₦airaland Forum

Alba3:
You can rant from now till eternity, I don't read those lies you wrote up, Mr revisionist!

Go create your thread and paste your lies there as usual rather than derailing this. Those that give a damn about your revisionism will reply you there.

Others do read them, I wasn't counting on you and others like you filled with dogma and ignorance of history to read them.

Those that are interested in real history rather than fairytales will read them.

UltraSphinx:
There's just too much inconsistencies in this unprovoked rant of yours.
You just claimed that Oyo was never an empire, when the name "Yoruba" is the biggest testament to that fact.
The Name "Yoruba" is a corruption of the Hausa word "Yerribawa" - a term used to describe people of the Oyo empire.

Fighting and being unable to defeat some teenage girls from Dahomey doesn't qualify a village as an empire, does it.

Alba3:
You also can see this! More lies! They're revisionists, baby ones at it. Before we normally educate these guys with facts; TAO and many others really did justice to this but guys drag themselves always in the gutters thinking that no one could descend to such level with them. I just chose to kick them in their gutters; they're revisionist and their revisionism changes nothing... Benin remains the smallest kingdom down South with about 5 LGAs while the Oyo they so much like to denigrate in about 4 States in Nigeria and 2 West African countries. Even in Edo, how many people say they are bini?

We're talking about relivancy, they're invading every thread with their smallest Bini ancient story while not Inca, Mali?

This is Ọọni, hope you locate their bini Oba there?

It doesn't change the simple fact that Ife wasn't mentioned in world history until the 1800s.

It doesn't change the fact that Oyo eyewitness historical accounts began in 1824.

It doesn't change the fact that compared to the Ooni, the Oba of Benin is not a politically appointed position. Oba of Benin is not selected from a pool of contestants.

The oba of Benin is born king the Ooni is not, the Ooni is selected and appointed by politicians from a pool of constants.

The oba of Benin and Ooni are not in the same class, one is a born king, the other is appointed by politicians.

It doesn't change the fact there are no independent eyewitnesses to the so called Oyo empire, the yoruba are the ones that claim Oyo was an empire, this fictitious empire is not known in world history. It's not known outside of Nigeria.

The Benin empire is known worldwide.

Benin greatness was recorded by the Europeans that invented the word greatness.

Benin entered the Guinness book of world records to have built the greatest monument on earth pre mechanical era.

No amount of photographs of the Ooni can change this simple fact.

Yoruba is a modern day political creation.

Benin is ancient.

There is 400 years historical gap between Benin and Oyo.

None of the Europeans that visited west Africa since the 1300s witnessed the so called Oyo empire. We are not going to accept that Oyo was an empire because you made such claim.

Benin is still bigger than what remains of Rome, this doesn't change the face that Rome like Benin was a great empire that influence the world.

When we talk of world empires that created and built world class monuments, Egypt, Rome and Benin are mentioned but Oyo is not on that list.

Amongst Egypt, Rome and Benin, the Benin monument was recognised by guinness book of records as the greatest, consuming 100 times more material than the pyramid of Egypt.

If not for British that lumped everyone together in Nigeria, Benin have no business being discussed alongside any yoruba town historically.

Alba3:
There was nothing like bini empire instead we had Ife princes' Kingdom of bini. There is difference between bini (ilẹ ibinu) and present Benin. What you have now is hybrid people of different origins. Most early Igodomigodo blood is more pronounced in Italy than Benin now.

Ife is not mentioned anywhere in west Africa history before 1800, yet you want the world to believe Ife gave birth to Benin that entered into west Africa history in the 1400s. Why do some of you guys reason upside down. There is about 400 years of historical gap between Benin and Ife.

After bragging about yoruba greatness, you still shamelessly turn around to claim Benin history and Oba, one would have thought that with so called great monarchs such as the Alaafin, Ooni and over 1000 others, you guys will simply let Benin be, but you guys have stubbornly refused to let go of Benin.

Let say for argument sake that Benin was once part of the yoruba family and they are now saying they are not or were not, the sensible and reasonable thing to do it to let go but you have refused because you know Yoruba will continually be 400 hundred years younger than Benin historically. This is the simple reason you guys have refused to hands off Benin history and Oba.

Yoruba eyewitness historical accounts only dates back to 1824.

Benin eyewitness historical accounts dates back to the 1400s.

Benin is the only Africa empire/kingdom recognised in world history to have built a monument that surpassed any other in the world.

Benin was recognised as a city by the Europeans 400 years before Oyo was accessible to the Europeans.

Yoruba continue to regurgitate the lie that Oba of Benin is yoruba despite the fact that no Oba of Benin in history claimed to be Yoruba, infact, the present and his father before him told the world that they are not yoruba and no Oba of Benin in history was yoruba.

The oba of Benin, the Benin nobility and people have repeatedly told the world that they are not yoruba and never were but some of you still want to believe otherwise.

Yoruba want to extend their paperweight fairytale by incorporating Benin history into Yoruba history to steal our glorious past rather than work hard to create their own world records.

Alba3:
Which fact again when you're dealing with revisionists that are never logical or constructive in their submissions but lies.

I will give you facts if you could explain the background to your culture, your gods, etc. In every thorough research, Ogun, Umole, Olokun (from Itsekiris), aiyelala (from Ilajes), etc are all from Yoruba groups... Which one is bini culture other than witchcraft?

You people like to derail threads that never concerned you; this shows inferiority complex... This is common with you and your siblings to the east who invaded your territory during biafra war.

1. An ignorant Yoruba thinks Edo are Igbo.
2. An ignorant Igbo thinks Edo are Yoruba.

https://fb.watch/9FR9CxdnJF/


African Marvels: The Walls of Benin

The Benin Empire was one of the oldest and most highly developed states in west Africa, dating back to the 11th century. The walls of Benin City and its surrounding kingdom were a man-made marvel described as “the world’s largest earthworks prior to the mechanical era”.

Kylie Kiunguyu

The Walls of Benin, one of Africa’s ancient architectural marvels, were destroyed by the British in 1897 during what has become known as the Punitive Expedition. This shocking act destroyed more than a thousand years of Benin history and some of the earliest evidence of rich African civilisations.

The astounding city was a series of earthworks made up of banks and ditches, called “Iya” in the Edo language, in the area around present-day Benin City. They consist of 15 kilometers of city Iya and an estimated 16 000 kilometers in the rural area around Benin. The walls stood for over 400 years, protecting the inhabitants of the kingdom, as well as the traditions and civilisation of the Edo people.

Fred Pearce wrote the following about the city in the science magazine New Scientist: “In all, they are four times longer than the Great Wall of China and consumed a hundred times more material than the Great Pyramid of Cheops. They took an estimated 150 million hours of digging to construct and are perhaps the largest single archaeological phenomenon on the planet.”

