpe of Okpe, Olowo of Owo, Eze of Aboh and Uguan of Ora. Legend has it that a camp called Eko now Lagos was created by Oba Orhogbua about 1550 A.D. and one of his grand sons was made the Eleko of Eko. More recently, about 1713 A.D. the son of Oba Akenzua I became the Obi of Issele-Uku.

The unique geographic position Benin found herself by occupying mid-way between what the early Europeans referred to as the ‘Yoruba Country’ and the ‘Igbo Country’, no doubt broadened the outlook of the Binis.

After about 800 years of interacting with the Yorubas, the Binis accepted many Yoruba gods like Sango and Olokun while the Yorubas accepted several socio-cultural reforms introduced by the Binis. These include a monarchical system based on primogeniture and an organised traditional ruling council.

Contact with the Yoruba people was first made by Ekaladerhan the son of the last Ogiso (Owodo) who was banished from Benin. He got to Uhe (Ife) and changed his name to Izoduwa. A name which means, ‘I have chosen the path to prosperity’. He is said to be the legendary ancestral hero of the Yoruba race – Oduduwa. He is the father of Oronmiyan, who is the father of Oba Eweka I.

About 1440 A.D. a great warrior, traveller, craftsman and physician rose to the throne. He was Oba Ewuare the Great. He was the first to come in contact with the Europeans and renamed the land EDO.

Today, there is a slight dialectal change among the Edos which identifies them and the major dialects are; Edo, Esan, Etsako and Owan. There is so much to learn about Benin or Edo land but a visit to the Ancient City tells it better. A personal experience of the rich culture of the Edos will definitely amaze you.

Various forms of cultural events and festivals exist in Edo, each with several unique dances. Edo North treats you to spectacular tunes and dances with great agility. The harmony produced by a combination of great Altos, Sopranos and male voices is most remarkable. The echoes remain a long time in the mind after the performance. And also in this part are mountainous land forms and caves all with great historic significance. At the top of one of the mountains in Ososo, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area is the Ososo Resort Centre where the weather can only be compared to that of Jos in Plateau State.

In Edo Central, among the Esan speaking people, a series of New Yam Festivals from one community to the other will thrill visitors from September to early December. Amidst the celebrations, guests are treated to traditional dances which include the Atilogun or Asonogun dance, Igbabonelimhin dance, Kokoma, Kpegbegbe and a host of others. Among these, the Igbabonelimhin masquerade dance is exceptional for the masquerades in their unique and beautiful costumes treat guests to various forms of Acrobatic steps. Their gymnastic display is unparallel and unsurpassable anywhere in the world not even in the Olympics.

From the swift steps in the central region, the spotlight falls on the slow but calculated steps of royal dancers in the south. Benin City has the Igue Festival ceremonies which begin in early December and runs through to the first week of January. Chiefs in their royal regalia come to the Oba’s palace in their numbers to pay homage and celebrate Igue with the Oba.
In their colourful aggregate, they dance the Ugie-Oba dance. It’s a sight to behold! Kings in all the affiliate towns and villages also come in their royal convoy to pay homage and celebrate Igue with the Oba who is the head of the traditional ruling council in Edo land. The entire event is so colourful that you can never be satisfied with a single experience.

Much of the Benin story is told in Bronze and these you can find at Igun Street, home to the Benin Bronze Casters and their families. Past Obas of the kingdoms are well represented in bronze statues both at Igun and the Royal Palace.

The legendary Benin Moat is still in place, visitors can access it from various point within the city as it is no longer outside the city wall but in the heart of modern Benin. The various War Lords and prominent battles are well represented in sculptures at strategic locations all over the city.

Benin also boasts of a wild life sanctuary at the Okomu National Park which holds various species of animals with most of them on the endangered species list. Animals found in the forest include Elephants, Lions, Tigers, Leopards, Buffalos, Apes, Gazelles, Reptiles and countless others with different species of birds. There are tree houses within the sanctuary where guests can quietly observe these animals in-situ.

The history of the Benin people is so long and impossible to abbreviate. The people are proud of their heritage and are always willing to recount to anyone who wishes to hear, but the story is never Oraending… YOU HAVE TO EXPERIENCE BENIN TO KNOW BENIN.

OBA KHA TO’KPERE... ISE!

This article as written by Godwin Eigbe was first published in Executive travels Nigeria (ETN) magazine Edition 18 (2009)

Oranmiyan has no blood relationship with any Ogiso. Ask Ogiamien the real Binis and descendants of Ogiso.


