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Ogiso Owodo
Owodo (, ) was the thirty-first and last ("king") of Igodomigodo, an early kingdom that later became part of the Benin Empire. His reign marked the end of the Ogiso era and initiated a transitional period that led to the establishment of the monarchy. Historical accounts describe his rule as being marked by political upheaval, economic challenges, and criticisms regarding his leadership. His administration experienced notable discontent—attributed to difficulties in managing the growing influence of the ("Great Nobles"), persistent economic challenges, and decisions regarding preferred sources of counsel. Ultimately, Owodo was deposed and banished, reportedly becoming the first to be removed from power. Owodo inherited a kingdom still recovering from the effects of the Great Famine (), which had destabilised the economy and weakened royal control. According to some sources, he did not succeed in curbing the increasing autonomy of regional nobles, who had expanded their p ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Ogiso
The were the earliest known ruling monarchy of the Edo kingdom of Igodomigodo, founded by Igodo, the first Ogiso. The monarchy began around 900 AD and lasted until the early 12th century when it was succeeded by the Oba monarchy. The Ogiso monarchy influenced the early sociopolitical structure of the region by introducing centralised governance and laying the foundations for the Benin Empire. Throughout its existence, the Ogiso monarchy had thirty-one rulers and notable among them were Ogiso Igodo, the first ruler, and Ogiso Ere, who implemented several administrative and cultural reforms. This era saw the establishment of settlements, the integration of various chiefdoms, and the growth of proto-urban centers, with Udo and Benin City being prominent examples. The decline of the Ogiso monarchy began with the rule of the last Ogiso, Owodo, whose reign was marked by internal conflict and public dissatisfaction. This led to his banishment and a period of interregnum, during wh ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Ehenneden
Ehenneden, also spelled Hennenden, (born Egiebo, reigned ) was the twenty-sixth (king) of Igodomigodo, the early state that preceded the Benin Empire. His reign is documented as having involved economic expansion, administrative restructuring, and increased activity among guilds and artisans. Ehenneden strengthened the role of royal guilds in weaving, carving, and trade, which contributed to production and commerce. He also reorganised the ("Great Nobles"), granting them the authority to appoint sub-chiefs, oversee regional courts, and construct noble residences, actions that contributed to the governance structure. Following his death without a direct heir, succession disputes arose; ultimately, the selected Ohuede, a distant royal relative, as his successor, thereby marking the end of the Oriagba dynasty. Early life and ascension Ehenneden was born as Egiebo, the only recorded son of (King) Uwa of Igodomigodo (present-day Benin Kingdom). He was raised in a society where ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Dmitri Bondarenko
Dmitri Mikhailovich Bondarenko ( rus, Дми́трий Миха́йлович Бондаре́нко, p=ˈdmʲitrʲɪj mʲɪˈxajləvʲɪdʑ bəndɐˈrʲenkə, a=Ru-Dmitrii Mikhailovich Bondarenko.ogg; born June 9, 1968) is a Russian anthropologist, historian, and Africanist. He has conducted field research in a number of African countries (particularly, Tanzania, Nigeria, Benin, Rwanda, Zambia, Uganda) and among Black people in Russia and the United States. He is Vice-Director for Research, Chair of the Department of Anthropology of the East, and Principal Research Fellow with the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Director of the International Center of Anthropology of the HSE University, and Full Professor in Ethnology with the Center of Social Anthropology of the Russian State University for the Humanities. He holds the titles of Professor in Ethnology from the Lomonosov Moscow State University, Professor of the Russian Academy of Sciences in ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Idah
Idah is a town in Kogi State, Nigeria, on the eastern bank of the Niger River in the middle belt region of Nigeria. It is the headquarter of the Igala Kingdom, and also a Local Government Area with an area of 36 km. Idah had a population of 79,815 at the 2006 census. History The town is the traditional capital of the Igala Kingdom, whose traditional ruler, the Attah Igala, is currently Matthew Alaji Opaluwa Oguche Akpa II. Idah is an important fishing port and Market trading town in Nigeria with an outpost of the Nigeria Navy referred to as Nigeria Navy Ship Lugard. The town as a port of trade was frequented by local and foreign traders who traded agricultural produces and minerals mostly. Bronze rings and Cowries were the predominant currency for trade. Geography Idah, an old river port, lies on the eastern bank of the river Niger at . Economy The town is a major food supplier of Kogi State. It has commercial routes on the river Niger linking Lokoja, the Kogi state cap ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Ramat Park
Ramat Park is an expansive urban park located in the city of Benin, in Edo State, Nigeria. Spanning an area of 15 acres, the park is an iconic landmark in the city, offering a tranquil escape for residents and visitors alike. History Ramat Park's history is intricately linked to the socio-political context of Nigeria during the mid-20th century. It was established in 1985 by the Bendel State Government with the primary objective of creating a green haven amidst the urban landscape, promoting recreational activities, and commemorating the legacy of General Murtala Ramat Mohammed. General Murtala Ramat Mohammed was the Head of State of Nigeria from 1975 to 1976. He was assassinated during a coup attempt in 1976. The establishment of Ramat Park was a tribute to his contributions to Nigeria's development and his aspiration for a better Nigeria. The park's location is at the heart of Benin City, making it easily accessible to residents from all walks of life. The Nigerian go ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Open-air Museum