The Guinness Book of Records (1974 edition) described the walls of Benin City and its surrounding kingdom as “the world’s largest earthworks carried out prior to the mechanical era”. It was one of the first cities to have a semblance of street lighting with huge metal lamps, many feet high, built and placed around the city.

In 1691, the Portuguese ship captain Lourenco Pinto observed: “Great Benin, where the king resides, is larger than Lisbon. All the streets run straight and as far as the eye can see. The houses are large, especially that of the king, which is richly decorated and has fine columns. The city is wealthy and industrious. It is so well governed that theft is unknown, and the people live in such security that they have no doors to their houses.”

Read: What Africa had before colonisation

In his personal account, 17th-century Dutch visitor Olfert Dapper wrote, “Houses are built alongside the streets in good order, the one close to the other. Adorned with gables and steps … they are usually broad with long galleries inside, especially so in the case of the houses of the nobility, and divided into many rooms which are separated by walls made of red clay, very well erected.”

“[The walls are] as shiny and smooth by washing and rubbing as any wall in Holland can be made with chalk, and they are like mirrors. The upper storeys are made of the same sort of clay. Moreover, every house is provided with a well for the supply of fresh water,” he continued.

A mathematical quandary

Benin City’s planning and design was done according to careful rules of symmetry, proportionality and repetition now known as “fractal design”.

Ethnomathematician (the study of the relationship between mathematics and culture) Ron Eglash has discussed the planned layout of the city, commenting that “When Europeans first came to Africa, they considered the architecture disorganised and thus primitive. It never occurred to them that the Africans might have been using a form of mathematics that they hadn’t even discovered yet.”

“When Europeans first came to Africa, they considered the architecture disorganised and thus primitive. It never occurred to them that the Africans might have been using a form of mathematics they hadn’t even discovered yet.” – Ron Eglash

A lost city

The great Benin City is lost to history after its decline began in the 15th century. This decline was sparked by internal conflicts linked to the increasing European intrusion and slavery trade at the borders of the Benin empire. It was then completely ruined in the British Punitive expedition in the 1890s, when the city was looted, blown up and razed to the ground by British troops.

Furthermore, the remaining ruins have not been preserved or restored. The only remaining vestige is a house consisting of a courtyard in Obasagbon, known as Chief Enogie Aikoriogie’s house. The house possesses features that match the horizontally fluted walls, pillars, central impluvium and carved decorations observed in the architecture of ancient Benin. It is rumoured, however, that a section of the great city wall, one of the world’s largest man-made monuments ever, may be lying neglected and forgotten in the Nigerian bush.

Copied from Great Benin.


The Iyase of Benin: Commander in chief of the warriors/Royal army.
(A) General Ezomo 2nd in Command
(B) Ologboshere 3rd in Command
(C) Imaran 4th in Command
(D) Edogun 5th in Command
(E) Ezomurogho 6th in Command
(F) Agboghidi 7th in Command
(G) The ogie of Ebue 8th in Command
(H) The Ohen-Okhuahe of Ogbeghe 9th in Command

General Asoro; a valiant brave man who died resisting the invading British forces during the expedition of 1897.During the siege on Benin, it was said that chief Asoro ably defended the spot where the statue now stands. He said "no other person dare pass this road unless the Oba" (So kpon Oba). It is this statement which has been corruptedo become SAKPONBA.This statue, which is a salute to patriotism and loyalty is located on the king's Square by the beginning of Sokponba Road,Benin City. The spot where chief Asoro have died after fighting bravely.

General Ologbose Irabor: Continued his resistance of the British occupiers. It was a resistance that lasted two years during which the Benin war commander defeated the Royal Niger Company private army at Okemue and prevented the British penetration of the hinterland and the European traders from establishing trading posts in Benin City. Eventually with the help of their collaborators, in May 1899 the British captured Ologbose Irabor.

As expected the British occupiers, in their usual kangaroo court proceedings, the Ologbose was found guilty of being the chief instigator and perpetrator of the Benin `Massacre’. On June 27 1899 he was hanged for defending his land against a group of marauding British thieves who hands were covered with blood and hearts fill with evil intentions”.

Prince General Obuabu: Led punitive expedition to Ibo-land, where he remained for many years fighting the Ibos. He was the eldest son of Oba Ewedo about 1255-1280AD.

General Akpanigiakon of Udo: One of the greatest and the most powerful enemy of Oba Oguola about 1280-1295AD. The Benin moat was dug to fortify the City against General Akpanigiakon and his Udo invaders.

General Ogiobo: Led the punitive expedition that killed General Akpanigiakon and conquered Udo.

General Iken of Uselu: A very powerful chief at Uselu. He led the punitive expedition that fought and conquered the Owos during the reign of Oba Ewuare the Great about 1440-1473 AD.

General Oronmuza the Ogia of Umelu: He led the punitive expedition that conquered Akure during the reign of Oba Eware the Great 1440-1473 AD.

Queen Idia the mother of Oba Esigie about 1504-1550 AD: She took the people of Uselu to war against Idah before she was joined by the Benins Royal warriors and the portuguese missionaries. Idah was conquered.

General Origbo: A powerful chief at Ejide in Siluko during the reign of Oba Ozolua about 1481-1504 AD.

General Elekidi Of Ogbelaka: Betrayed by his wife to the hands of Ozolua about 1481-1504 AD.

General Ogierunmwanbo: A powerful warrior at Oka and father of General Ise of Utekon.

General Ise of Utekon: Opposed Oba Ozolua about 1481-1504 AD for the killing of his father Ogierunmwanbo. In a fierce battle in Utekon general Ise killed Oba Ozolua’s warriors in great numbers and the few that survived fled. Oba Ozolua owed his victory over Ise, to Orinmwioria who betrayed Ise into the hands of Oba Ozolua to be killed.

General Enowe of Ughoha from Isha clan: A very powerful warrior, fought many wars with Ozolua about 1481-1504 AD and Oba Esigie about 1504-1550 AD.

General Prince Aruanran, chief of Udo: A man of great stature. He fought many wars against is Brother Oba Esigie about 1504-1550 AD before he was finally defeated.

General Osemwughe the Iyase of Udo: Let rebellious warriors against Oba Esigie. They were called Emwan N’ Udo (Udo deserters) now known as Ondo. Their chief rebel, chief Osemwughe is what is now known as Osemawe of Ondo.

General Aile and General Odobo: Led expedition against Osemwughe and his rebels. Ikale town derive it name from Eko Aile (Aile camp) and Akotogbo town from Eko-Odobo (Odobo camp).

General Ekpennede: The Iyase of Benin during the reign of Oba Ehinguda about 1578-1606 AD. He led the Benin royal army against the Oyos and after many battles, a treaty of peace was made which set the Benin and Oyo boundary at Atun in the Ekiti Kingdom. He also warred against the Ibos subdued various towns and villages.

