The origin of the Benin and Yoruba empires of old have come to the fore and they have been subject of intense debate at least since the launching of the book -- I Remain Sir, Your Obedient Servant -- written by our revered Oba of Benin, Omo N' Oba N'Edo Iku Akpolokpolo. No doubt the origins of the two empires are obscure being deeply buried in legend and mythology and it is not easy to say what amount of history or the amount of embellished history they contain. In truth these traditions which on the surface try to account for the origin of these empires are perhaps little more than ideological chatters legitimizing the political systems, traditions, cultures, etc. of the people. This general position not withstanding, it is worthy of note that the Benin through their well renowned Arts and Craft recorded their history and event in addition to the account of the guild of oral recorders. The most contentious of this debate for now, however, is the Benin-Ife historical connection.

Many historians and social anthropologists especially the Yoruba historians have been greatly impressed by the tradition that the Yoruba Kingdom fathered the second Benin empire. According to Prof. A.B.Aderibigbe, "obviously there is an attempt in this story to gloss over what in fact was an alien imposition." Along the same line, Prof Michael Growder said that this tradition could be "a convenient legend to disguise what in fact was a conquest by the Oduduwa party".

Here however, the following points are worthy of note: First the Ife-Benin connection has been vigorously questioned by Prof. A.F.C. Ryder. He had pointed out that this tradition which seeks to connect Benin with Ife is suspect. He argues that throughout four centuries of contact between Benin and various European nations, in particular Portugal, there was no hint or reference to this relationship between the two empires. The tradition was not mentioned or recorded by any writer until after the British occupation of Benin in 1897. He also pointed out that the city of Ife is believed to be younger than Benin and therefore could not have fathered the second Benin Empire.

Second, according to Prof Ryder, by 1485 Benin was an impressive and large city. Judging by the evidence of European visitors, it was perhaps the largest and most impressive city which the Portuguese saw along the west coast of Africa. Recent archaeological evidence would seem to indicate that Ife was built probably not before the first decade of the 16th century while the capital of old Oyo, Yatenga, was built much later. This would seem to show that the complex political system of the Yoruba which the Benin Kingdom is believed to have descended must have originated much later than the Benin Kingdom.

Third, much of the evidence which is believed to corroborate the claims made in the traditions comes from enthnohistory, that is, historical speculations based on assumed logical sequence of development in the political system. This is most unreliable.

By the 15th Century, the Benin Kingdom had achieved the height of its greatness. It remained the most powerful and the largest Kingdom in the forest region of West Africa until about the end of the first half of the 17 century. During these two centuries of its ascendancy Benin empire stretched as far west as Lagos, Badagry and Whyidah (Dahomey). On the north-west it stretched as far as Ekiti, Akure and Owo. Towards the north, it stretched to Ishan Country and the southern position of Idah. Finally on the east it incorporated at various times various portions of Ika-Ibo and as far as the River Niger.

Prof. Biobaku has suggested that the eastern fringe of what is now Yorubaland was in pre-Yoruba days thinly inhabited by the ancestors of the modern Benin people, a people which he called the Efa. And if recent archaeological evidence would seem to indicate that Ife was built not before the first decade of the 16th century thereby making it to be younger than Benin, then the Oranmiyan tradition has been miscon-strued and the Benin version (The Oba of Benin's version,), not Egharervba's version, becomes more tenable.

According to this version the boy disinherited through the conspiracy of the barren wives of Oba Owodo (The last of the Ogiso dynasty) was called Ekaladerhan. The embassy sent by the leading personalities in Benin after the failure of Evian to establish his dynasty was to help locate this disinherited boy (Ekakaladerhan) to come and occupy the throne which rightly belonged to him.

Before he was located, however, he had settled at Ife (Uhe) on the eastern fringe of the Yoruba Kingdom and he was now called, Oduduwa which was corrupted from Imadoduwa (meaning I have not missed the destined road to greatness). On receipt of the emissaries from Benin, he sent his son, Oranmiyan as he was too old to return to Benin. Oranmiyan and his party took up residence at Uzama and from there they sought to rule Benin. But Oranmiyan, having been born and brought up outside Benin tradition, found it difficult to rule the kingdom and therefore met with so much opposition to his rule that he decided to withdraw from Benin. Fortunately before he withdrew, he has put a daughter of a Benin chief in a family way and the offspring was called Eweka who thus became the first king of the Eweka dynasty which rules in Benin till date.

