Benin City is located in close proximity to theBenin River, situated approximately 40 kilometres (25 mi) to the north, whilst its eastern perimeter lies 320 kilometres (200 mi) from Lagos via thearterial road network.[4]
Benin City boasts an exceptionally fertile agricultural landscape and serves as the epicentre of Nigeria's thrivingrubber industry.[5] Additionally, the production ofpalm 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 theEdoKingdom of Benin, a pre-colonial polity that flourished from the 13th to the 19th centuries. During its final centuries, the kingdom maintained significant trade relations withPortugal, prior to being captured, sacked, and razed in 1897 by aBritish punitive expedition. This expedition resulted in the looting of numerousbronze sculptures from theBenin City palace, collectively referred to as theBenin Bronzes. Subsequent to their punitive victory, theBritish gradually colonised the area, eventually incorporating the region intoColonial Nigeria.[7]
The indigenous inhabitants of Benin City are theEdo people, also referred to as the Benin people, who communicate in theEdo language, also known as the Bini language. The city's populace boasts one of the richest dress cultures on theAfrican continent, renowned for their elaborate adornments, including beads symbolising royalty, body marks, bangles, anklets, and intricateraffia work. Additionally, the people of Benin City engage in subsistence farming, primarily cultivatingyams,plantains, andcassava.[8]
According to tradition, the original inhabitants and founders of theẸdo Empire and theEdo people were ruled by the kings known as the Ogiso dynasty, who referred to the land asIgodomigodo.[9]The first Ogiso, Igodo, wielded significant influence and gained popularity as a benevolent ruler. He died after a protracted reign and was succeeded byEre, his eldest son.
A battle for power soon erupted between the wife of the last Ogiso and Prince Ekaladerhan, son of the lastOgiso. Prince Ekaladerhan was falsely accused by his father's wife and sentenced to death. However, the men sent to execute him released him atUghoton. 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 a period of confusion, elders, led by Chief Oliha, mounted a search for the banished Prince Ekaladerhan – whom the Ife people now calledOduduwa.[11] The exiled 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]
PrinceỌranmiyan took up residence in the palace built for him at Uzama by the elders, now a coronation shrine. Soon after, he married a Ẹrinmwide, daughter of Osa-nego, the ninthEnogie ofEgor.[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 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 ofEweka I, the firstOba of Benin, and father of Ajaka,Alaafin ofỌyọ.[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, theYoruba nation has a different conception ofOduduwa.[17] According to Yoruba tradition, because of his power and military might, he was able to defeat the enemies invading Benin, which is why the people of Benin made him the King or Ọba of Benin. In any case, it is agreed upon by both theYoruba and theEdo thatOduduwa sent his son Prince Oranmiyan of Ife to rule Benin City and founded the Oba dynasty in Benin City.[18][19] Beninimperialism was started in the last decade of the 13th century byOba 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 thePortuguese as "Benin" in their own language.
In approximately 1485,Portuguese explorers visited Benin City, marking the beginning ofEuropean 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 and slaves with European nations.
In the early 16th century,Ozolua, one ofOba Ewuare's sons, travelled with Joao Alfonso d'Aveiro toLisbon, and theKing of Portugal subsequently sentChristian missionaries to Benin.[21] This exchange facilitated the introduction of European culture, technology, and ideas to the kingdom. Interestingly, some residents of Benin City could still converse in apidgin Portuguese dialect in the late 19th century, and many Portugueseloan words continue to be used in the local languages.
the great city of Beny ... is about a league long from gate to gate; it has no wall but is surrounded by a large moat, very wide and deep, which suffices for its defence. I was there four times. Its houses are made of mud-walls covered with palm leaves. The kingdom of Beny is about eighty leagues long and forty wide; it is usually at war with its neighbours and takes many captives, whom we buy at twelve or fifteen brass bracelets each, or for copper bracelets which they prize more; from there the slaves are brought to the castle of S. Jorze da Mina where they are sold for gold. The way of life of these people is full of abuses and witchcraft and idolatry, which for brevity's sake I omit.[22]
In 1691, the Portuguese captain Lourenço Pinto provided another 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.[23][24]
Drawing of Benin City made by a British officer, 1897
On 17 February 1897, Benin City fell to the British[8] during the "Punitive Expedition", a military campaign led by AdmiralSir Harry Rawson. The British force captured, sacked, and burnt the city, following the ambush and killing of a British delegation led by Acting Consul GeneralJames Robert Phillips.[25][26]Alan Boisragon, one of the survivors of the Benin Massacre, included references to the practice of human sacrifice in the city in a firsthand account written in 1898 (one year after the Punitive Expedition).[27] 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.[28] The expedition resulted in the looting of the Benin Bronzes, a collection of intricate brass plaques and sculptures that adorned the palace walls.[29][8]
The Benin Bronzes, a group of several thousand metal plaques and sculptures that decorated the royal palace of the Kingdom of Benin, 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 theSecond World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC '77) held in Nigeria in 1977.[30]
The British colonisation of Benin paved the way for the merging of regional British incorporations of African kingdoms into theNiger Coast Protectorate, theProtectorate of Southern Nigeria, and finally, into theColony 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.[31]
FollowingNigeria's attainment of independence from British colonial rule in 1960,[32] Benin City emerged as the capital of theMid-Western Region, subsequent to the region's separation from theWestern Region in June 1963. This administrative reconfiguration aimed to promote regional autonomy and more effective governance.