General Agban: The Ezomo of Benin during the reign of Oba Orhogbua. Led a successful expedition, Igidi the first town he captured was renamed agban corrected to Agbor.
General Ehennua: Commander of the royal army during the Benin civil war of 1712 AD.

General Imanran Adiagbon and General Emokpaogbe the Agboghidi of Ugo: Led the punitive expedition against Oboro-Uku, to avenge the killing of Adesuwa the daughter of Ezomo of Uzebu, by the Ogie of Oboro-Uku, during the reign of Oba Akengbuda about 1750-1804 AD.

General Imadiyi, General Oyodo and General Omemu: Conquered Ekiti kingdom during the reign of Oba Osemwende about 1816-1847 AD.

General Laisolobi: A Brave and faithful general under Oba Ozolua about 1418-1504 AD.

General Ebikinmwin: Fought the invading British forces in Gwatto Ughoton during the expedition of 1897 many British were killed.
General Laisolobi: A brave and faithful General under Oba Ozolua about 1418-1504 AD.

General Okhonmiovo of Iguis during the reign of Oba Ozolua about 1418- 1504 AD
Ogiemabo " Oka
Atabatibo " Ogba
Idemu " Evbiakgba
Egbaen " Iwu
Aighalama " Ishan
Ohekeghede " Idumwoza
Ese-Uhe " Amagba
Egbomarhuan " Okhumwu

gregyboy:
Comrade calm down small, before your action unknowingly bring in another lying machine like tao11 that took us time to curtail...

She is somewhere scratching d surface of the earth to bring something against us

Tao11 is out of business for now. She has been avoiding my post since my thread on the origin of Oduduwa.

UGBE634:
When did they Overwhelm the place?
1. Was it during the reign of Oba Egbeka,(14th century) that the Uneme people migrated from Igun quarters of Benin and till date still speak an Edoid language
2. Was it during the reign of Oba Olua(1473-1480) that his son went out in search of another kingdom and took the title of Ogiame- King of riverine territory.(remember he did not go with the title from Benin, he went there and saw that he was to be a ruler over a riverine people and gave himself Ogiame, If he was given by his father or the Chiefs it won't change a thing it will buttress my point the more even)which he bears till date and holds so sacred which tells undeniably of his Edo origin.
3. Was it during Esigie's reign ( 1504-1550) when the IGUEBEN people migrated from Benin after they were sent to prosecute a war against the Igalas, till date they speak a dialect of Edo, Why is Yoruba relic not evident in Agbor, and other Anioma towns were the royal family of Benin and other highly placed chiefs seem to have had something to do with over the centuries. My brother find another talk Edo is not your mate.

Those that like to falsify Benin history are always oblivion to the fact that Benin history have several reference points. So it's always easy to point out their lies.

macof:
Lmao

Eye witness historical account that Oyo was never an empire?

How is that even possible
Lmao, think about what you just said, like think about that very well

Incase what I wrote is too much for you to grasp, let me unpack it little by little.

1. Yoruba claimed that Oyo was an empire.

I am saying that outside of this Yoruba claim and few hearsay, there are no independent eyewitnesses to this so called Oyo empire.

2. Apart from the yoruba making this claim, the Europeans who visited Nigeria and West Africa region between 1400s to 1800s never witnessed your so called Oyo empire. All that was ever written by Europeans were hearsay accounts.

3. If Oyo empire existed, it would have been visited by the various Europeans that repeatedly visited Benin between 1400s to 1800s.

4. Benin was one of few Africa/Black civilisation without the influence of the Middle East. Most Africa civilisations are tainted by middle eastern civilisation.

5. Yoruba couldn't even create a fictitious Ife civilisation without importing an Oduduwa from the middle eastern countries of Saudi Arabia or Egypt.

6. Benin was the only black civilisation in the Nigeria space.

7. Oyo wasn't an empire, no one knows about Oyo empire outside of Nigeria, Oyo empire only exists in the imagination of yoruba people.

8. Benin is known and studied worldwide.

It's very difficult for none Edos to comprehend the uniqueness of Edo people. Anyone pretending to be Edo and still not understand that there is a great difference between the Oba of Benin and other imitations across Nigeria needs a paternity test.

You can't govern a people without their consent and when the people hold strongly to their traditions, it's almost impossible to change the people's ways of life. Example is the recent USA pull out of Afghanistan after 20 years of trying to defeat the Taliban. Thousands of lives and over a trillion dollars went to waste.

The Oba of Benin is intertwined with the Benin people, you can't separate one from the other, this is why the British failed to end the dynasty, I don't see any Nigeria governor succeeding where the British failed.

macof:
. Lmao. Even you don't believe this

You should have simply asked for proof and allow me to lecture you as usual.

You should have known by now that I don't just make claims I can't back up with proofs.

There are no independent eyewitnesses to the so called Oyo empire. When the British arrived Oyo for the the first time in 1824, they met an alaafin that was being terrorised by his neighbours. The Alaafin had requested/begged and was waiting for Oba of Benin army to come save him and his people.

If you want reference to the eyewitness historical account, let me know.

Oyo empire is just another yoruba lie. Oyo was a little village who was constantly being terrorised by her neighbours, the Alaafin often relied on the Oba of Benin military strength because Oyo paid tributes to Benin.

Pa Idu is not new history, you should ask yourself why the Igbo call Benin people Idu people, this is even assuming that you know that the Igbo call Benin Idu land.

FACTS ABOUT PA IDU

1. Pa Idu was born at Ogbe N’Alaka a place that eventually became the homestead of later Ogiso’s and Oba’s of Benin.
2. Pa Idu father was known as Ere (not to be mistaken as Ogiso Ere) he was the founder of Uhunmwundumwun (premier town), a place hundreds of years later Ogiso Ere moved the palace to from Ugbekun. Pa Idu father Ere, is where the ancient word Otamere (evening tide favored Ere) was created from.
3. Pa Idu is generally accepted as the Progenitor of the Benin race and all its descendants because the chroniclers of our remembered history, Ughoron; popularize his name above other native indigenes of which Idu came out from.
4. Pa Idu had three sons: Akka, Efa and Emehi. Efa and Emehi are the fathers of the modern day Benin population,
5. Through legitimacy of ancient ownership the Efa and Emehi families are the owners of Edo land as every other families came from them.
6. Pa Idu died at Uhe(not to be mistaken as Ile-Ife) present day Igala areas of Kogi State and was referred to as Oghene N’Uhe by the earliest Benin natives, he was deified as a Priest King. The Chief priest and scepter bearer of the Oghene N’ Uhe shrine, Azama; followed Akka, Efa and Emehi back to Benin land and a replica of the shrine was built here in Benin land, the descendants of the Azama N’Uhe are the Oloton family of Benin and they are the custodian of the scepter of authority of Pa Idu carried by Azama and bequeathed to the descendants of Efa and Emehi.
7. Earliest Portuguese referred to Oghene N’Uhe(Pa Idu) as “Ogane” the great potentate of the interior.
8. All Ogisos starting from Ere to Oba Ewuare I all went on pilgrimage visit to pay respect to their progenitor at Uhe, a sort of confirmation and spiritual renewal ritual. A ritual also conducted by Ikaladerhan before he became a ruler in Ile-Ife.
9. When the later Oba’s of Benin discovered the complexity of the pilgrimage visit and the decline of the Uhe town they created “Erinmwidu” a replica of Oghene N’ Uhe Shrine and made it Royalty. Hence Erinmwidu is the royal deity of the Benin people.
10. Idusere, Idusogie, Idugbowa etc. reaffirm the Benin native ownership of Idu ideology hence Idu is Benin, Benin is Idu.

