Benin City is a city and the capital of Edo State in southern Nigeria . It is a city approximately 40 kilometres north of the Benin River. It is situated 320 kilometres by road east of Lagos. Benin is the centre of Nigeria's rubber industry, but processing palm nuts for oil is also an important traditional industry.
The city of Benin has a long history of civilization and culture. The entire state of Edo was the location of one of Africa's oldest Empire's, the Benin Imperial Kingdom. Between the 15th and 16th century the kingdom of Benin spread far beyond the borders of Edo state as we know it. The wealth of history and culture of the Benin Kingdom is still on display everywhere you go in Benin City. Here are some of the sights and sounds of the once majestic Empire.
1.The Royal Palace of the Oba of Benin
One of the most famous Royal houses in Africa. The palace, built by Oba Ewedo (1255AD – 1280AD), is situated at the heart of ancient City of Benin. It was rebuilt by Oba Eweka II (1914 – 1932) after the 1897 war during which it was destroyed by the British. The palace was declared a UNESCO Listed Heritage Site in 1999. An architectural marvel at its time, the palace still commands the awe of visitors. Seen as a sacred site amongst the Benin People, it has its dos and donts with reasons embedded in their culture. One of which includes no wearing of black, the Oba is seen as a deity who can have no reason to mourn, since the colour black represents mourning, the Oba must not set eyes upon it. Others include whistling (whistling is seen as summoning evil spirits), pointing at the Oba or his chiefs (even the Oba seldom points at anyone except to place a blessing or a curse), use an umbrella (only the Oba can be covered by an umbrella in his palace, even his chiefs leave their umbrellas at the entrance), no dogs allowed (dogs are the ingredients of many a sacrifice in Benin), no carrying of palm kernel or oil ( even vehicles transporting them are not allowed near the palace, it's red colour looks like blood and is seen as an ominous sign). There are also many restricted areas (legend says those who have gone to such places are yet to speak of the mysteries within), do make sure to ask your tour guide about these dos and donts and the stories behind them.
2.The Ogiamen House
The Chief Ogiamien Ancient Palace building is located at No. 97 Sokponba Road in Benin City. It is a National Monument situated within the city walls and moat (another historical monument).Built about 1130AD, it has great significance as the only building that predates the emergence of OBASHIP in Benin political organization and the only building that survived the 1897 British expedition and siege. It was declared a National Monument in May 26th 1959.
3.The Benin Moat
The Benin moat, also known traditionally as Iya,is the largest man-made earthworks in the world. One of the wonders of the world, it predates the use of modern earth-moving equipment or technology in these parts. The moat encircles the old perimeter precincts of the City and was constructed as a defensive barrier in times of war.
4.Igun Street
Igun-Eronmwon quarters popularly known, as Igun Street Benin City {listed as Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO} is the home of the brass/bronze casting industries in Benin. It constitutes one of the 31 guilds of the Oba of Benin, in the ancient Benin kingdom. It is now one of Benin's most visited tourist sites. Make sure to buy some souvenirs and trinkets.
5.Benin City National Museum
The Benin City National Museum opened to the public on August 10, 1973. The Museum contains priceless objects of antiquities from Benin Kingdom and other parts of the country. The first known Benin Museum started in the Oba’s Palace. With 3 galleries the museum is one of the largest museums in terms of indigenous artefacts in Nigeria.
6.Emotan Statue
The statue of the stately woman, clad in the traditional wrapper and a headgear associated with the Benin royalty stands opposite the Oba market in Benin City. The statue was erected in honor of Emotan a patriotic woman who traded in foodstuffs at the very spot where the statue stands in the 15th century. The woman is believed to be the pioneer of the first day care.
7.Ughoton Village
Ughoton village, about 42 kilometers from Benin City, is historically very important. According to historians, Prince Ekaladerhan {Izoduwa} later known to the Yoruba as Oduduwa was banished with his mother from the City of Benin to Ughoton. One of the darkest event in the history of the Benins, from there he took the painful and joyful journey from the land of Benin that eventually took him to Ile-Ife. For full story, see the correct history of Benin. The shrine of the Olokun priest who was sent to portugal By Oba Esigie (About1504-1550AD) to understudy Christianity and report back to the imperial Benin kingdom is also situated in Ughoton.
8.Okomu National Park
The Okomu National Park, formerly the Okomu Wildlife Sanctuary, is a forest block within the Okomu Forest Reserve in the Ovia South-West of Edo State in Nigeria. The park is about 60 km north west of Benin City. The park holds a small fragment of the rich forest that once covered the region, and is the last habitat for many endangered species.
9.Gele Gele Sea Port
The first contact with any European was made by Oba Ewuare the Great {About 1440AD} when Ruy De Sequeira vivited Benin City In 1472. The Portuguese came via the Atlantic Ocean and they finally landed in Gele Gele Sea Port in Benin Nation. The Gele Gele Sea Port was from then onward used predominantly for their legitimate trade with Benin Nation.It is also recorded that slaves (illegitimate trade) were also conveyed from the region via the Gele Gele Sea Port to Europe.
10.Egedege N'Okaro
The first storey-building in Benin Kingdom, built in 1906, by High Chief Osawe Iyamu, the then Inne of Benin. Widely regarded was the second oldest story-building in Nigeria after the first one at Badagry, Lagos built in 1845 by white missionaries. Egedege N' Okaro is Situated at House No 30, Erie Street,off Sakponba Road,in ancient city of Benin.
11.Kada Plaza
In an ancient city which finds pride in its history, Kada Plaza is a breath of fresh air. The Plaza is one of the best places to hang out, relax or just have a fun time. With a cinema, Chinese restaurant , shopping complex and go kart racing available, Kada Plaza has something for everyone.
