Nigeria, a geographical entity located in West Africa, is the most populous Black nation in Africa and the world, according to available statistics. But before coming together as a single entity, as known today, it was an association of connected but distinct nations.

Nations that were self-determined, self-organized, and self-governed. Among these nations are the Benin kingdom (Igodomigodo), the Oyo empire, the Hausa/Fulani Emirate system, the Ndi Igbo traditional system headed by Ezes (kings) and Okpalas, and so much more.

All of these systems were so well-formed and operational that one would wonder if colonialism was ever a necessity in the territories. They based operational rules on customs, traditions, and religious beliefs. There was no formal written constitution, but rules and regulations were so well defined that they needed little or no judicial interpretation.

Of these great systems, these lines written in pen will be centered on the Benin kingdom (Igodomigodo). Located south of Nigeria, precisely in the capital city of Edo State (Benin City). It is a land with a rich history, respect for culture and tradition, and a land that reveres her king, traditionally called the OBA.

The kingdom got the name Igodomigodo during the Oba Ogiso era (Ogiso, king of the sky). With time, Igodomigodo became known as Ubini. When the Europeans (Portuguese) first had contact with the people and found it difficult to pronounce Ubini, they settled for Benin. Over time, this name gained widespread international acceptance.

Today, the Benin kingdom is renowned for its brass and ivory artwork (including plaques that frequently depict rulers and their families), sophisticated city planning, a rich cultural heritage, and a resilient monarchy. Despite British colonization, the Oba of Benin remains a symbol of cultural pride and continuity, playing an advisory role in modern Nigerian governance.

The Benin kingdom, before the heart-wrenching invasion by the British on the 18th of February 1897, led by Admiral Harry Rawson, was a wonder to behold: her military prowess and loyal men. The kingdom had a powerful military, which enabled it to expand its territories and protect her interests, even beyond the territory today known as Nigeria.

As a result of this military expansion and rich natural resources, the kingdom boasts of thriving trade and commerce. It was a major hub for trade, with connections to Europe, Asia, and other African societies. Her advanced arts and craftsmanship were renowned for their exquisite brass and ivory work, including intricate plaques, masks, and statues. These beautiful artworks were so majestic that British soldiers leaped for joy as they moved these priceless possessions to foreign museums after the invasion.

It's worthy of note that bronze casting is still one of the most sacred and esteemed businesses in the kingdom today. It's heavily predominant at the heart of the kingdom in a community named Igun. The Benin kingdom pre- and post-British invasion is identified as a kingdom with rich, deep, and vibrant cultural and traditional values...with a strong emphasis on art, music, and storytelling.

To the average Edo man, culture is life, and for peaceful spirit, soul, and body existence, one must honour culture and tradition. This is why a good number of her Music and stories centre around morals, culture, and tradition, and this is passed from one generation to another. There is also a strong centralized government headed by the Oba (king). The kingdom was and still is a well-organized administrative system, which allowed the Oba absolute power and authority.

The king was more like God; as a matter of fact, the people believed he was a representative of God on earth, and actually, that is who he is. It is commonly said among the Bini’s that "Aisagbon rhio Oba," you don't get to earth before aspiring for kingship or becoming a king, as practiced in some traditional systems.

The Oba, in the case of the Bini, is ordained by divinity (Osa nu’dazie). Before the first son of a sitting Oba is born, he is already accorded a kingship honor. And it goes from generation to generation. This hereditary system is what makes the Benin kingdom very special; no cogent meeting is needed to elect or decide who is to be the next king. The king is known even before conception takes place. This flow gave the Oba much regard and honour among his esteemed chiefs (uzama), who were themselves powerful leaders. Among them are:

  • Oliha: the most senior uzama responsible for crowning the Oba

  • Ezomo: the senior war chief or general and one of the wealthiest and most influential uzama

  • Ero: the guardian of the north-western gateway to the city

  • Iyase: the prime minister and commander-in-chief of the ancient Benin kingdom's military

  • Oloton: the keeper of the shrine of uzama, responsible for special sacrifices at the naming of the Oba's eldest son

  • Edaiken: the heir apparent to the Benin throne held by the Oba's eldest son.

Again, the kingdom was known for her sophisticated urban planning. Benin City, the capital, was a well-planned metropolis with wide streets, impressive walls, and advanced infrastructure. The Benin wall, for instance, also known as the Benin moat or Iya, is an ancient earthwork built by the Edo people of the Benin kingdom.

Constructed between the 9th and 15th centuries, it is said to cover an estimated 16000 kilometers. It is considered one of the longest man-made structures in history. Surpassing the Great Wall of China in length. Built with clay and materials like laterite, it served as a defensive fortification, protecting the Benin kingdom from external threats.

The Benin wall is a testament to the ingenuity and organizational skills of the Edo people, showcasing their advanced engineering and architectural capabilities. Some historians even say that the British, among other immediate factors, destroyed the Benin wall and the entire kingdom out of jealousy and fear that if left, it could be a great weight within the British colony.

A kingdom that could resist the British soldiers, killing hundreds of them in battle, that was so structured and organized with die-hard followers. Who were loyal to the point one could literally say they worshipped the king. This was indeed a kingdom that posed a great threat to the British and their expansionist agenda. Some other historians said, "Some of the British soldiers confessed that the city was more organized and more beautiful than the city of London."

Today, the Benin wall is no more as it used to be, but the kingdom is standing strong as ever. The British rule is no more, but the Oba still sits on his throne at the city center.... The war is over, but the tale will live on for as long as humans exist.

Forever, the Benin kingdom still stands strong as one of the most honored kingdoms on earth. That is why the Edo man will say, "Edo gha s’oghomwan, Edo odion; Edo gha we aro ghe, Edo wá i odion.” This means an Edo man is honored both at home and abroad—wherever an Edo man is located, he is given a leader's honor. A land with a king who is king indeed. The present Oba, born Prince Eheneden Erediauwa, sits on his majestic and divine throne as His Royal Majesty, Omo n'Oba n'Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Oba Ewuare II.

Oba gha to kpé é! Isee. Long live the King...So shall it be.