Benin Kingdom

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Welcome to class! 

In today’s class, we will be talking about the Benin kingdom. Enjoy the class!

Benin Kingdom

The history of Benin can be classified into two periods – the period of Ogiso dynasty (9th – 12th century A.D.) and the period initiated by Eweka 1 (13th – 19th century).

The Ogiso period

The Benin Kingdom was founded during this period the unification of Benin Kingdom. Other gains of this period are the formation of the monarchy and chieftaincy system. Owodo was the last of the Ogisos and he was followed by two republican leaders; then Oranmiyan era and later Eweka I (son of Oranmiyan).

Socio-political system of Benin

• The Oba was at the apex of the ladder.
• The first son of the Oba succeeds him.
• There was a centralised government led by Oba.
• Assisted by Uzama Council – Kingmakers.
• Council of Chiefs.
• Town chiefs and provincial governors.
• Vassals pay tributes to the Oba.
• No standing army, but the Oba can recruit able-men to the ad-hoc army when needed.

The economy of Benin

Benin economy was based on agriculture, hunting, crafts and trade. They were subsistence farmers producing crops like pepper, palm-oil and palm-kernel. They were also skilled craftsman producing ivory carvings, bronze and brass casting.  Benin acquires her revenue from trading (with the Yorubas and the Europeans) as well as royal revenue.

The warrior kings of Benin

• Ewuare the great:

Ewuare the great was one of the greatest kings of Benin. He was a reputable warrior and his army conquered 201 towns and villages and brought them under his dominion. He raised the Benin Kingdom to the status of an empire. Ewuare reigned between 1440 – 1473.

• Oba Ozolua (1481 – 1504):

Oba Ozolua consolidated Ewuare’s work and expanded the frontiers of the empire to Ijebu Land. He received the Portuguese and established trade and religious links with them.

• Oba Esigie (1504 – 1550):

He was a great Oba. He was dynamic and diplomatic. Oba Esigie promoted trade, Christianity, education and brass casting during his time. He gave the national honour award to a person who deserved it.

Internal problems and decline of Benin kingdom

The Factors responsible are:

• The civil war between the Etsako and Ishan peoples led to their defeat by Nupe.
• Succession dispute between Adolo (son of Oba Osemwede) and Ogbewekon (a rival claimant to the throne).
• The insecurity of life as a result of slave raiding.
• The hostility of the British traders on the coast.
• Revolts and secession of vassals e.g. Eko, Ekiti etc.

The Jukun

These people are called the kwararafawa; while the Jukun state which had its base near Ibi on the Benue, is also known as kwararafa.

Early history:

The leader of the Jukun ancestors called Agadu, came to the Benue zone through Kordofan another tradition of origin claims that the Jukun together with the Kanuri came from Yemen through Wadai to Ngazaragamu, down south-wards to Benue area. Yet another tradition named Jukun as one of the Hausa bastard states.

Socio-Political organization of Jukun

1. The Aku (Kind) was surrounded by taboos.
2. Assisted by the council of Chiefs led by Abo.
3. Each province under a chief, surrounded by religious personnel.
4. Religious activities (cult rituals) played a vital role in Jukun Society led by priests.
5. The provinces had their cults.

• The rise of the Jukun

Factors responsible:

1. Strong military and commercial base (16th – 17^th century).
2. Slave trade and agriculture improved her economy.
3. Jukun conquered many states as vassals that paid tributes to her e.g. Zaria, Kano (1582 – 1618), Idoma, Igbira, Igala, Nupe as well as Calabar.

• The Decline and Fall

Reasons for the Fall:

1. Jukun was weakened by the superior military tactics and might of Borno.
2. Attacks from the Chamba and Fulani Jihadists in the 19th century.
3. Abolition of the slave trade – on more profit.
4. Dynastic struggles among the Jukun princes.

General self-evaluation

1. Origin of the Benin and Jukun kingdom
2. Socio-political structure
3. Factors that led to the rise and fall.

Assignment

Write short notes on the following

1. Ewedo
2. Ewuare the great
3. Oba Esigie

 

In our next class, we will be talking about Non-centralized state.  We hope you enjoyed the class.

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