Stop lying through your tooth.

forgiveness:


Oranmiyan has no blood relationship with any Ogiso. Ask Ogiamien the real Binis and descendants of Ogiso.


Stop lying through your tooth.

u can believe what you want to believe
i was thinking you or whoever wrote the article will tell us the descendants of the last ogiso owodo and what happened to them.

you know my history
anyways everyone knows yorubas are liars and propagandist

i just thrown the fact to you and it can never be changed

Omobude244:

learn to read

dont be unfortunate to your generation

what have you impacted to your entire lineage? Not to talk of your generation

Omobude244:

u can believe what you want to believe

i just thrown the fact to you and it can never be changed

Ogiamien went to court to challenge the Oba for dubiously trying to erase them from history of Benin.

This is real news. The real Ogiso are the Ogiamien family. They know Oba of Benin is not one of them rather Yoruba.

Omobude244:

u can believe what you want to believe
i was thinking you or whoever wrote the article will tell us the descendants of the last ogiso owodo and what happened to them.

you know my history
anyways everyone knows yorubas are liars and propagandist

i just thrown the fact to you and it can never be changed

Are the Ogiamiens Yorubas?

forgiveness:


Ogiamien went to court to challenge the Oba for dubiously trying to erase them from history of Benin.

This is real news. The real Ogiso are the Ogiamien family. They know Oba of Benin is not one of them rather Yoruba.

lolz
the writer of the article didnt tell u what happened to the last ogiso

he didnt tell u how oba eweka came about
who was the ogiso in power then that leased part of igodomigodo to oba eweka?
doesnt it mean we had oba eweka and an unnamed ogiso ruling benin at the same time?
was there a war that made oba eweka overthrown the ogiamen?
what is the name of the ogiso that went into war with oba eweka and lost his thrown to the oba?

your brain couldnt even think because that is exactly what you have conditioned it to hear

Thanks for this expository history, I can now understand why the yorubas referred to oduduwa as coming from heaven, izoduwa was too sophisticated and advanced for them that they ended up calling him a god, his scions are now in charge of both edo and Yoruba nation, history is good, you can see the realistic trajectory of this history, not the myths and legend of a man thrown down from heaven, the picture below describes the two histories, the real owl is the true story of how izoduwa started the Yoruba kingdom, the fake forged, tinubu type of owl is how yorubas told the story of izoduwa (oduduwa)

Omobude244:

lolz
the writer of the article didnt tell u what happened to the last ogiso

he didnt tell u how oba eweka came about
who was the ogiso in power then that leased part of igodomigodo to oba eweka?
doesnt it mean we had oba eweka and an unnamed ogiso ruling benin at the same time?

your brain couldnt even think because that is exactly what you have conditioned it to hear

Ask the Ogiamien, the real descendants of the Ogiso. They mention Oranmiyan met one Ogiso Erodo. The last Ogiso of Igodomigodo.

Ogiso Eredo was overpowered and dethroned by the new Yoruba king from Ile Ife.

The case is in a reputable court of law. Benin wan change history.

forgiveness:


Ask the Ogiamien, the real descendants of the Ogiso. They mention Oranmiyan met one Ogiso Erodo. The last Ogiso of Igodomigodo.

Ogiso Eredo was overpowered and dethroned by the new Yoruba king from Ile Ife.

The case is in a reputable court of law. Benin wan change history.

lolz
ogiso Erodo

abeg rest
overpowered

u nor get sense
come to igun street where it all started and learn the history of benin raw.

not someone telling u what u want to hear

Omobude244:

u can believe what you want to believe
i was thinking you or whoever wrote the article will tell us the descendants of the last ogiso owodo and what happened to them.

you know my history
anyways everyone knows yorubas are liars and propagandist

i just thrown the fact to you and it can never be changed

We the good and honest people of Nigeria believe you. We know those people who claimed their forefather fall from heaven are good at lying and twisting histories for their selfish reasons. thanks for exposing evil intentions.

Omobude244:

lolz
ogiso Erodo

abeg rest
overpowered

u nor get sense
come to igun street where it all started and learn the history of benin raw.

not someone telling u what u want to hear

Are you surprised with their dumbness 😁

Omobude244:

lolz
ogiso Erodo

abeg rest
overpowered

u nor get sense
come to igun street where it all started and learn the history of benin raw.

not someone telling u what u want to hear

Tomorrow his descendants will tell your descendants that he met you on nairaland and overpowered you with that his useless comment, yorubas are expert in twisting history, turning it to myths and legend

Holluwhakemmy:
How is Oba of Benin health right now they should keep checking on him o because of wotowoto he has received this week based on his stup##@d history of Lagos vs Benin ownership

Please shut up, incoherent Peasant Agbadorian.

favor914:
Please shut up, incoherent Peasant Agbadorian.

ellu pee why are you wailing?