From the above historical facts provided by seasoned indigenous and foreign histo-rians, corroborated by archa-eological evidence, it is incon-trovertible that Odudu-wa (Imadoduwa) is the same Benin prince (Ekaladerhan) who left Benin and finally settled on the eastern fringe of Yoruba Kingdom where his sudden appearance was a fulfilment of a divine prediction of Ifa that God (Olodumare) would send them a king to settle the existing rift over succession. It is not surprising therefore that the Yorubas generally believed that Oduduwa came from God and descended from the sky.

http://www.edoworld.net/The_Benin_Ife_Historical_Link.html

This your review reminded me of one Akpata who was second or third in line to the Oba of Benin on Channelstv at the height of that controversy.He said that although he could not ascertain which was superior between ife and Benin but he was sure that in the last 950years, the Royal family in Benin has its roots in Yoruba and Yoruba has been the palace traditional language over time.
You see, nothing is wrong in Edo trying to be assertive and carve a niche for themselves, a careful study of history will convince you that the Oranmiyan so mentioned may have been a conqueror of Bini and Ife but probably got a stronger party that chased him out of Ife and started another kingdom around Oyo.
I have a strong belief that Yoruba, Bini, Itsekiri, Igala are of similar variant especially when you look at the dialect and groups from eastern Yoruba including Ijebu.
Honestly, I do not see any difference because between Benin, owo and Ondo and even Ikale. The Oyinbo that wrote that history didn't do his archeological findings well and should not have so concluded.

This is the problem when oral history is passed down,there are always distortions to suit the one telling the story purpose.I am yet to see any cogent proof to support both the benin and yoruba side of the story,all I know and believe is that they are both related in one way.which comes first if its the egg or the hen,only God knows that.peace!!!!

Early morning controversy, hmmmmmm.
Benin empire all the way.

We yorubas are trying to claim superiority of Benin empire because of our population but evidence shows that Benin empire was existent before Ife was established. Bini colonized we yorubas, not the other way round. oduduwa was a Bini son who came to rule us in yorubaland.

I love history so let me correct somethings ( the name Benin --- was found when oramiyan left the city angrily (ibinu) so the city name was originated from the word "ibinu" turn to Benin) he was was the king (oba) which remain benin king title till date

Season firm to begins

How does this help the price of petrol and the exchange rate?

[quote author=Pheals post=42756392]I love history so let me correct somethings ( the name Benin --- was found when oramiyan left the city angrily (ibinu) so the city name was originated from the word "ibinu" turn to Benin) he was was the king (oba) which remain benin king title till date. I gbadun you nairalander

God have mercy on us

When your forefathers don't have good handwriting, this is what happens

THIS IS WHAT WIKIPEDIA HAS TO SAY ABOUT EDO KINGDOM

Edo kingdom[edit]
During the 15th century Benin Was first Igodomigodo and Greater than Ife(Oduduwa) Igodomigodo kingdom Was the greatest Ogiso and first King in West Africa Region to receive foreign traders.The Last Ogiso Son who was to succeed his Father was banished from Edo and arrived Yoruba kingdom and was crown has their King and title the throne name has Ilefe Izoduwa in Edo Language which is corrupted to Ile-ife Oduduwa in Yoruba understanding. The Powerful Kingdom in Nigeria and first Empire recognize by foreign traders was (Ubini) Edo Kingdom. Edo King capture many towns such as Eko which is now Lagos and also capture Ijebu and Edo Kingdom were stretch from Ijebu and Lagos to Republic of Darhomey which is now change to Republic of Benin. Respect for the priestly functions of the oni of Ife was a crucial factor in the evolution of Yoruba ethnicity. The Ife model of government was adept and derived its military strength from its cavalry forces, which established hegemony over the adjacent Nupe and the Borgu kingdoms and thereby developed trade routes farther to the north.

