Benin City

Benin City is located in close proximity to the Benin River, situated approximately 40 kilometres (25 mi) to the north, whilst its eastern perimeter lies 320 kilometres (200 mi) from Lagos via the arterial road network.^[4] The city's municipal boundaries converge with those of several prominent neighbouring towns in southern Nigeria, notably Agbor, Oghara, and Ekpoma.^{[citation needed]}

Benin City boasts an exceptionally fertile agricultural landscape and serves as the epicentre of Nigeria's thriving rubber industry.^[5] Additionally, the production of palm oil constitutes a substantial sector, further underscoring the city's prominence in Nigeria's agricultural economy.^[6]

The city of Benin served as the paramount settlement of the Edo Kingdom of Benin, a pre-colonial polity that flourished from the 13th to the 19th century. During its final centuries, the kingdom maintained significant trade relations with Portugal, prior to being captured, sacked, and razed in 1897 by a British punitive expedition. This expedition resulted in the looting of numerous bronze sculptures from the Benin City palace, collectively referred to as the Benin Bronzes. Subsequent to their punitive victory, the British gradually colonized the area, eventually incorporating the region into Colonial Nigeria.^[7]

The indigenous inhabitants of Benin City are the Edo people, also referred to as the Benin people, who communicate in the Edo language, also known as the Bini language. The city's populace boasts one of the richest dress cultures on the African continent, renowned for their elaborate adornments, including beads symbolizing royalty, body marks, bangles, anklets, and intricate raffia work. Additionally, the people of Benin City engage in subsistence farming, primarily cultivating yams, plantains, and cassava.^[8]

Origins of the Ẹdo Empire

According to tradition, the original inhabitants and founders of the Ẹdo Empire and the Edo people were ruled by the kings known as the Ogiso dynasty, who referred to the land as Igodomigodo.^[9] The first Ogiso, Igodo, wielded significant influence and gained popularity as a benevolent ruler. He died after a protracted reign and was succeeded by Ere, his eldest son.

Succession crisis and the rise of Oduduwa

A battle for power soon erupted between the wife of the last Ogiso and Prince Ekaladerhan, son of the last Ogiso. Prince Ekaladerhan was falsely accused by his father's wife and sentenced to death. However, the men sent to execute him released him at Ughoton. The exiled prince made his way to Ile-Ife, where he changed his name to Izoduwa, meaning "I have found prosperity".^[10]

Search for Prince Ekaladerhan and the founding of the Oba Dynasty

During this period of confusion in Benin, the elders, led by Chief Oliha, mounted a search for the banished Prince Ekaladerhan – whom the Ife people now called Oduduwa.^[11] The exiled Ekaladerhan, now Oduduwa, refused to return to Benin due to the circumstances of his departure. Instead, he sent his son, Ọranmiyan, to become king in his place.^[12]

Prince Ọranmiyan took up residence in the palace built for him at Uzama by the elders, now a coronation shrine. Soon after, he married a beautiful lady, Ẹrinmwide, daughter of Osa-nego, the ninth Enogie of Egor.^[13] He and Erinmwide had a son. After some years, he called a meeting of the people and renounced his office, remarking that the country was a land of vexation, Ile-Ibinu, and that only a child born, trained, and educated in the arts and mysteries of the land could reign over the people.^[14]

The legacy of Oduduwa and the Oba Dynasty

The country was afterward known by this name. He caused his son, born to him by Ẹrinmwide, to be made King in his place and returned to Ife land. After some years in Ife, he left for Benin. Ọranmiyan himself was reigning as Ọọni of Ifẹ. Therefore, Ọranmiyan of Ife, is the father of Eweka I, the first Oba of Benin, and father of Ajaka, Alaafin of Ọyọ.^[15]

Around 1470, Ẹwuare changed the name of the state to Ẹdo.^[16] This was about the time the people of Ọkpẹkpẹ migrated from Benin City. Alternatively, the Yoruba nation has a different conception of Oduduwa.^[17] According to Yoruba tradition, because of his power and military might, he was able to defeat the enemies invading Benin and that is why the people of Benin made him the King or Ọba of Benin. In any case, it is agreed upon by both the Yoruba and the Edo that Oduduwa sent his son Prince Oranmiyan of Ife to rule Benin City and founded the Oba dynasty in Benin City.^[18][19] Benin imperialism was started in the last decade of the thirteen century by Oba Ewedo.^[20] Oba Ewedo later changed the name of the city of Ile-Binu, the capital of the Benin kingdom, to "Ubini." This name would be reinterpreted by the Portuguese as "Benin" in their own language.