The line of ascension has never been broken, a clear lineage, from the Ogodomigodo to the present Oba...unconquered and uncorrupted.

The issue of Oranmiyan is the confusion, but Oranmiyan was the Son of a Benin heir to the throne Ekaladerhan, also refered to as Izoduwa, who went on exile, due to a Palace situation, and stopped at a place known today as Ile'Ife. When he arrived at Ile'Ife formerly known as ile'Ibunu, the place was a jungle, a forest, he built the place and settled there with his associates, after a while aboriginal yorubas started trickling into the community, and it grew into Ile'Ife. He was the first Ile'Ife king. After a while when his father died, Benin emissaries came to look for him, and they traced him to Ile'Ife, at this point he is already married with a Son, when they invited him to take his father's place(because of the Benin people strict rule on ascension, only a bloodline can be crowned king)... perhaps due to old age, or the oath he took never to set foot in Benin again, he sent his Son Oranmiyan to rule Benin, as a bloodline, Oranmiyan was accepted. When Oranmiyan got to Benin and became a ruler there, he could not cope with the Benin people and he doesn't know their ways, having been born in Ile'Ife and grew up there... Oranmiyan didn't last as King...and the next bloodline 'Eweka', Son of Oranmiyan through an Edo woman took over, and became the first Oba, this began the Oba dynasty, third dynasty.

The Benin empire had an already established throne ascension system in place, they will never go get a stranger or allow others rule them, they were warriors...it would have taken a war and subjugation for another man from another tribe to come rule them.

Before Oduduwa (Ekaladerhan), and Oranmiyan era, Benin kingdom have had several kings and was on it's second dynasty, this shows it was an already established empire, with strong army, wealth and structure, and by far older than the Yoruba society and civilization, the Yorubas were not organized enough at that point, had no civilization or organized state at that point, before the emergence of the Benin Prince to ile'Ibunu, now known as Ile'Ife...as it is widely known, Ile'Ife is the cradle of Yoruba civilization, (as per indigenous yorubas coming together to form a state)

This is why Benin Obas were buried in Ile'Ife, it was the land founded by the Benin Prince, and it began a new era...that is why the Oba of Benin mentioned 'Son of Oranmiyan' during his coronation. It is symbolic, showing his direct ancestry, born out of the land of Ile'Ife founded by his direct ancestor Ekalederhan also refered to as Izoduwa (coined into Oduduwa)...who gave birth to Oranmiyan through an aboriginal Yoruba woman. This is the connection between Benin(Edo people), and Yorubas.

NB: and this is why Oba of Lagos said he is ancestrally Benin, because the early 'Aworis' are the Benin associates of the Benin heir who went on exile, and over time they married aboriginal Yoruba women and settled in Ile'Ife with their Prince Ekaladerhan (Izoduwa)...over time Aworis became aboriginal yorubas due to blood mix...Oba of Lagos was tracing the first ancestors (Ekaladerhan and his associates), as he too is a bloodline (king).
https://www.google.com/amp/s/guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/lagos-oba-traces-origin-to-benin/amp#ip=1

Patriotsleague:
The line of ascension has never been broken, a clear lineage. The issue of Oranmiyan is the confusion, but Oranmiyan was the Son of a Benin heir to the throne who went on exile, due to a Palace situation, and stopped at a place known today as Ile'Ife. When he arrived at Ile'Ife formerly known as ile'Ibunu, the place was a jungle, a forest, he built the place and settled there with his associates, after a while aboriginal yorubas started trickling into the community, and it grew into Ile'Ife. He was the first Ile'Ife king. After a while when his father died, Benin emissaries came to look for him, and they traced him to Ile'Ife, at this point he is already married with a Son, when they invited him to take his father's place(because of the Benin people strict rule on ascension, only a bloodline can be crowned king)... perhaps due to old age, or the oath he took never to set foot in Benin again, he sent his Son Oranmiyan to rule Benin, as a bloodline, Oranmiyan was accepted. When Oranmiyan got to Benin and became a ruler there, he could not cope with the Benin people and he doesn't know their ways, having been born in Ile'Ife and grew up there... Oranmiyan didn't last as King...and the next bloodline Eweka, Son of Oranmiyan'through a Benin woman took over, and became the first Oba, this began the Oba dynasty, third dynasty.

