10/17/2025
The Benin words that has been misused.
Ovien (“Ovien-Oba”) - The term “Ovien” does not mean “sl@ve,” as it has often been wrongly interpreted. In Edo language, Ovien actually means “subject” -, a loyal citizen, a free individual, or a faithful subject under the authority of the king.
The true Edo word for “sl@ve” or one captired diribg war therefore is Erion “Orion or “Orhion.”
According to Edo oral traditions, as preserved by palace linguists and early ethnographers, particularly R. E. Bradbury in The Benin Kingdom and the Edo-Speaking Peoples of Southwestern Nigeria (1957), clear distinctions exist between Erion “Orion or “Orhion” (sl@ve or war captive), Egbon/Igbon (house attendant , house help or dependent), and Ovien (subject).
Similarly, Jacob Egharevba in A Short History of Benin and Benin Law and Custom differentiates between these classes of dependents:
Erion “Orion or “Orhion”: Ensl@ved person or war captive without freedom.
Egbon (Igbon): House serv@nt, attendant, or domestic dependent, captured at war or may be a freeborn but subordinate. Also mistaken by sone Edos to be IGBOS.
Modern Edo lexicons, such as those by Benson Osadolor and publications from the Edo Language Centre, support these definitions, listing Egbon/Igbon as “servant” or “attendant,” exampke Is the actial EDO who was kpaid while helping pronce Ogun abd the place was named after him. not as Erion “Orion or “Orhion”.
An Igbon “Egbon” could serve within a palace, noble household, or shrine, bound by duty, debt, or apprenticeship, rather than outright enslavement. Over time, the term took on a softer meaning of helper or attendant just like Edo the servant sl@ve that helped Pba Ewuare the first.
Oguomwandia, on the other hand, means a “domestic helper” or “attendant,” someone who serves another, often within a household settings.
These clarificationd are vital to correct the misconceptions introduced by some early colonial writers. Edo terms should always be used in their true historical and linguistic contexts to preserve their authentic meanings.
Written by: Ancient Benin
Published by: Bush Radio Tv
ANCESTOR SPEAKS