12.Oba Akenzua Cultural Center
It is named after the great Benin monarch Late Oba Akenzua II who was Oba of Benin from 1933 to 1978. A fine architectural masterpiece with beautiful murals of Edo traditional motifs. The center has become the hub of cultural activities in Benin City and houses the National Art Gallery within its walls.
13.Holy Aruosa Cathedral: {Aruosa N'Akpakpava}
Lays claim to being the oldest church in Nigeria. It was built in the 15th century situated in Akpakpava Street in the ancient city of Benin. Aruosa (eye of God) is the Benins version of the Church of England or the Dutch Reformed Church. The Portuguese brought Christianity to the imperial Benin kingdom in the 15th century during the reign of Oba Esigie {about 1504-1550} and during this period, Missionaries were sent from Portugal to establish churches in the kingdom. The Benin Monarch is the head of the church, his deputy is the crown prince and the priests called Ohen-Osa are responsible to him .The pattern of worship is a mixture of indigenous beliefs and Roman Catholic practices.
14.Try Some Pepper Rice
Pepper rice is not particularly indigenous to Benin, different variations can be found in older cultures and environs but Benin peppered rice is in a class of its own. Very popular among Benin locals, it can be found in most restaurants around the city.
15.Igue Festival
Igue festival is a celebration with its origin in the Benin Empire. It was originally celebrated as a festival to renew Oba Ewuare's magical powers. One tradition states that the festival date coincided with the marriage of Ewuare to a wife named Ewere.Celebrated between Christmas and New Year, the festival includes the Oba's blessing of the land and his people. During the Igue ritual season, the Oba is prohibited from being in the presence of any non-native person.
Edo state has a very rich tradition of festivals and masquerades through which the people either appease the various gods and goddesses, purification of both the land and individual celebrant,initiate men or women into age-grades or as a traditional get-together. More than one hundred major festivals are celebrated in the state between September and March every year. Those celebrations offer opportunities for re-unions of members of the family and friends, it also offers opportunities to visitors to see and feel the rich cultural heritage of the state. More than one hundred major festivals are celebrated in the state between jenuary to December
Some of the festival celebrated in Benin/Edo State include:
- Igue and Ewere Festivals (Benins Clan):
Igue and Ewere festivals which are perhaps the most colourful and crowd- pulling festivals in among the Benins are combination of various festivals. They are reminiscent of the past events in Benin history. Each of the events is connected with past Obas around whom Benin customs and traditions are woven. The Igue festival is celebrated annually by every reigning Oba and all Benin citizens at home and abroad to mark the end of the Bini year and to usher in a new one with renewed hope for peace and prosperity. The ancient Igue festival is akin to the white man’s New Year ceremony. Before the innovations introduced by Oba Akenzua II Igue was normally celebrated during the month of September to climax a series of ceremonies, including Ugiododua, Ikpoleki, Rhor, Ugioro, Ugi’ gun or Isiokuo and Ihiekhu.
Cows, goats, fowls and other beasts are prodigiously slaughtered to propitiate the spirits of the departed Obas and the various gods of the people.
Before the European era, the number of human beings slaughtered during this period of the year approximated in quantitative terms to that of the lesser animals. In those days, most of the ceremonies were held at night, a situation which made the lives of the ordinary citizens most insecure.
- Eho Festival (Benins Clan):
Like Igue and Ewere festivals Eho is one of the popularly cherished festivals celebrated in Edoland it is an annual festival celebrated in mid-September. It dates back to pre-historical period and is occasions for paying homage to ancestors in every family unit; a period for cementing the unity of all brethren in the family fold and an occasion in which gifts are sent to fathers-in law.
Besides paying homage, the Binis believe that all who die hold meeting and appoint a time for answering prayer and soliciting for their children on earth before a more Supreme Being who they call Osa. This is why Eho festival is celebrated at various homes within a given period which lasts from nine days to two weeks.
On the advent of new moon in September, Chief Iyase, the leader of Eghaeybo None (state ministers) tells the Oba that it is time for Eho festival. On the Oba’s consents, he goes to prepare, Chief Iyase is always the first among the state ministers to celebrate it while Chief Ihaza is the first to celebrate it among the Eghaevbo-nogbe (palace ministers) it is after these two that other chiefs and commoners can celebrate.
Commoners sacrifice cocks, the chief’s cows during the celebration. But kola-nuts cocoa-nuts and assorted types of wines are lavishly used irrespective of the celebrant’s status in life. The rich and the well-to-do- also invite old women to their homes to sing traditional songs.
- Ebomisi Festival (Benins Clan)
Ebomisi a contracted form of Obo- imwen-isi (the herbalist has no permanent station) Is celebrated annually between February and March in commemoration of a famous herbalist and magician.
The festival is celebrated for five days at various dates in the villages forming Ugo clan in Akugbe District of Benin. These are Ugoneki, Ugonoba, Ugo-Emoson, Okuekpen Okogo and Ugbayon.
Ebomisi hailed from Uwan on the Benin /Ifon road and was farming at a place later named after him .The town is today called Ugbogiobo (the chief herbalist‘s farm).
The date for the commencement of the festivals is fixed at a meeting of the elders including the high priest of Ebomisi after consulting oracle and necessary preparations made. Most of the festival is celebrated at the shrine and masquerades, usually seven in number, visit the village occasionally to dance and pray for peace, good health and prosperity among the entire sons and daughters of Ugo at home and abroad. It is only during these visits to town that women dance and take part in the ceremony.
All sons and daughters of Ugo visit home at the time of this festival to receive blessings from Ebomisi-