In 1976, the Mid-Western Region underwent a nomenclatural transformation, being renamedBendel 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 andEdo 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.[33]
Benin City exhibits atropical monsoon climate (KöppenAm), characterised by persistently high temperatures and humidity levels throughout the year.[34][35]
The weather in Benin City is typically hot and humid, with average temperatures ranging from 25 to 30 °C (77 to 86 °F) throughout the year. The relative humidity is consistently high, often exceeding 60%.[36]
While the city experiences a relatively uniform climate throughout the year, there is discernible seasonal variation. The period between July and September is particularly notable for its dull and overcast weather conditions, with reduced sunshine and increased rainfall.
Climate data for Benin City (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1951–1965, 1991–2020)
Secondary schools in Benin includeEdo College,[44] Edo Boys High School (Adolo College), Western Boys High School, Oba Ewuare Grammar School, Imaguero College, Oredo Girls Secondary School, The Cradle High School, Asoro Grammar School,Eghosa Anglican Grammar School, Edokpolor Grammar School, Niger College,Presentation National 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,[45] Word of Faith Group of Schools, Nosakhare Model Education Centre, Igbinedion Educational Center,[46]Federal Government Girls College, Benin City.[47]
Scientists have already demonstrated the effects of climate change, with increases in temperature, humidity and precipitation trends between 1981 and 2015.[48]
Benin city experiences regular flooding.[49] Studies have consistently highlighted the problem since at least 1993.[50] Experts have recommended a number of ways to improve flood management, including better controls on land use, construction and development,[50] improvedCommunity-based programs designed to improve city adaptation and disaster management,[49] and improvements in individual preparedness.[51]
In June 2020, a significant number of communities and individuals were left homeless because of city flooding.[52] At the time, residents and the city blamed poorstorm drains and a failure to continue flood adaptation programs.[52]
The city is on average 0.5 °C (0.9 °F) warmer than the surrounding rural areas, and these temperature differences are greater during the working weeks.[citation needed]
A 2021 study published inNature highlighted that the city has not met the standards forwaste management set by theEdo State Waste Management Board. After surveying 2,720 inhabitants of the city, the authors found that most people in the city did not understand proper waste management practices.[53] Moreover, the study found that survey participants did not understand how waste management was connected to other issues like greenhouse gas emissions.[53] An additional study found that most residents did not understand the health impacts of bad waste management.[citation needed]
Attractions in the city include the National Museum, theOba Palace, andIgun 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),[54] and the city's traditional markets.
Benin City has a popular festival called theIgue 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.[55] The festival includes the Oba's blessing of the land and his people.[56][57][58][59]
Aside from 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 the local film community. It also promotes the content of emerging national and international filmmakers, showcasing their works in an environment where they have access to experienced industry professionals.[60][61]
^Taub, Ben (10 April 2017)."The Desperate Journey of a Trafficked Girl".The New Yorker. Archived fromthe original on 3 April 2017.In 1897, after the Edo slaughtered a British delegation, colonial forces, pledging to end slavery and ritual sacrifice, ransacked the city and burned it to the ground.
^Graham, James D. (1965). "The Slave Trade, Depopulation and Human Sacrifice in Benin History: The General Approach".Cahiers d'Études Africaines.5 (18):317–334.doi:10.3406/cea.1965.3035.JSTOR4390897.
^"Klimatafel von Benin City / Nigeria"(PDF).Baseline climate means (1961-1990) from stations all over the world (in German). Deutscher Wetterdienst. Retrieved9 August 2016.
^Irene, Oseremen Felix (2000).Footpaths: a life of service : tribute to prof. Ambrose Folorunsho Alli : a compendium of achievements. Ibadan, Nigeria: National Association of Edo State Students.OCLC53015677.
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.