The Benin empire had an already established throne ascension system in place, they will never go get a stranger or allow others rule them, they were warriors...it would have taken a war and subjugation for another man from another tribe to come rule them.

Before Oduduwa (Ekaladerhan), and Oranmiyan era, Benin kingdom have had several kings and was on it's second dynasty, this shows it was an already established empire, with strong army, wealth and structure, and by far older than the Yoruba society and civilization, the Yorubas were not organized enough at that point, had no civilization or organized state at that point, before the emergence of the Benin Prince to ile'Ibunu, now known as Ile'Ife...as it is widely known, Ile'Ife is the cradle of Yoruba civilization, (as per indigenous yorubas coming together to form a state)

This is why Benin Obas were buried in Ile'Ife, it was the land founded by the Benin Prince, and it began a new era...that is why the Oba of Benin mentioned 'Son of Oranmiyan' during his coronation. It is symbolic, showing his direct ancestry, born out of the land of Ile'Ife founded by his direct ancestor Ekalederhan...who gave birth to Oranmiyan through an aboriginal Yoruba woman. This is the connection between Benin and Edos.

This is the truest account of what happened

Op they're coming for you o children of hate liar
Them say oduduwa fell from the sky

Patriotsleague:
The line of ascension has never been broken, a clear lineage. The issue of Oranmiyan is the confusion, but Oranmiyan was the Son of a Benin heir to the throne who went on exile, due to a Palace situation, and stopped at a place known today as Ile'Ife. When he arrived at Ile'Ife formerly known as ile'Ibunu, the place was a jungle, a forest, he built the place and settled there with his associates, after a while aboriginal yorubas started trickling into the community, and it grew into Ile'Ife. He was the first Ile'Ife king. After a while when his father died, Benin emissaries came to look for him, and they traced him to Ile'Ife, at this point he is already married with a Son, when they invited him to take his father's place(because of the Benin people strict rule on ascension, only a bloodline can be crowned king)... perhaps due to old age, or the oath he took never to set foot in Benin again, he sent his Son Oranmiyan to rule Benin, as a bloodline, Oranmiyan was accepted. When Oranmiyan got to Benin and became a ruler there, he could not cope with the Benin people and he doesn't know their ways, having been born in Ile'Ife and grew up there... Oranmiyan didn't last as King...and the next bloodline Eweka, Son of Oranmiyan'through a Benin woman took over, and became the first Oba, this began the Oba dynasty, third dynasty.

The Benin empire had an already established throne ascension system in place, they will never go get a stranger or allow others rule them, they were warriors...it would have taken a war and subjugation for another man from another tribe to come rule them.

Before Oduduwa (Ekaladerhan), and Oranmiyan era, Benin kingdom have had several kings and was on it's second dynasty, this shows it was an already established empire, with strong army, wealth and structure, and by far older than the Yoruba society and civilization, the Yorubas were not organized enough at that point, had no civilization or organized state at that point, before the emergence of the Benin Prince to ile'Ibunu, now known as Ile'Ife...as it is widely known, Ile'Ife is the cradle of Yoruba civilization, (as per indigenous yorubas coming together to form a state)

This is why Benin Obas were buried in Ile'Ife, it was the land founded by the Benin Prince, and it began a new era...that is why the Oba of Benin mentioned 'Son of Oranmiyan' during his coronation. It is symbolic, showing his direct ancestry, born out of the land of Ile'Ife founded by his direct ancestor Ekalederhan...who gave birth to Oranmiyan through an aboriginal Yoruba woman. This is the connection between Benin and Edos.

leave the yorubas may them they twist history
imagine saying oduduwa (Ekaladerhan) felled from the sky
just imagine

let me add to yours
it was when Oranmiyan was leaving Benin when he discovered the people did not like his style of leadership that he got the daughter of Enogie of Egor (Uselu) pregnant and Oba Eweka 1 was born
that is why today the coronation of any new Oba always start from Uselu (Egor) and also, the heir (crown prince) to the throne always have the title Edaiken of Uselu with the palace situated in Uselu there.

this yoruba people want to change our history with their lies and propagandas

Omobude244:

lolz
ogiso Erodo

abeg rest
overpowered

u nor get sense
come to igun street where it all started and learn the history of benin raw.

not someone telling u what u want to hear

This quote from Ogiamien not one write up. You bi lazy?

Hide something for black man in black and white.

forgiveness:


This quote from Ogiamien not one write up. You bi lazy?