Edoland established a community in the Yoruba-speaking area east of Ubini before becoming a dependency of Benin Kingdom at the beginning of the 14th century. By the 15th century it became an independent trading power, blocking Ife's access to the coastal ports as Oyo had cut off the mother city from the savanna. Political and religious authority resided in the oba (king) who according to tradition was descended from the Ogiso dynasty in Benin Kingdom. Benin, which may have housed much inhabitants at its height, spread over large square km that were enclosed by concentric rings of earthworks. By the late 15th century Edo Kingdom was in contact with Portugal (see Atlantic slave trade). At its apogee in the 16th and 17th centuries, Edo encompassed parts of southeastern Yorubaland,and the western parts of the present Delta State.

Igbo states[edit]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Nigeria_before_1500

No matter how much you wish to be Yoruba, you will never be. The closest you will ever get to being one is the internet wall gecko version that you are now.

SegunAdewole:
We yorubas are trying to claim superiority of Benin empire because of our population but evidence shows that Benin empire was existent before Ife was established. Bini colonized we yorubas, not the other way round. oduduwa was a Bini son who came to rule us in yorubaland.

[quote author=Hezolad07 post=42756535][/quote]bro I love history die ! Especially the one related to by ethnic group proudly yoruba

Pheals:
I love history so let me correct somethings ( the name Benin --- was found when oramiyan left the city angrily (ibinu) so the city name was originated from the word "ibinu" turn to Benin) he was was the king (oba) which remain benin king title till date

Benin City is called Edo by its inhabitants and in certain contexts individuals from all parts of the kingdom will refer to themselves as ovbiedo (child of Edo ). Except when speaking English, no Edo person ever refers to himself as "Benin" or "Bini". These are non-Edo words of doubtful origin used by Europeans as an adjective and for the dominant people of the Edo kingdom and their language. Perhaps, this can be linked to the pre-colonial practice of naming areas after major geographic landmarks, in this case the Bight of Benin. It is on record that in 1472, the Portuguese captain Ruy de Siqueira brought a sailing ship as far as the Bight of Benin under the reign of Oba Ewuare. Egharevba provides further confirmation that Europeans named areas after major geographic landmarks. According to him, the label Lagos (the popular capital City of Nigeria) can be traced to the Portuguese because of its proximity to the lagoon.

It has been suggested that "Benin" or "Bini" derive from the Yoruba phrase Ile-ibinu (land of vexation) which was purportedly uttered by Prince Oronmiyan declaring the fundamental fact that "only an Edo prince can rule over Edo land." This Yoruba-based etymology of "Benin" or "Bini" is doubtful since there is evidence indicating that these words already occur in Portuguese writings about Edo dating back to the fifteenth century. According to Crowder, "unfortunately little is known about the early history of Oyo, for there was no written language, unlike Benin which was first visited by Europeans at the end of the fifteenth century." Not until the end of the seventeenth century are there any definite dates for the history of Oyo which is no doubt linked to the later contact with the Europeans. The different close neighbors refer to the Edos by different names. For example, the Urhobos call the Edos ikhuorAka (the people of Aka), the Ikas (Agbor) use the label ndi-Iduu (the people of Iduu). Along this line of reasoning, the Yoruba phrase Ile-ibinu, later corrupted to Ubinu, may be Yoruba's label for the Edos in light of the constant warfare against the Oyo empire by different Edo kings. This explanation is particularly striking because the Yorubas (for example, the Ekitis) refer to the Edo as Ado and not Ubinu.

However, according to Egharevba it was Oba Ewuare Ne ogidigan (The great), about 1440 A.D to 1473 A.D, who changed the name of the country to Edo after his deified (servant) friend. Prior to this, the land had been called the land of Igodomigodo. Thus, the City has been known afterwards as Edo ne ebvo ahirre (Edo the City of love) because through love Edo (the servant friend) was able to save Ewuare from a sudden death.

SegunAdewole:
We yorubas are trying to claim superiority of Benin empire because of our population but evidence shows that Benin empire was existent before Ife was established. Bini colonized we yorubas, not the other way round. oduduwa was a Bini son who came to rule us in yorubaland.