Let the legacies of Pa Idu be remembered by us all his children.
Pa Idu gha to kpere. Ise
Oba gha to kpere. Ise

Written by
Imasuen Amowie Izoduwa

Change of Biafra to Idu kingdom.

THE ORIGIN OF LAGOS

When Nigeria was governed on the basis of tribe Northern (Hausa), Western (Yoruba) and Eastern (lgbo) regions and the colonial Lagos older than Nigeria itself was being claimed as a part of the Yoruba Westem region, by virtue of its location and Yoruba origin with reference to its Benin (Edo) royalty as far back as late 17th century and the American and Caribbean ongins of the descendants of the Ologbowo and the Popo Aguda (Brazilian) returnees of the 1840s. of course, original Lagosians of the time challenged the Lagos belongs the West theory; successfully proved the independence of the old Lagos (gede be L' eko wa) not only
stopped the attempt to merge Lagos with Westem Nigena but also got Lagos State as one of the first twelve states of Nigeria created in 1967

Since 1967, cosmopolitan Lagos has moved from being the capital of Nigeria to a mega city of excellence which now sets the pace of political, social and economical development more than it has ever done in the past. This is because, the ongin of Lagos has been influenced by mot only the (Idejo) chieftaincy, the Benin (Edo) Oba Ado royalty, the civilized and educated Saro (Olowogbowo) and Brazilian (Popo Aguda) returnees of the 1840s, the Tapa (Bida/Nupe), the Black Americans and the Caribbean (artisans of the early 19" century Lagos). These lots constitutes the force that built up Original Lagos (Eko Akoko) before the cessation of the colony of Lagos to the British crown in 1861, long before the creation of the British protectorate of Nigeria in 1914.

The original Lagosians established family compounds and business centres as far back as early 17th century, e.g Iga Aromire, Iga Iduganran, and the agboles (compounds) of the four original settlements Isale Eko, Olowogbowo, Oko Faji and Popo Aguda. These settlements of Lafiaji/lkoyi, Ebute Meta/Yaba were added during the colonial days.

By virtue of the above stated, original Lagos (Eko Akoko) produced Nigeria’s first modern day professionals such as lawyer Sapara-Williams (1880), Doctor J. K. Randle, Engineer Herbert Macaulay, Journalist Kitoyi Ajasa, Chartered Accountant Akintola Williams e.t.c all of them from the early Olowogbowo settlements.

In my own opinion, those who fabricate the very recent theory that Oba Ashipa was a Yoruba from lsheri instead of a Benin Prince from the Oba of Benin (Edo State) were mischievously, politically motivated to historically confirm the story of politicians of the 1940s who claim that Lagos belongs to the West; Yoruba/West of the regional Nigeria. The then Lagos politicians of the Action group Party controlled Western Nigeria went as far as to claim that some well known families of Lagos originated from Oyo, Ekiti, Ijebu, Egba, ljesha etc. in order to qualify them for membership of the Western Nigeria house of assemble or the Nigerian senate needless to say some got their fingers burnt when they were challenged by indigenes of the cities claimed in the 1940s.

It is very ridiculous to hear some academic historians challenge the historical Igbe songs of our innocent ancient Oloris (wives) of the Royal Houses just to please their political masters. Their types have been earlier exposed by the scriptures.

May I however conclude this piece, by reference to the fact that ‘facts are sacred while falsehoods are Satanic and Perishable’.

As a direct descendant of Oba Akinsemoyin of Lagos, I feel obliged to write this piece on original Lagos (Eko Akoko) in order to confirm the history of Royalty in Lagos

Signed:

Ademola Oladega Akinsemoyin

An interesting perspective on Uhe and Oghene which have been long argued to have existed around the Niger-Benue confluence.

[/i]https://fb.watch/9wltvNkHDF/[i]

UMUAZEE:
An account of Benin wars in Akure and Ekiti lands.
This is true history..


"Overview of 19th Century Wars and Turbulence on Ado-Ekiti:
No part of Ekiti was spared the agony of imperialist invasions… The rampaging Benin armies sacked Ogotun, Aramoko, some subordinate communities of Ijero, Ado communities such as Are, Afao, Ugbo (now Ilu) Omoba and Agbado and settled a large percentage of the haul of captives therefrom in Ikere, their garrison post.
Benin armies constantly waged wars of external aggressions on Ekitiland and other communities in different parts of old Ondo State in their quest for territorial expansion and control, among others. A good reference point is the Ado-Ikere relations that resulted to Benin pillage and attacks on Ado-Ekiti on several occasion. Olomola (1984:2-3) noted that Benin armies invaded parts of Ado kingdom a few times between 1500 and 1815.. [/b]Olomola further asserted that the Ewi actually devise a strategy of evacuating his capital city so that the Benin armies would not disturb the Ewi and the rest of his people in their new site.
Odo which was, before the Benin invasion a town of considerable size, broke up as the people sought the safety of rocky and forest recesses and [b]Uyin and Igede lost part of their population in their fight against Benin in 1815.
The development of the Ado Kingdom was seriously affected by external invasion. These resulted in series of demographic upheavals with settlements constantly moved from one site to another. The most serious of these external invasions were by the "Edo" of Benin. They attacked and destroyed many settlements…in the Ado Kingdom… The Edos were invited by Ogoga, the third time the Edos were so invited to settle the quarrel between Ado and Ikere. The line of action they resolved to adopt was to bring all the villages under the ewi to Ikere, settle them there and in this way Ikere would be equal or even bigger than Ado. Ado would then be afraid of Ikere. The Benin soldiers came and sent words to the Ewi Aroloye… He refused to surrender. He did not in any way show that he was not ready for fight.
Every town or village under him (Ewi) except Ijan were prepared to fight… The Benin soldiers stormed Igbara-Odo and Ilawe and took them. At this time, Ado town had been vacated. Aroloye took the people to a place called Oke Oko Axis between Ifaki and Iworoko. Most of the gods Ado worshipped on that side: Olua at Eyio, Obanifon at Esure and Are, Ogbese and Orisala at Iworoko.

