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Eweka
Eweka I (reigned 1200 AD – 1235 AD) was the first Oba of Benin and presided over the kingdom's shift from the Ogiso monarchy to the establishment of the Obaship. His 35-year reign had a notable impact on the political, cultural, and traditional aspects of the kingdom. Before Eweka I's rule, the Benin Kingdom faced uncertainty due to the banishment of Owodo, the last Ogiso, for misrule. Oduduwa, who was the father of Oromiyan had been exiled to Uhe (Ife), which eventually set the stage for Eweka I's ascension to power. The turning point occurred when Oduduwa sent his son, Oromiyan, to Benin as an emissary. Oromiyan's arrival was met with resistance, leading to his settlement in Usama, on the outskirts of Benin City. To gauge the loyalty of the Benin people, Oromiyan challenged them to care for a common louse for three years, symbolising their commitment to their potential king. Oromiyan resided in a palace constructed for him within the city of Benin. During his time there, ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Benin Kingdom
The Kingdom of Benin, also known as Great Benin, is a traditional kingdom in southern Nigeria. It has no historical relation to the modern republic of Benin, which was known as Dahomey from the 17th century until 1975. The Kingdom of Benin's capital was Edo, now known as Benin City in Edo State, Nigeria. The Benin Kingdom was one of the oldest and most developed State (polity), states in the coastal hinterland of West Africa. It grew out of the previous Edo people, Edo Kingdom of Igodomigodo around the 11th century AD; it was annexed by the British Empire in 1897, but endured as a non-sovereign monarchy. In the 15th and 16th centuries, the kingdom reached the height of its prosperity, expanding its territory, trading with European powers, and creating a remarkable artistic legacy in cast bronze, iron, brass, carved ivory, and other materials. History Early By the 1st century BC, the Benin territory was partially agricultural; and it became primarily agricultural by around A. ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
