The Uzama Nihiron also known as King Makers in the
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 c ...
, are among the highest ranking chiefs in
Benin
Benin, officially the Republic of Benin, is a country in West Africa. It was formerly known as Dahomey. It is bordered by Togo to the west, Nigeria to the east, Burkina Faso to the north-west, and Niger to the north-east. The majority of its po ...
History. Just like the
Oyomesi of the old
Oyo empire
The Oyo Empire was a Yoruba people, Yoruba empire in West Africa. It was located in present-day western Nigeria (including the South West (Nigeria), South West zone, Benin Republic, and the western half of the North Central (Nigeria), North Cent ...
, the Uzama are saddled with the responsibility of crowning a new king in the Benin Kingdom (modern day
Benin City
Benin City serves as the Capital city, capital and largest
Metropolitan area, metropolitan centre of Edo State, situated in Nigeria, southern Nigeria. It ranks as the List of Nigerian cities by population, fourth-most populous city in Niger ...
). From ancient Benin History, the Uzama reign started during the
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 m ...
era and they consist of four chiefs which is headed by Chief Oliha. Other chiefs holding the Uzama title include Edohen, Ezomo, Ero, Eholo Nire and Oloton. While the Chiefs were responsible for crowning the King or the
Oba of Benin
The Oba of Benin is the traditional ruler and the custodian of the culture of the Edo people and all Edoid people. The then Kingdom of Benin (not to be confused with the modern-day and unrelated Republic of Benin, which was then known as Daho ...
, they do not have the power to choose the king.
See also
*
Kingdom of Benin
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 c ...
*
Oba of Benin
The Oba of Benin is the traditional ruler and the custodian of the culture of the Edo people and all Edoid people. The then Kingdom of Benin (not to be confused with the modern-day and unrelated Republic of Benin, which was then known as Daho ...
*
List of the Ogiso
''Ogiso'' is the name used by the people of Igodomigodo or (Ugodomigodo) to refer to the institution and first dynasty of rulers beginning approximately around 900 - 950AD or the mid tenth century. The name variously translates to mean 'King fro ...
References
Kingdom of Benin
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