The Portuguese encounter and the rise of Benin

In approximately 1485, Portuguese explorers visited Benin City, marking the beginning of European contact with the kingdom. During the 16th and 17th centuries, Benin flourished economically due to its strategic position in the transatlantic trade network, exchanging goods such as pepper and ivory with European nations.

Diplomatic relations with Portugal

In the early 16th century, the Ọba of Benin sent an ambassador to Lisbon, while the King of Portugal reciprocated by dispatching Christian missionaries to Benin. This exchange facilitated the introduction of European culture, technology, and ideas to the kingdom. Interestingly, some residents of Benin City could still converse in a pidgin Portuguese dialect in the late 19th century, and many Portuguese loan words continue to be used in the local languages.

A Portuguese captain's Account of Benin City

In 1691, a Portuguese captain provided a vivid description of Benin City, highlighting its impressive architecture, wealth, and governance:

"Great Benin, where the king resides, is larger than Lisbon; all the streets run straight and as far as the eye can see. The houses are large, especially that of the king, which is richly decorated and has fine columns. The city is wealthy and industrious. It is so well governed that theft is unknown and the people live in such security that they have no doors to their houses."^[21][22]

 

The British conquest and its aftermath

On 17 February 1897, Benin City fell to the British^[8] during the "Punitive Expedition", a military campaign led by Admiral Sir Harry Rawson. The British force captured, sacked, and burnt the city, following the ambush and killing of a British delegation led by Acting Consul General James Robert Phillips.^[23][24] Alan Boisragon, one of the survivors of the Benin Massacre, included references of the practice of human sacrifice in the city in a firsthand account written in 1898 (one year after the Punitive Expedition).^[25] Historian James D. Graham notes that although "there is little doubt that human sacrifices were an integral part of the Benin state religion from very early days," first-hand accounts regarding such acts often varied significantly, with some reporting them and others making no mention of them.^[26] The expedition resulted in the looting of the Benin Bronzes, a collection of intricate brass plaques and sculptures that adorned the palace walls.^[27][8]

The Benin Bronzes and the legacy of colonialism

The Benin Bronzes were subsequently auctioned off to compensate for the expenses incurred during the capture and occupation of the city. Today, these artifacts are scattered throughout western museums, with many calling for their repatriation to Nigeria. The most iconic of these artifacts is the Queen Idia mask, which was used as a mascot during the Second Festival of Arts Culture (FESTAC '77) held in Nigeria in 1977.^[28]

The British colonization of Benin paved the way for the merging of regional British incorporations of African kingdoms into the Niger Coast Protectorate, the Protectorate of Southern Nigeria, and finally, into the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria. Although the British permitted the restoration of the Benin monarchy in 1914, true political power remained with the colonial administration of Nigeria.^[29]

Post-Colonial Era and Administrative Reforms

Following Nigeria's attainment of independence from British colonial rule in 1960,^[30] Benin City emerged as the capital of the Mid-Western Region, subsequent to the region's separation from the Western Region in June 1963. This administrative reconfiguration aimed to promote regional autonomy and more effective governance.

Renaming and Restructuring of Administrative Regions

In 1976, the Mid-Western Region underwent a nomenclatural transformation, being renamed Bendel State, Benin City retained its status as the regional capital, serving as the administrative epicentre of the state. This designation persisted until 1991, when Bendel State was bifurcated into two distinct entities: Delta State and Edo State. Consequently, Benin City became the state capital of Edo State, assuming a pivotal role in the governance and development of the newly formed state.^[31]

Climate

Benin City exhibits a borderline tropical savanna climate (Köppen Aw), closely approaching a tropical monsoon climate (Am). The city's climatic conditions are characterized by persistently high temperatures and humidity levels throughout the year.^[32][33]

Temperature and humidity

The weather in Benin City is typically hot and humid, with average temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F) throughout the year. The relative humidity is consistently high, often exceeding 60%.^[34]

Seasonal variations

While the city experiences a relatively uniform climate throughout the year, there are discernible seasonal variations. The period between July and September is particularly notable for its dull and overcast weather conditions, with reduced sunshine and increased precipitation.