Taa! You are not fooling anyone with your fake moniker. Omo nna be proud of your race for a change.

erunz:
Benin City is called Edo by its inhabitants and in certain contexts individuals from all parts of the kingdom will refer to themselves as ovbiedo (child of Edo ). Except when speaking English, no Edo person ever refers to himself as "Benin" or "Bini". These are non-Edo words of doubtful origin used by Europeans as an adjective and for the dominant people of the Edo kingdom and their language. Perhaps, this can be linked to the pre-colonial practice of naming areas after major geographic landmarks, in this case the Bight of Benin. It is on record that in 1472, the Portuguese captain Ruy de Siqueira brought a sailing ship as far as the Bight of Benin under the reign of Oba Ewuare. Egharevba provides further confirmation that Europeans named areas after major geographic landmarks. According to him, the label Lagos (the popular capital City of Nigeria) can be traced to the Portuguese because of its proximity to the lagoon.

It has been suggested that "Benin" or "Bini" derive from the Yoruba phrase Ile-ibinu (land of vexation) which was purportedly uttered by Prince Oronmiyan declaring the fundamental fact that "only an Edo prince can rule over Edo land." This Yoruba-based etymology of "Benin" or "Bini" is doubtful since there is evidence indicating that these words already occur in Portuguese writings about Edo dating back to the fifteenth century. According to Crowder, "unfortunately little is known about the early history of Oyo, for there was no written language, unlike Benin which was first visited by Europeans at the end of the fifteenth century." Not until the end of the seventeenth century are there any definite dates for the history of Oyo which is no doubt linked to the later contact with the Europeans. The different close neighbors refer to the Edos by different names. For example, the Urhobos call the Edos ikhuorAka (the people of Aka), the Ikas (Agbor) use the label ndi-Iduu (the people of Iduu). Along this line of reasoning, the Yoruba phrase Ile-ibinu, later corrupted to Ubinu, may be Yoruba's label for the Edos in light of the constant warfare against the Oyo empire by different Edo kings. This explanation is particularly striking because the Yorubas (for example, the Ekitis) refer to the Edo as Ado and not Ubinu.

However, according to Egharevba it was Oba Ewuare Ne ogidigan (The great), about 1440 A.D to 1473 A.D, who changed the name of the country to Edo after his deified (servant) friend. Prior to this, the land had been called the land of Igodomigodo. Thus, the City has been known afterwards as Edo ne ebvo ahirre (Edo the City of love) because through love Edo (the servant friend) was able to save Ewuare from a sudden death.

bro i know all this but thank u .....u have posted something (I have to read it again)

SegunAdewole:
We yorubas are trying to claim superiority of Benin empire because of our population but evidence shows that Benin empire was existent before Ife was established. Bini colonized we yorubas, not the other way round. oduduwa was a Bini son who came to rule us in yorubaland.

na u one claim the superiority abi bro come and sleep its not yet 12o'clock

This issue is settled. Don't fix it if it ain't broken. No amount of permutations will turn a house cat into a wildcat. Oduduwa was not a bini prince. Yoruba was the first oba of bini. Bini bear Yoruba names, Yoruba don't bear bini names. Bini have to speak Yoruba to worship the gods. There are still traces of Yoruba language spoken at the oba of Benin's palace. With all these, only fools will still be asking who fathered/conquered who. I'm not even talking about the size of Yoruba v Benin. From Benin Rep. to Togo all the way to Ghana to central and south America, it's Yoruba. You will never hear of benin. Even within Nigeria today, who are Benin? What is there to show they were ever anything more than another crawling and confused mixed breed? Once there will always be there, or at least not far from there. These modern day Benin are opportunists who want to get a rub off of Yoruba, and have made up funny stories that can't stand any scrutiny. It shows they feel inferior and trying desperately to compensate for it. This is why these people should never be allowed in Yoruba nation. No wonder half of their population is used as sex slaves voluntarily. A stream that forgets its source must dry. You guys really need to lay off this, I won't tolerate such disrespect to my heritage from any tribe.

The oba of benin must sit well with his nonsensical book.

Oba of Benin should dispute the fact that Oranmiyan, the son of Oduduwa was the King of Benin and he later left his son to continue the dynasty while he went ahead to set up the Oyo Empire.

Why are the heads of the past Oba of Benin in Ile-Ife and not in Benin?

.