The soldiers pitched their camps near Uyin (Iyin)…Ogbesi Okun, the then Oluyin …was conquered and killed. They proceeded to Igede, Awo and Esure and took them. The inhabitants of Igede then uder Okiribiti were driven in a north-easternly direction to a place called Oke Asha…Edo troops then marched to Iworoko…The soldiers entered Are…The same fate befell Afao. They were all taken to Ikere. The soldiers moved to Igbemo …entered Igbo-Omoba (now Ilu-Omoba)…The soldiers left Aisegba for Agbado and without delay took it and evacuated the people. Agbado was the last place under the Ewi. With the conquest, of Agbado, the soldiers seemed to have finished their job…’

Ewi Idagunmodo (1696-1710), Ewi Okinbaloye Aritawekun (1710-1722), Ewi Amono Ola (1722-1762), Ewi Afunbiowo (1762-1781), Ewi Akulojuorun (1781-1808), Ewi Aroloye (1808-1836) who reigned at Ado but were attacked successively by Benin hordes

During the reign of Ewi Aroloye, Ado-Ewi’s kingdom witnessed massive dislocation across the terrain as town dwellers and villagers ran for safety in different directions. Many of the captives from Iworoko, Are, Afao, Ugboomoba (now Ilumoba) and Agbado were taken to Ukere by Benin invaders’.

This is not a battle, this is total defeat!!

Benin continously waged wars on her neighbours for territorial expansions, political influence and economic control earlier than the 1800s, there were several of such wars in the 1800s, the one you posted could be different from the Akure war of 1818.

gregyboy:
I have read benin history to an extent of understanding, and thankGod benin history was writing down by European that was only gift the Europeans could have given the benins to for their hospitality... To them...


Benins didnt just invade any territories without
Importance to that area the ika land was believed to have the native white chalk in abundance, and in other to control such vital resources, ika areas had to be occupied by force by the benins,

When benin conquers a territory they only sends down military commanders and few traders who were mainly chiefs, their wives and children were forbidden to go with them, to this new territories, these benin nobles occupying this new territories takes upon new wife's in the conquered territories and have children and the children and their mothers would be left behind if he returns back to benin,...


So to say, the ikas were original igbos, who later were mixed with benins, any benin man who is saying ikas were originally benin is egoistic and deluded, i am benin myself.... Even the esans were not originally benins, but were invaded by we benins and a full mass migration happened from benin to esan at a time that made them edo like...

We have to be more careful and thoughtful the way we look at these matters.

You authoritatively claim to be a Benin person.

My question is, what makes someone a Benin person?

1. Is it by birth, meaning anyone born in Benin irrespective of were their parents comes from.

2. Is it by being born into one of the Benin numerous families?

Starting from option one above, are you aware that there are established families in Benin that originally migrated from elsewhere.

Are children born to Benin people in diaspora less Benin than those born in Benin City?

During the days of empire, numerous Benin family migrated out of Benin just the way thousands have migrated to Europe and America in recent years. Are the children of these immigrants that migrated to Rivers, Imo, Anambra, Benue, etc in the olden days and recently to America and Europe, Benin.

Who then have the right to say someone is either Benin or not? If Wike in Rivers says his ancestors were Benin, who has the right to say he his lying, if Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe said his ancestors were Benin, who has the right to say he lied.

On classification of various ethnic groups, are you not committing the same error as those that thinks Benin people are yoruba by claiming that Ika were originally Igbo. Are you aware that numerous Ika people will be offended by such claim just the way you are offended when someone classify you as yoruba.

Why would you be offended when you are called a yoruba person, it's because Benin is much more older and established as an ethnic group to come under any newly formed name such as Yoruba, Benin has been in existence centuries before the word Yoruba came into existence.

Similarly, Ika is much older than the word Igbo, so if you wouldn't like to be call a yoruba, why do you think majority of Ika people wouldn't take offence when called Igbo. Mind you there are Edo people or some Benin people that wouldn't mind being called Yoruba just as there are Anioma/Ika people that identify with the Igbo identity , but these people are usually in the minorities and it's their right to identify with any ethnic groups they are comfortable with.

There is a post on Idu here on nairaland, the author said he is not Igbo, he is from Abia state, but his people were just classified as Igbo, if someone from Abia state can make such claims, why would you think Ika were originally Igbo.

To the average southerners, everyone in the North is Hausa/Fulani, to the average northerners, anyone in the south is either a yoruba or Igbo, to the average yoruba, you are either Hausa or Igbo.

To the average Igbo person, Benin is yoruba and the average yoruba sees Benin as Igbo.

Those of us interested in history should be more sensitive to the various ethnic groups in Nigeria and identify them the way they want to be identified. We daily fight those that call us yoruba and shouldn't be making the same mistake, Most Ikas don't identify as Igbo.

THE AKURE WAR OF AD 1818

After the success of the coup d’etat staged by Ezomo Erebor against the usurper, Prince Ogbebor, Erebors nephew, Prince Erediauwa returned from exile in Ewohimi in Ishan, and assumed his rightful office as Osemwende, the Oba of Benin.

As was customary, whenever a new Oba of Benin ascended the throne of his father, the Chalk of Good Tidings was sent to all the vassal potentates in the Benin Empire, informing them that a new Oba was on the throne in Benin City.

One of the ranking chiefs in the Iwebo Chancellery of the Palace, the Osague of Benin, was the Emissary entrusted with this Chalk of Good Tidings to the Akure monarch, the Deji of Akure. The name of the Deji was Arakale.
The day that the Osague presented the royal chalk at the palace of the Deji in Akure was suitably dressed as the benin chief of rank that he was, adorned with the ceremonial neck beads of the ikele, bead arm-lets and anklets, and the bead neck-choke of the odigba. He was thus regally resplendent, and his host, the Deji was filled with covetousness for these chiefly items of adornment.

Arakale accepted the Chalk of Good Tidings with joy, and prayed for the good health and longevity of the new Oba of Benin, and for peace and fruitfulness all over the Empire.

Later, in the Osague’s place of domicile, there at Akure, a little misunderstanding broke out between one of his wives he had travelled with to Akure, and a local tobacco seller, as narrated by J.U Egharevba in his “Short History of Benin”. It was suspected that Arakale himself had instigated the misunderstanding. The quarrel led to a fight, and the Osague came out from inside the house to lend some help to his wife. He was attacked and murdered in the fracas.
The Deji of Akure thereupon seized all the Osagues chiefly coral beads adornment.
News of the happenings in Akure reached Benin, that the Oba’s Emmisary had been murdered. The year was 1818.
War was thereupon declared upon Akure by Osemwende, and a punitive Expedition assembled for the task.

According to the fairly detailed account of the episode by J.U Egharevba three Benin war commanders, led by Erebor the Ezomo, were in charge of the Akure Expedition. The other two commanders were the Ologbosere and Imaran.
Let us quote Egharevba: “The Ezomo went by way of the Okearo approach to Akure. The Ologbosere by Okelisa, and the Imaran by Isikan and Isinkin. At Oke-Elegbin, a muile from Akure, Omonoyan, the captain of Artillery of the Ezomo’s troops, fired a canoon which ruined the house of the Deji, and the town was taken by assault”.

