24/04/2025
The history of the Benin Kingdom in Edo State, Nigeria, dates back over 800 years. Here's a brief overview ¹ ²:
- *Founding*: The kingdom grew out of the Edo Kingdom of Igodomigodo around the 11th century AD. According to tradition, Prince Oranmiyan, son of Oduduwa, arrived in Benin and established the new dynasty, introducing the title of Oba.
- *Early Development*: The kingdom developed from a conglomeration of villages, each headed by the oldest man in the community. As time passed, these villages united for security and commerce, and the most powerful leader emerged as the supreme head, later known as the Oba.
- *Ogiso Era*: Before the arrival of Prince Oranmiyan, the Ogisos ruled Benin. There were 31 Ogisos, with notable rulers introducing significant administrative and cultural reforms. The Ogiso era saw the establishment of the guild system, primogeniture law, and the formation of the Benin Army.
- *Expansion and Prosperity*: The kingdom reached its peak in the 15th and 16th centuries, expanding its territory, trading with European powers, and creating a remarkable artistic legacy in bronze, iron, brass, and ivory.
- *Notable Rulers*: Oba Ewuare the Great expanded the kingdom's borders, while Oba Esigie defeated an invasion and attempted conquest, further expanding the kingdom eastwards.
- *Legacy*: The Benin Kingdom's history spans over 6000 years, with its people believing that their kings were born, not created. The kingdom's monarchy is regarded as the embodiment of custom and culture.
Some key figures in Benin Kingdom's history include ¹:
- *Ekaladerhan*: The son of the last Ogiso, who was banished and later became known as Oduduwa in Ife.
- *Oranmiyan*: The son of Oduduwa, who arrived in Benin and established the new dynasty.
- *Eweka I*: The first Oba of Benin, who ruled around 1200 AD and established the foundation for the kingdom's growth.
- *Oba Erediauwa*: The 38th king of the Edo dynasty, representing a direct line of succession from Eweka I.
