The History

BENIN KINGDOM: A REFLECTION ON ITS ORIGIN

A Reflection on the Origin of Benin Kingdom, presented by Thompson Ohomba, General Secretary Akugbe Association, at the Inauguration and Fundraising activities of Akugbe Association, DFW. Texas, USA, on November 11,2006

            Benin Kingdom, formally known as Igodomigodo, named in honor of its first ruler, Ogiso Igodo was situated on the south east coast of West Africa, and its people, the Edos were said to have migrated from Egypt. The Edos, of which Bini is a tribe have their origin in Benin City, and later spread to other parts of Benin Kingdom. Bini’s live in present day Benin City and its locale, in Edo State of Nigeria. The Binis are a proud people, and are very rich in culture and tradition. They take enormous pride in their magnificent art work, especially bronze/brass sculpture and wood carvings many of which were stolen and are today displayed in world renown museums.  Oba Oguola fortified the kingdom with the construction of the moat Ozolua, etc. The kingdom engaged in territorial expansion and became the Benin Empire.

            Benin Kingdom was ruled by two dynasties of rulers. First was the Ogiso dynasty from about 900-1200 Ad. 31 Ogisos ruled during this period, the last of which was Ogiso Owodo. The inability of Ogiso Owodo to bear a child by any of his wives became of grave concern. He later gave birth to a son, Prince Ekaladerhan but years passed and the infertility of his wives continued. In order to find a solution to this, Ogiso Owodo requested his eldest wife, Esagho to consult an oracle. It was revealed that Esagho was responsible for the barrenness in the palace, and therefore should be sacrificed to the gods for appeasement. Out of jealousy, and a dare attempt to save her own life, Esagho reported her findings and framed the only son of Ogiso Owodo and heir to the throne as the source of the problems of the palace and therefore should be sacrificed to appease the gods. Ogiso Owodo strongly resisted this development but after a lot of pressure and persuasion, he yielded and ordered his guards to kill his only son, Prince Ekaladerhan. As fate would have it, the guards spared his life, but to ensure that was kept secret, Prince Eklaladerhan was made to take an oath not to step into Benin soil ever again.

            At the passing of Ogiso Owodo (his wives remained barren because the right sacrificed was not made), there were rumors that Prince Ekaladerhan was still alive.

            There was a vigorous search for him. At this time, Prince Ekaladerhan had founded and settled in a place he named “llefe” (lle-Ife) meaning “ I have found the way to prosperity”. When finally contacted, Prince Ekaladerhan declined all appeals because he was now old, and had taken an oath not to return to Benin Kingdom. However, he sent his son, Omonoyan ( Oramiyan) to assume the throne of Benin Kingdom. Omonoyan did not like to live in Benin, and he left an expectant mother and decided to return to lle-lfe. He later founded and became the first Alafin of Oyo.

            During this period when there was no crowned king, notable and influential palace shiefs ruled Bnin Kingdom. This period in Benin history is known as the period of “ Interregnum ”.

            Omonoyan’s son was born, and when he was of age, he became Oba Eweka I, and thus began in Benin Kingdom, the second dynasty of rulers. The present Oba of Benin, Omo noba nedo Uku Akpolorkpolor, Oba Erediauwa is a descendant of Oba Eweka I. Oba Erediauwa is the 39^th king to rule in the second Benin dynasty.