Compare the similar episode when the British Expeditionary Force, led by Admiral Harry Rawson, captured Benin City seventy nine years later, in February 1897. The cause of these two wars was similar: the killing of an Officer of the Government. This time around, it was the murder of James phillips, Head of the British Colonial Niger Coast Protectorate Government, by the Benin soldiery in Ugbine village on January 4, 1897, which was the immediate cause of the hostilities between Britain and Benin.

The cannon fired into Akure town by Omonoyan, a mile from Akure,
Helped in the capture of the town by the Benin troops, through the
demoralization of the Akure defenders – J. U. Egharevba.

Akure town was taken by assault. The ruler, Deji Arakale, successfully fled the fallen town. He sought refuge in Ado Ekiti, but was refused succor by the Ewi, the monarch of the town. So he went to Uju, and from there he went on to Uhen. The Uhen ruler, the Arinjale took him prisoner and returned him to the victorious Ezomo in Akure.

Of the three Commanders of the Benin army who undertook this campaign, only one, the Imaran, returned to Benin alive. The Ologbosere, on his return journey to Benin, died of natural causes, and was buried in Okemuen village, by the head-waters of the Orhionmwon river, near Ehor town. This was the same village where his descendant, Irabor, the Ologbosere of the “Benin Massacre” fame of 1897, successfully resisted the British occupation of the Benin territories for two and a half years after Benin fell, until he was wounded and captured there, in june 1899, by a full-fledged British Military Expedition named the “Benin Territories Expedition”, only a little less sophisticated in armament than the Expeditionary Force which had captured Benin City in February 1897.
Erebor the Ezomo, on the other hand, contracted Small Pox soon after he had achieved victory in the Akure war, and died before setting out to return to Benin City. J. U. Egharevba narrates that the Ezomo was then buried near Akure by his fellow War Chief, the Imaran, helped by Ezabayo, the Ezomo’s senior lieutenant. Ezabayo Street in Benin is named after this lieutenant.
But there is a famous Dirge, sung in the Ezomo’s palace by the Harem-women of Uzebu. The Dirge, or Ballad, tells the story of this 1818 Akure War led by Ezomo Erebor. The Ballad, sings about the War, and narrates that the remains of the Ezomo were returned to Benin for burial. Probably it was only an important part of the corpse, like the Head, which was returned to Benin for Burial.

UHUNMWUN EKPEN II WI Y’OHA
“The head of the leopard is never left abandoned in the jungle!”

Excerpt from “EREDIAUWA: Prince of Benin” by Aisien Ekhaguosa

Compiled by Imasuen Amowie Izoduwa

As can been seen from the treaty, the Alaafin has always been the king and head of the yoruba people. The Ooni was politically elevated in the 1900s.

Isusugbaghada:
Isusugbaghada was one of the magician that lived and worked for Oba Ewuare the great just like the great Esan magician Okpota

Isusugbaghada was a very powerful man who worship the deity Okhuaihe and at this period there nothing like Oba n ikhuen as the title was created by Oba Ewuare

Reason..

As it's known in old Benin, when an individual becomes too powerful he will be restricted from seeing the Oba for security reason

2) the title Was to thank him for service rendered

Till today the Oba of Benin and the Oba n ikhuen only see each other once in their life time ( ie the Oba most visit the palace of the Oba n ikhuen ) before ascending the throne for fortification purpose and after that they are not permited to see again in order to follow the existing principle set by Oba Ewuare

This current Oba also did it and previous Oba also did it that's when you will hear people saying that will be visiting Evekoi today

Evekoi as a word actually means "deep secret or strong words" and the Oba of ikhuen is an Oba with function only to the Oba of Benin

If not for these today's society, there are individuals that are not permitted to just enter Benin like that eg
Oba n ikhuen
Ohen olokun urhonigbe
Ohen ukoni
Ohen olokun ughoton Asonmwenriri


I greet you bro

I already commented before I saw this. You are on point.

Benin history is so exciting when the researches are done by Benin themselves.

I was also looking at the reasons why the Iyoba or Queen mother palaces were traditionally stationed in lower Uselu outside of the old Benin city proper, I believe someone did a research on the old addresses of Iyoba Palaces along the Uselu Lagos Road. While most of these Iyoba palaces no longer existed, the traditional council should erect plaques with brief inscriptions in these locations.

The Iyobas were also allowed to have her own chiefs.

We are drag here and spend so much time debunking lies about our history instead of writing our own.

Nice one, it's about time the Benin start to write their history. Another nail in the coffin of those that keep claiming that the oba of Benin is yoruba. The Benin culture and monarchical system is very unique and uncomparable to none in Nigeria, although there are several imitations.

Name of crown princes are also carefully selected.

I believe there are actually three other traditional personalities that are forbidden to enter the city of Benin after coronation of an Oba.

macof:
samuk you are not bright
that screenshot was not evidence that any guinness book of records mentioned the wall of benin. I posted the screenshot to show you that it is a popular claim that the wall of benin is mentioned by the 1974 Guinness book of records as the largest earthworks prior to the mechanical era. but the claim is a lie, as i have the 1974 edition of the Guinness book of records and there is nothing about benin or any such category as "largest earthworks prior to the mechanical era"
i expect you to show me evidence that the guinness book of records mentioned the wall of benin but you cannot because there is no such guiness book of records. It is just another Bini lie

this has nothing to do with my conversation with you, stick to the claims you made here


please show me the form of evidence presented for Obaseki being of Anioma origin that doesn't exist for Oba of benin being of Ife origin

One of the uniqueness of Benin is that it's built around family structures.

The families makeup in the old Benin empire was very well structured. They all have their individual morning greetings. This morning greetings served as identification for each of the families, the names of the various families can be deduced from the greetings. These greetings also carries other vital information about the families such as the village/Town/area/quarters of Benin they came from or once controlled in the old Benin empire, the greetings also carries any significant historical achievements by the family, like those that were known for killing elephant, etc, this is why Benin family greetings usually take long between greetings and the responses because of the bit of history being told especially by elders that know Benin history, this is one of the ways various family history were preserved. So we are very clear were every family comes from.

The oba family morning greetings is Lamogun to which the response will be Umogun Oza, amongst others, signifying that the family was originally from Oza not Ife. The names of Benin crown princes are carefully chosen, the name of the current crown prince is Ezelekhae, does this sound yoruba to you?

The average Benin person doesn't care were the oba family came from originally, the problem is lack of evidence to support Ife. Most established families in Benin came from various places, there are well established families of yoruba origin, Igbo origin, Ijaw origin, Anioma Origin, Orhobo origin, etc. Tribalism is not an issue in Benin but the content of your character. If we don't have issues with Obaseki coming from Anioma what makes you think we will have issues with oba coming from Ife, but you have to prove it. The Benin empire was far more than present day Benin.

