The History of Benin Empire

The Objective History of Benin Empire: African History Series.

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What You Will Learn!

To learn about the foundation of Benin Empire
To learn about the different Kings that ruled Benin Empire
To learn about the factors that contributed to the growth of Benin Empire
To learn about the Socio-Political Structure of Benin Empire
To learn about the Economic Organisations and Structures of Benin Empire
To learn about relationships with Benin and other parts of what later became Nigeria
To learn about factors that led to the decline of Benin Empire
To learn about the British Conquest of Benin Empire

Description

Benin or Benin Empire (as refered to in History) was a very big political establishment that existed before the creation of Nigeria. It existed in the southern part of the present day Nigeria. Its area covered the present day Edo state and some neighboring communities. It was established by the Edo speaking people. It was a powerful Empire that was able to gain international recognition. You cannot understand the position of Benin in the History of Nigeria without understanding the History.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF BENIN EMPIRE

Benin Empire was established by the Edo speaking people. Majority of the theories of the origin of the Edo people point to a man called Osanobua. The children of Osanobua are believed to be the founders of Benin.

The first ruling class of Benin Empire was the Ogiso Dynasty. The first king of the Ogiso dynasty was Igodo. Igodo was a powerful and successful king. After him came a long line of kings whose rule varied from good to bad.The ruling dynasty did not last for long because of controversies. The major controversy was misrule by the kings.

The last king under the Ogiso dynasty was Iwodo. He was said to have greatly misruled Benin Empire. Some atrocities were attributed to him. His reign was characterized with misrule, failure and anxiety, personal squabbles and calamities. Although he married many wives, only one bore him a son. He as well banished his only son from the kingdom. His only son was banished to Ughoto because of his misbehavior and family problems linked to his wives.

Benin people at time could not endure the misrule of Iwodo and as a result, he was banished too. His banishment led to the end of the Ogisso dynasty because there was no heir to take over.

The end of the Ogiso dynasty created a situation because of struggle for the political control of the kingdom. In this period, the kingdom was ruled by two administrators one after the other. They were Evian and Ogiamve. These two made attempts to establish their own dynasties but failed.

With the failure of the administrators to bring Benin under control, the kingdom slipped into another political crisis which was characterized with power tussle. To solve this problem, the Benin kingdom elders went to Oduduwa in Ife to request for a king. Oduduwa in return sent his youngest son called Oranmiyan. Oranmiyan tried to establish control but still experienced opposition from some people that were not comfortable of external control. He managed to put up some level of control but later realized that it was difficult for him. He was married to the daughter of a Benin chief with whom he got a son named Eweka. When the frustration became so much for him, he left Benin and went back to Ife. He left Benin leaving his son behind. His son grew up to become Oba Eweka I who was the founder of Eweka dynasty.