It therefore means that the Bini people are the precursors of the modern day yoruba culture and traditions. So, if Imadoduwa (Oduduwa) was assumed to come from God, then it therefore places the Bini dynasty in the realms of the gods. I believe this theory will put to rest the original ownership of Eko which actually means "camp" in bini language and offer the yorubas the pedigree they so need to affirm their title to Lagos. Yorubas are great people no doubts, but Lagos is a portuguese word while Eko is a Bini word.

Peace please.

Super1Star:
Oba of Benin should dispute the fact that Oranmiyan, the son of Oduduwa was the King of Benin and he later left his son to continue the dynasty while he went ahead to set up the Oyo Empire.

Why are the heads of the past Oba of Benin in Ile-Ife and not in Benin?

a simple question to settle dis rift, wo is d father of oduduwa? And who is d first oba that bear d title as oba

Jesusloveyou:
a simple question to settle dis rift, wo is d father of oduduwa? And who is d first oba that bear d title as oba

Kingship is different from the title of the throne.

Oba means king in all yorubaland but to differentiate which Oba you are talking about, hence the title eg Alaafin, Alake, Owa, Onipopo etc.

There are many kingdoms within the Yoruba nation and all the Obas have hierarchy. The title Oba cannot be used by any king.

Do you know the meaning of Omo 'N' Oba.

Benin can have the title Oba because it is a single kingdom.

twoondei:
When your forefathers don't have good handwriting, this is what happens

LMAO!!

Seriously why would bini people claim to banish a prince and still want him back ?.. .. You should better not let somethings fool you... Bini people didn't originate from yoruba (at least the ogiso dynasty existed before the coming of oranmiyan) and even if bini claim oduduwa came from them(not true) .. . Oduduwa is not the father of yoruba then.... All I know is these two Kingdom share something similar in their kingship line

Super1Star:


Kingship is different from the title of the throne.

Oba means king in all yorubaland but to differentiate which Oba you are talking about, hence the title eg Alaafin, Alake, Owa, Onipopo etc.

There are many kingdoms within the Yoruba nation and all the Obas have hierarchy. The title Oba cannot be used by any king.

Do you know the meaning of Omo 'N' Oba.

Benin can have the title Oba because it is a single kingdom.

u see what we mean, a divided kingdom cannot be stronger than a single entity, omo n' oba means -child of a king, meanwhile u fail to answer -who is d father of oduduwa

Jesusloveyou:
u see what we mean, a divided kingdom cannot be stronger than a single entity, omo n' oba means -child of a king, meanwhile u fail to answer -who is d father of oduduwa

We are talking of a nation you are talking of a kingdom.

Yoruba is a nation, an amalgamation of kingdoms while your Benin Kingdom is a single kingdom.

Where in the world and history have you seen a Kingdom being greater than a nation?

Jesusloveyou:
u see what we mean, a divided kingdom cannot be stronger than a single entity, omo n' oba means -child of a king, meanwhile u fail to answer -who is d father of oduduwa

the father of oduduwa is lamurudu.. . That's not bini

Atlantian:
It therefore means that the Bini people are the precursors of the modern day yoruba culture and traditions. So, if Imadoduwa (Oduduwa) was assumed to come from God, then it therefore places the Bini dynasty in the realms of the gods. I believe this theory will put to rest the original ownership of Eko which actually means "camp" in bini language and offer the yorubas the pedigree they so need to affirm their title to Lagos. Yorubas are great people no doubts, but Lagos is a portuguese word while Eko is a Bini word

Peace please.

yorubas never claimed to own lagos originally they conquered the settlers there and claimed it...

Kaytrick:
yorubas never claimed to own lagos originally they conquered the settlers there and claimed it...

1. Who were the people they conquered ?
2. Is it safe to say, since 45% of Lagosians are of Igbo origin, while the rest of the tribes and foreigners make up 55% that Igbos are majority in Lagos and going by your analogy have conquered Lagos and they own Lagos ?
3. I have no more questions.

Atlantian:


1. Who were the people they conquered ?
2. Is it safe to say, since 45% of Lagosians are of Igbo origin, while the rest of the tribes and foreigners make up 55% that Igbos are majority in Lagos and going by your analogy have conquered Lagos and they own Lagos ?
3. I have no more questions.

I dunno those they conquered.... But population isn't conquest