26/09/2021
AMAZING FACTS ABOUT THE ANCIENT BENIN EMPIRE
The Benin Empire of Nigeria was one of Africa's greatest empires. It comprised modern day Edo State, Delta State, Ondo State, Lagos State, Ekiti State, Rivers State and more. It had ties with Onitsha.
In 1485, Portuguese explorers were marveled by the development of the Benin Empire, calling it the "Great City of Benin".
It had hundreds of interlocked cities, Street lights powered by palm oil.
The Great Walls of Benin, the world's longest ancient earthworks and largest man-made structure. They were 4 times longer than the Great Wall of China.
Britain destroyed them in 1897 during their invasion out of jealousy.
Britain also burnt down hundreds of villages and cities in Benin. They also looted hundreds of priceless artifacts that will be returned this year after 124 years.
It had street lights, paved roads.
Binis named Lagos "Eko". Binis used Lagos as a military camp, after conquering the Awori settlement in the 16th Century
Idumota, Idumagbo, Isale Eko, Idunshagbe, Obayan-Ede (Obalende), Idumu, Asogbon (Ashogbon), Agidingbi, Agege, Idi-Uloko (Idi-Iroko), Idi-Ahaba (Idi-Araba), Eti-osa, Abule-edo, Abule-egba are all originally Bini terms.
The Oba of Lagos and his Chiefs give salutations to Oba of Benin during chieftaincy ceremonies.
The first Oba of Lagos, Ashipa and Olu of Warri, Ginuwa were Bini Princes.
Benin Republic is named after Benin.
Binis didn't impose their language on people. Only a certain group of Binis were allowed to speak Bini.
There is a lot of similarities between Edoid languages - Urhobo, Bini, Isoko, Itsekiri, Esan, Owan.
Issele-Uku, Delta State was founded by Binis under Oba Eweka I in 1230.
The first Ogie of the Kingdom was Prince Uwadiaie, the 2nd son of Oba Eweka.
Oba of Benin used to crown the Obi. Now he sends Chiefs.
The King of Issele-Uku, Obi Nduka Ezeagwuna visited the Palace of the Oba of Benin to pledge his allegiance to him in 2017.
He grew up in Benin. His dad also received guardianship from Oba Erediauwa.