Agho Obaseki family history is relatively recent being that the man lived and served during the reign of oba Ovonramwen and he died about 122 years ago, their family history is not 800 years history shrouded in myths.

Those whose ancestors were dumped here by the British after the end of slave trade, will not understand or appreciate the nature of Benin family greetings as I have just explained.

The Benin are not the ones that made the claim that the Benin moat was the largest man made structure on earth before the mechanical era, they couldn't have made such calculations or know about other similar structures on earth. It was European experts who made the claim. This is a fact that even feature in European television quiz programmes as presented below.

As for the actual year it entered the Guinness book of records, you can send them a written request for clarification or confirmation.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bY_7TFiZ8Sk

macof:
how do you know there is no record of him having more children in Ife?
how much of Ife history have you studied? can you name some of your trusted sources and informants? you can say you are too ignorant to know any more of his children not that there are no records.

lol. how is the ooni junior to the oba of benin when the first oba of benin is a son of the 3rd Ooni of Ife and grandson of the 1st Ooni?
are you aware that Ginuwa - First Olu of warri was the first son of Oba Olua? So are you saying the Oba of benin after Olua are junior to the Olu of warri because the first son lineage of an early oba traces to the Olu of warri?

also please don't chnage the topic, provide evidence of the wall of benin being the largest earthworks according to the guiness book of records. I see you are trying to derail

You are asking me to provide the evidence which you agree is all over the internet which you even provided a snapshot.

Again, Benin have nothing to do with Ife, there are no historical records to back such relationship existed before 1897.

The Oba of Benin belongs to one of the numerous families that ruled the land from prehistoric times. The oba was just first amongst equal before power was concentrated in the hands of the Umogun Oza family which is the family of the oba of Benin, but not without a fight from other families of which the most notable is the ogiamien family. Nobody came from Ife.

Unless you want to tell us the meaning of the name of the oba family and other related titles in yoruba.

Please tell us the yoruba meanings of:

1. Umogun
2. Uku
3. Oza

Mind you, Oza nogogo speaks a variant of the Edo language similar to Ika language, you can see why the Oba of Benin have more chances of being Igbo than Yoruba.

Blame you sister TAO11 for damaging the Benin/Ife fairytale. I warned her with the way she was going about it, today, no one is convinced. Even you and her are completely deflated and now have your doubts .

macof:
Lol. and what makes you think there are no ruling houses in Ife that are solely paternal? what makes you think the female alaafin ever had any of her descendants become alaafin after her?
there is no basis for this your conclusion

you did not mention the edition but the claim is a popular claim and the edition credited as the source of that claim is the 1974 Guinness book of records
which i have digital access to. Please do well to provide evidence of any edition of the guinness book of records stating the walls of benin are the "largest earthworks prior to the mechanical era"

here is just one article, there are numerous of such articles on the internet, i'm sure you have read some of them
https://thisisafrica.me/politics-and-society/african-marvels-the-walls-of-benin/

Whilst I am not in the mood to start debating the Oduduwa fairytale with you, but as the story goes, Oranmiyan was supposed to have come to Benin and gave birth to the oba of Benin and then moved to Oyo and gave birth to the Alaafin of Oyo, there is no record of him having more children in Ife, the Ooni was just the chief priest that took care of the gods and shrines in Ife. Even if Oranmiyan have had other children after he left Benin and Oyo, these children would have been juniors to both the Oba of Benin and Alaafin of Oyo.

The oyo throne have been occupied by women obas which makes the oba of Benin the authentic bloodline back to Oranmiyan.

Before you start to get excited, we all know that the Oduduwa story is a myth with no historical foundations.

macof:
You guys making me laugh seriously

Same benin that up until Ohuan brothers succeeded each other until the youngest brother? And from Ohuan, who died without an heir other branches of the royal family (cousins, nephews etc) produced the king until Ewuakpe??
Is it this benin you are talking about?

Interesting how you didn’t need eye witness historical evidence for Obaseki having Anioma origin
Aint that double standard


The claim that the benin wall was “the world's largest earthworks carried out prior to the mechanical era” is a popular one… but the fact that dismantles this claim is that the 1974 Guinness book of records, which is claimed to be the source of this information never had such a category
I have a digital copy of the 1974 book… neither “wall of benin” is mentioned nor any category like “largest earthworks”

And if any edition of the Guinness records ever had a legitimate entry, it wouldn’t be taken out even in subsequent future editions until the record gets broken

Bini miscreants will believe anything as long as it massages your fragile ethnic ego

No one can become an oba in Benin without being a Prince carrying the blood of an oba, women are not allowed. In yoruba land, women have been obas in the past with their children becoming contestants to the thrones.

If Oduduwa existed, the Oba of Benin remains the only authentic bloodline back to Oranmiyan.

The extent of the Benin wall or moat is world acknowledged. As for you having a copy of the 1974 Guinness book of world records, you all always claim to always have copies of various books but when challenged for evidence, you retort to insults. It's a well known tactics by you guys. Besides I never mentioned the edition of the Guinness book of records in my post you responded to.

After over 300 years of slavery when Europeans and Americans were made to believe that the black man was nothing more than an animal who lack creativity, the exhibition of the Benin Bronzes in London in 1897 was the first time for over 300 years of slavery that the white man knew that the blacks were more than commodities to be traded like goods and animals.

The Benin Bronzes showed to the world that the black man was capable of great creativity and greatness, is the current Nigeria being ruled by Hausa/Fulani/Yoruba showing the world that we are capable of greatness?

Where was Benin empire in the 16th,17th and 18th centuries compared to the most advanced societies of the world. Where is Nigeria today compared to most advanced societies of the world.

Europeans have been visiting Africa long before they arrived Benin in the 1400s, but Benin was only one of two or three places they could called a city in th whole of Africa and the only one in west Africa. Benin was already acclaimed a city 600 years ago.

Show me where Nigeria is in the world today.

UGBE634:
What they don't understand is that the Igbos have more claim to this stool than even the Yorubas, that is what I have told them that the changes is holistic and it is because of her neighbours not because of one nigga coming from Ife, there is Igbo sounding names in far away Orhiowmon, there is Igbo sounding quarters in Benin city, and there is also Igbo sounding word even in the Oba of Benin's title. Even my Enogie' Ugo that is 82 kilometres away from Benin city feature the same traditional title as the Obi of Onitsha traditional title

I completely understand the political angle of why the oba of Benin subscribed to the Benin/Ife story, it makes the oba of Benin the only direct heir to Oduduwa.

All other yoruba thrones can't make the same claim because yoruba traditions claimed that women served as Obas on these thrones at various times and most yoruba thrones are selected from ruling houses, they do not adhere to the strict requirement of father to first son as it is in Benin, so if Oduduwa existed, the Oba of Benin is the only direct heir.