Hide something for black man in black and white.

lolz
the fact that u even believed the account of his story is what amused me
well, it is what u what to hear sha

overpowered
power machine

please tell me where oduduwa is from
i am waiting

jude79:



Tomorrow his descendants will tell your descendants that he met you on nairaland and overpowered you with that his useless comment, yorubas are expert in twisting history, turning it to myths and legend

Do you mean the Ogiamien lied?

Omobude244:

leave the yorubas may them they twist history
imagine saying oduduwa (Ekaladerhan) felled from the sky
just imagine

let me add to yours
it was when Oranmiyan was leaving Benin when he discovered the people did not like his style of leadership that he got the daughter of Enogie of Egor (Uselu) pregnant and Oba Eweka 1 was born
that is why today the coronation of any new Oba always start from Uselu (Egor) and also, the heir (crown prince) to the throne always have the title Edaiken of Uselu with the palace situated in Uselu there.

this yoruba people want to change our history with their lies and propagandas

There is a clear lineage, Oduduwa was a Benin man, he didn't fall from sky...most people arguing forget to look at timelines, Benin empire and throne had existed for centuries before Oduduwa and Oranmiyan episode, and if Ile'Ife was the yourba cradle of civilization, this clearly shows that Benin empire had the advantage of strength, wealth, structure and organization, being an earlier civilization... they will not go look for a king outside or elsewhere, they had a System of ascension to the throne before Oduduwa episode, as they had numerous kings during Ogodomigodo dynasty and the Ogiso before Izoduwa (Ekaladerhan) also known as Oduduwa era.

Oba of Benin is just repeating what Oba of Lagos has said, it's sad some people and Yoruba chiefs are trying to use it for clout or politics. Oba of Benin was trying to highlight the close relationship between Benin and Yoruba, on the Eko issue, he didn't mean to disparage or belittle Yoruba people, rather he is trying to show the closeness. History is history...he didn't say Benin own Lagos, he said Benin helped formed the nucleus of Lagos, which is Eko, Lagos island....which grew into Victoria Island, Ikoyi, Lekki etc... Let's stop the rancour.

Omobude244:

lolz
the fact that u even believed the account of his story is what amused me
well, it is what u what to hear sha

overpowered
power machine

please tell me where oduduwa is from
i am waiting

The Ogiamien are the living testimony that Ogiso was defeated and dethroned by Ile ife

Holluwhakemmy:
How is Oba of Benin health right now they should keep checking on him o because of wotowoto he has received this week based on his stup##@d history of Lagos vs Benin ownership

What concerns the great Oba and Afonjás bitter wailing on SM. No one gives a fvck about you rodents wailing.

forgiveness:


Do you mean the Ogiamien lied?

oga stop disgracing your generation
Ogiso Erebo ruled 618-632
he was not the last Ogiso. infact we had 12 different Ogisos after him.
The last Ogiso before Oranmiyan and Oba Eweka came about was Ogiso Owodo and he ruled between 1059-1100.
Ogiso Owodo gave birth to Oduduwa and Oduduwa gave birth to Oranmiyan
Oranmiyan came about around 1200 plus
are u or the writer of this article saying Ogiso Erebo lived over 600yrs to even witness Oranmiyan and his son Eweka? and he got fought and overpowered?

i am telling u the history of my state, you are here arguing blindly.
typical of the foolishness of some of you yorubas

Omobude244:

oga stop disgracing your generation
Ogiso Erebo ruled 618-632
he was not the last Ogiso. infact we had 12 different Ogisos after him.
The last Ogiso before Oranmiyan and Oba Eweka came about was Ogiso Owodo and he ruled between 1059-1100.
Ogiso Owodo gave birth to Oduduwa and Oduduwa gave birth to Oranmiyan
Oranmiyan came about around 1200 plus
are u or the writer of this article saying Ogiso Erebo lived over 600yrs to even witness Oranmiyan and his son Eweka? and he got fought and overpowered?

i am telling u the history of my state, you are here arguing blindly.
typical of the foolishness of some of you yorubas

Do you know more than the son of the soil the Ogiamien that has a signed treaty as prove that Erebo signed the treaty?

forgiveness:


The Ogiamien are the living testimony that Ogiso was defeated and dethroned by Ile ife

this is how u people were running around with lies and propagandas of Obi
i am not surprised

where did oduduwa come from?

What is the meaning of dynasty?

The Ogiso dynasty was replaced by Oduduwa dynasty but Benin people say Eweka na Ogiso dynasty.