Benin City is home to some of Nigeria's institutions of higher learning, namely, the University of Benin located at Ugbowo and Ekenwan,^[37] Ambrose Alli University located at Ekpoma,^[38] College of Education Ekiadolor,^[39] Igbinedion University,^[40] Benson Idahosa University,^[41] Wellspring University,^[42] Edo State Polytechnic located in Usen (formerly known as Edo State Institute of Technology and Management Usen),^[43] Edo State University, Uzairue.^[44][45] and Auchi Polytechnic located in Auchi, Edo State.

Secondary schools in Benin include Edo College,^[46] Edo Boys High School (Adolo College), Western Boys High School, Oba Ewuare Grammar School, Greater Tomorrow Secondary School, Imaguero College, Oredo Girls Secondary School, Garrick Memorial Secondary School, Winrose Secondary School, Asoro Grammar School, Eghosa Anglican Grammar School, Edokpolor Grammar School, Covenant Christian Academy, Niger College, Presentation National High School, Gaius Obaseki International High School, Immaculate Conception College (ICC), Uselu Secondary School, Idia College, University of Benin Demonstration Secondary School (UDSS), University Preparatory Secondary School, Auntie Maria School, Benin Technical College,^[47] Word of Faith Group of Schools, Lydia Group of Schools, Nosakhare Model Education Centre, Igbinedion Educational Center,^[48] Federal Government Girls College, Benin City.^[49]

Scientists have already demonstrated the effects of climate change, with increases in temperature, humidity and precipitation trends between 1981 and 2015.^[50]

Benin city experiences regular flooding.^[51] Studies have consistently highlighted the problem since at least 1993.^[52] Experts have recommended a number of ways to improve flood management, including better controls on land use, construction and development,^[52] improved Community-based programs designed to improve city adaptation and disaster management,^[51] and improvements in individual preparedness.^[53]

In June 2020, a significant number of communities and individuals were left homeless because of city flooding.^[54] At the time, residents and the city blamed poor storm drains and a failure to continue flood adaptation programs.^[54]

The city, on average is .5 degrees Celsius warmer than the surrounding rural areas, and these temperature differences are greater during the working weeks.^{[citation needed]}

A 2021 study published in Nature, highlighted that the city has not met the standards for waste management set by the Edo State Waste Management Board. After surveying 2720 inhabitants of the city, the authors found that most people in the city did not understand proper waste management practices.^[55] Moreover, the study found that survey participants did not understand how waste management was connected to other issues like greenhouse gas emissions.^[55] An additional study found that most residents did not understand the health impacts of bad waste management.^{[citation needed]}

Attractions in the city includes the National Museum, the Oba Palace, Igun Street (Famous for bronze casting and other metal works). Other attractions include various festivals and the Benin Moats (measuring about 20 to 40 ft), the King's Square (known as Ring Road)^[56] and the city's traditional markets.

The Binis are known for bronze sculpture, their casting skills, and their arts and craft. Benin City is also the home of one of the oldest ongoing monarchies in the world. Various festivals are held in Benin City yearly to celebrate various historic occasions and seasons.

Benin City has a popular festival called the Igue festival. The festival is an annual event held in the city to usher in the new year. The festival is an integral part of the culture of the people in Benin City (formerly referred to as Benin Kingdom or the Kingdom of Benin). The festival is believed to renew Oba Ewuare's magical powers and it celebration comes between Christmas and New Year celebrations.^[57] The festival includes the Oba's blessing of the land and his people.^{[58][59][60][61]}

Aside the cultural festival, the city also plays host to the Benin City Film Festival. The festival creates room for the promotion of works produced by local film community. It also promote content of emerging national and international filmmakers, showcasing their works in an environment where they have access to experienced industry professionals.^[62][63]

• Vadoo day: it happens on every 10 January and it is viewed by the people of Benin.^[ambiguous]
• Quintessence Film Festival
• Gelede Festival
• Waba Festival
• International Festival of the Dahomean Culture.^[64]

The "Bini" people have four market days: Ekioba, Ekenaka, Agbado, and Eken.^[65]

Benin Airport serves the city with five commercial airlines flying to it, including Green Africa Airways, United Nigeria Airlines, Aero Contractors, Arik Air, and Air Peace

• Bondarenko D. M. A Homoarchic Alternative to the Homoarchic State: Benin Kingdom of the Thirteenth - Nineteenth Centuries. Social Evolution & History. 2005. vol. 4, no 2. pp. 18–88.

 

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Benin City.

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