Since millions of yoruba sees Oduduwa as their progenitor, the Oba of Benin with an unbroken line of successions since Oranmiyan is their most authentic representative of Oduduwa bloodline.

When you view Oduduwa story from this political angle, it's not so bad, but we must also know our history.

Benin/Ife connection is mostly political. If Igbo researchers and historians were to research Benin oral history, they will be shocked by their findings. This is why I don't doubt the claims of migrating from Benin by various communities in Igbo land.

The Igbo angle in Benin history is very suppressed in favour of the Benin/yoruba political relationship and yoruba academics were the first to start writing and appropriating Benin history to themselves.

Some people view history from a supremacy perspective rather than looking at the evidence. If there are historic evidence that linked Benin to Ife most of us wouldn't have any issues with it. Like you said, the Obaseki family is a well established Edo family despite their great grandfather coming from the Anioma part of Old Benin empire, there are other similar families in Benin. We don't have any problems with this, but what we will not take or tolerate is lack of evidence to support claims being made.

The old Benin empire was built by talents from all over the place, the Benin administrators were very smart people who always seek and invite talented people into the city to help with empire building. Nigeria controlled by the so call majority tribes is yet to archive what the old Benin empire archived.

Under the old Benin empire, they created a monument that was once adjudged the largest man made structure on earth by the Guinness book of world records, the empire artistic creation is still a marvel of the world and perhaps the largest collection of Africa artefacts in Western museums, only comparable to ancient Egypt.

Nigeria has not made similar impact in the world because tribalism rather than talent and excellence is more important to the major ethnic tribes.

UGBE634:
1. those inevitable changes are there because of her neighbours and the changes in this sense is holistic.
2.that the Edo majority on ground completely assimilated whatever migrations we received.
3. it is not about your emotions now, it is about what is right
4.it is also for a fact that the migrations we received were holistic, the ones from Anioma were Even more than the ones we received from the yoruboid groups
5. that you should know that whatever yoruboid trait you observe in Bini city is The same in other Edo towns around for it is the mudafucking the same thing( this explanation is making me sound senile because it is not the way we see ourselves save for deranged yorubas,
that whatever migrations she got is inevitable and holistic and is so inconsequential to qualify her as mixed. we got even more from Anioma areas and yet Bini is so different from Yoruba and Igbo. Take for example, Ogbe where the Oba's base is a word we share with the Igbos, (maybe borrowed from them) The Uku in the Oba's title means great-a word we share with the Igbos and maybe even borrowed from them.

The Lavbieze title was created because of the first Igbo Iyase we had in the 16th century from Onicha Olona, we have The Obaseki family of Igbo descendants in Bini.we have several others, though there are other families who greet it too but it was created mainly because of the the Iyase from Onicha Olona

That it was founded on Benin and Yoruba ancestry is debatable, it is not certain at all, The word Ubini is an ancient Edo word for beautiful people

Igbo sounding names features more prominently in Benin ora history compared to Yoruba except for eastern yoruba of Ekiti, Owo, etc.

Anyone familiar with Benin oral history about the great wrestling contests in ancient times would have noticed the Igbo sounding names of some of the great wrestlers from Ugo, Isi, urhonigbe and other towns in Orhionwon.

The question is whether these names were ancient Edo names which those that migrated from Benin during various times took with them to the east or these were Igbo people that migrated to Benin in ancient times.

Yoruba that make so much noise have less mention in Benin ancient oral history and traditions compared to those with Igbo sounding names.

Maybe the yoruba should tell us if these names sounds yoruba:

1. Iken
2. Ugo
3. Udo
3. Izu
4. Eken
5. Uku
6. Oka
7. Okoro
8. Eze
9. Ukor
10. Agboghidi (traditional title of Obi of Onitsha)

Agboghidi was also the traditional title of the Enogie of Ugo in Orhionwon in ancient times.

Etc.

macof:
lmao
simple question the op asked.. who has more political influence?. Nothing in this long rant filled with so much inaccuracies addresses "political influence"

The Ooni is a politically appointed chief priest AKA spiritual leader for few yoruba people who are neither Muslim or Christians. That's all he is. The position didn't exist before 1824.

There are no bases for comparison between the Oba of Benin and the Ooni. It's that simple. One is a political appointee whilst the other is the true king.

Tinubu who is another south West politician has more influence than most, if not all yoruba obas but Tinubu is not an oba, Tinubu will still have to show respect to these obas just the way the Ooni will show respect to the oba of Benin.

1. Ooni position is a political position which is open to be contested by numerous so called princes and it always goes to the contestant with greatest political godfather or highest bidder.

2. The people don't currently know who will be the next Ooni until the demise of the current one and the position opens up for contestation.

3. Ooni is akin to a political spiritual leader of the yoruba which is selected to mediate between the yoruba people and their gods.

4. The Ooni is nothing more than yoruba politically appointed chief priest.

King's, monarchy are born, not politically appointed by politicians.

Benin monarch can only be compared to the British monarchy.

Benin monarchy, like the British monarchy, the heirs to both thrones are known from birth. Their birth are always announced to the people with pop and pageantry.

Benin monarchy can only be compared to the British monarchy and other similarly established world monarchies.

There are no bases to compare the Oba of Benin to the Ooni, they are not in the same class.

The Oba of Benin is a born king, the Ooni is an appointed political chief priest of his people.

The Ooni and Ife is a Nigeria local affairs whilst Benin and Oba of Benin is a world affairs.

There are over 7000 Benin Bronzes all over museums across the world that daily teach the world the history of Benin.

Millions of people of all races across the world daily lean about the great Benin empire from over 7000 Benin artefacts serving as Benin ambassadors in their various locations across the world.

Just go online and see the world coverage on the return of the Benin Bronzes in just the last one year and tell me any other Africa king with similar world media exposure and coverage.

The Oba of Benin and Ooni are not in the same class, the Oba of Benin is a historically recognised world class king since the 1400s while the Ooni is a yoruba politically created spiritual leader/chief priest since the 1800s.

It's an insult to the Benin throne to compare it to the Ooni or any other throne in Nigeria.

Historically, the Oba of Benin is more than 400 years older than the Ooni who has no mention in any historic book until the 1800s. The eyewitness historical verifiable accounts of Benin and Oba of Benin dates back to the 1400s, mind you the monarchy was already well established before the 1400s, but the 1400s was when eyewitness written accounts began.

No matter the greatness of America, it will always be under Britain historically.

No matter the greatness of yoruba, it will always be under Benin historically. The realisation of this bitter truth is whilst some yoruba have been trying to appropriate Benin history and Oba of Benin as yoruba since the late 1800s.

Within the south West, the verifiable eyewitness history of Benin controlled Lagos is over 200 years older than verifiable eyewitness historical accounts of Ife.

The verifiable eyewitness historical accounts of Benin established warri monarchy is centuries older than that of Ife.