An open-air museum is a museum that exhibits collections of buildings and artifacts outdoors. It is also frequently known as a museum of buildings or a folk museum. Definition Open air is "the unconfined atmosphere ... outside buildings". In the loosest sense, an open-air museum is any institution that includes one or more buildings in its collections, including farm museums, historic house museums, and archaeological open-air museums. Mostly, "open-air museum" is applied to a museum that specializes in the collection and re-erection of multiple old buildings at large outdoor sites, usually in settings of recreated landscapes of the past, and often including living history. Such institutions may, therefore, be described as building museums. European open-air museums tended to be sited originally in regions where wooden architecture prevailed, as wooden structures may be translocated without substantial loss of authenticity. Common to all open-air museums, including the ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Ife Empire
The Ife Empire was the first empire in History of the Yoruba people, Yoruba history. It was founded in what is now southwestern Nigeria and eastern Benin. A classical period starting from 1000 to 1420 CE, marked the age of its most well known sophisticated art pieces. Although Yoruba language, Yoruba was the main language of the empire, there were also various spoken dialects and languages. It rose to power through trade with Sahelian and forest states. Its capital city, Ife, Ilé-Ife, was one of the largest urban centers in 14th century West Africa. Formation and early history The Ife region began as a small collection of house society, house societies in mid-first millennium BCE, which over time grew to become “mega houses”, or mini-states, due to competition for resources. Over time, as managing resources, population, and conflicts presented opportunities for new organizational structures, several of the mega-houses started organizing themselves into confederacy-like ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Songhai Empire
The Songhai Empire was a state located in the western part of the Sahel during the 15th and 16th centuries. At its peak, it was one of the largest African empires in history. The state is known by its historiographical name, derived from its largest ethnic group and ruling elite, the Songhai people. Sonni Ali established Gao as the empire's capital, although a Songhai state had existed in and around Gao since the 11th century. Other important cities in the kingdom were Timbuktu and Djenné, where urban-centred trade flourished; they were conquered in 1468 and 1475, respectively. Initially, the Songhai Empire was ruled by the Sonni dynasty (–1493), but it was later replaced by the Askia dynasty (1493–1591). During the second half of the 13th century, Gao and the surrounding region had grown into an important trading center and attracted the interest of the expanding Mali Empire. Mali conquered Gao near the end of the 13th century. Gao remained under Malian command until the la ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Nupe People
The Nupe (traditionally called the ''Nufawa'' by the Hausa people, Hausas and ''Tapa'' by the neighbouring Yoruba people, Yoruba) are an ethnic group native to North Central Nigeria. They are the dominant ethnic group in Niger State and an important minority in Kwara State. The Nupe are also present in Kogi State and The Federal Capital Territory. History The Nupe Kingdom emerged in the 14th-15th century, nestled between the Niger and Kaduna rivers. However, Nupe as a group and polity have a rich history dating back to 9,000 B.C. or 40,000 years ago in the Middle Niger and Niger-Benue confluence areas. Most accounts of the ancient kingdom were verbally transmitted legends. Notably, King Jibiri adopted Islam around 1770, marking a significant milestone. In the 1800s, Ma'azu's rule saw the Nupe Kingdom flourish, becoming the most powerful in Central Nigeria. Today, the Nupe people speak over 5 dialects: Central Nupe, Nupe Tako/Bassa-Nge, Kupa, Kakanda, and Dibo/Abawa/Gana-Gana. N ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Obioye
Obioye () was the twenty-ninth ('king') of Igodomigodo, an early kingdom of the Benin Empire, reigning from 1119 to 1121. He was the son of Ogiso Oduwa and inherited a kingdom facing economic challenges. His rule was marked by a severe famine, which lasted from , causing economic crisis, inflation, and widespread starvation. In response to rising food prices and economic turmoil, Obioye nationalised cowries, limiting their circulation to stabilise the economy. His policies led to the term ('Obioye's money' or 'hard currency'), which became synonymous with inflation and high prices. He urged his people to reduce food consumption, leading to dissatisfaction and alienation of nobles and chiefs from the monarchy. As the famine worsened due to droughts, wildfires, and crop failures, Obioye's reign further weakened. His economic policies, though intended to curb inflation, proved largely ineffective, and many citizens migrated to escape starvation. He died around , reportedly from ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Oriagba
Oriagba ( and , AD) was the twenty-third ruler of the Ogiso dynasty in the ancient Kingdom of Igodomigodo, later known as the Kingdom of Benin. He implemented reforms to the monarchy, including the establishment of the system of primogeniture for succession. Oriagba's reign involved the subjugation of the Dukedom of Udo and the strengthening of hereditary governance structures for both the monarchy and the Edion'isen, the kingmakers. His reign also included the revival of the guild system and the organisation of the first royal pilgrimage to Uhe. He was succeeded by Ogiso Odoligie. Early life and ascension Oriagba was a native of Oroghotodin, a village now part of Ibiwe, Idunmwebo, and Emotan Circle in modern-day Benin City. His father, Obo, was a herbalist and diviner, influencing Oriagba's upbringing. Under his father’s guidance, Oriagba became skilled in drumming and gained recognition within his community. The selection of Oriagba as Ogiso was guided by divination, ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
