The land area now known as Edo state, located in what is called south-south part of Nigeria or the Delta region, has a long history of civilization. It is partly what remains of the once powerful and famous imperial Benin kingdom one of the most powerful Africa Empires during 15th and 16th century. The body of water called the Bight of Benin and Dahomey the former French colony now called Republic of Benin derived their names from the famous imperial Benin kingdom. According to Seo Ogbonmwan "they acknowledges that we were Benins and lived in Benin City long before them hence they visited the palace of our Oba in Benin City for consultation before their name change in 1975 from Republic of Dahomey to the People's Republic of Benin".
The Benin Empire authority and influence spreading to the coast of Benin republic, the Niger delta, the north west of Niger River and Onisha in the east. Benin City now serving as the headquarters of Oredo Local Government Area and the capital of Edo state was the power-house, seat of government and the capital of the ancient Empire .It's also the origin and ancestral home of all the descendants of ancient Benin kingdom.
The Edo people pride themselves on their wealth of history and civilization. The arts of Benin Kingdom are global brand. Benin artifacts are among the most exquisite and coveted in world's history which represents the earliest civilization among black specifically Africans.
The Benin Kingdom is the fourth earliest known civilization recorded by historians, archaeologists and anthropologists. Although Benin Empire rise and fall like all great Empires lost it imperial powers it survived attacks and occupations even when many could not. According to the eminent Benin writer Naiwu Osahon "The spendour of Edo civilization continues to this day to astound and exited the world. Benin artifacts are among the most exquisite and coveted in world's history and the kingdom of Benin remains famous for its sophistication in social engineering and organization. The Benins Obaship institution is still one of the world’s most revered apart from being one of the most ancient". The ancient kingdom was able to bring together modernity and tradition in perfect harmony a formula that has worked magic for more than a century; after the fall to the British forces in 1897AD.
Exactly how, if, where or when the Edos migrated to this region is hard to establish. As Prince E. Eweka put it "No one is really certain about the exact origin of the Edo people whose origin appears to have been lost in myths and legends of the distant past". What is not in doubt is that Linguistic evidence suggests that this land area have been occupied by the Igodomigodo {Edo-speaking groups} for thousands of years and Edo {Benins} civilization has grown over a period of some 6000 years if not more. The Edo language is part of the Kwa-Niger group of languages according to Linguist.
Edo State is the home and cradle of arts, culture and bronze casting as well as wood works in Africa. The state is showered encomiums for its splendour, excellence and creative art works in addition to its fame of being the tourist’s delight and investor’s destination, tinged with the traditional Edo hospitality. The people are enlightened, warm and friendly ever willing to help. Edo state, 18 Local Government Areas also has a wealth of both natural and cultural heritage. Strolling through picturesque historical villages or enjoying an excellent meal with tradition dishes are reason enough to come to the region. The state's sprawling tourism assets-ranging from cultural tourism, eco- tourism, historical tourism, sports tourism to economic tourism.
Benin kingdom/Edo State has become a year-round tourist attraction. Thanks to the many inland and riverside tourism option available to visitors. More than one hundred major festivals are celebrated in the state between January and December every year. Almost three hundred and sixty-five sunny days a year and an average temperature of 18 degrees are guarantee that each corner of the state will be wonderful to visit throughout the twelve months of the year. With an endless list of tourist activities you can be sure that your holiday to Benin kingdom/Edo state will be an unforgettable memory
Edo State Facts:
The State Name: Edo State of Nigeria {The Heart Beat Of The Nigeria}
State capital: Benin City
Government: Republic
Demonym: Edolite
Executive State Governor: Adams Aliu Oshiomhole
Deputy State Governor: Pius Egberanmwen Odubu
Chief Justice: Cromwell Osamwonyi Idahosa
Speaker of the House: Victor Edobor (APC)
Administrative Structure:Presidential/Federalism; Federal, State, Local Govt.
Land Area: 19,794 km2
Language: Edo, pidgin English, English {official}
Ethnic Configuration: Benins, Akoko-Edo, Etsako, Ishan and Owan
Population: 3,218332 {2006 National Census}
Electricity: 240v 50Hz
Weights & Measures: Metric
Currency: Naira
phone code: +234 {Mobile Phone Line} +234-52 {House Phone Line}
Religion: Predominantly Christians Followed By Traditional Religion And Islam
{Based On Freedom Of Worship And Separation Of State And Religion}
Date Created: 9th August 1963 Split into Edo & Delta on 27th August 1991
Vaccination: As in all tropical countries visitors to Edo state have to be vaccinated against yellow fever and meningitis. Malaria tablets are highly recommended.
Ancient Benin kingdom {Edo Nation}Facts:
Name:Benin Kingdom {Edo Nation}
Form Of Government : Monarchial System
Demonym: Benins
Brand : The Benin Arts {Global} Home to the oldest church in Nigeria
Royal Colour: Ododo {Red}
Kingdom Capital : Benin City
The Monarch & Spiritual Head : Oba Erediauwa
The Senior Queen Eson N' Erie} OIoi Osarugue Erediauwa
Second in Command & the kingdom Prime Minister : Chief S.U.Igbe
Crown prince : Eheneden Erediauwa {Edaiken of Uselu}
The Four cardinal Chiefs{Ikadele}:Igbe, Edebiri, Igho-Osagie & Ozibo-Esere
Head of Royal Defence Forces: Edogun (Ceremonial)
The Chief priest : Isekhure
Head of the Royal police Forces,Land and Infomation:Okavbiogbe{Ceremonial}
Head of the Royal Brozen Casters: Ine Nigun
Head.of keepers of royal regalia and wardrobe: Uwangue
Head of royal household and worker: Esere
Head of the Royal carvers: Eholo
Head of the Royal Bards: Odionwere
Language: Edo, pidgin English, English{Official}
Religion : Predominantly Evangelical Christians and Traditional Religion
Ethnic Configuration: ( The Igodomigodo {ancient}) (Edos)( Benins)
Land Area: 10,956 km2 (Estimate)
Population: 1.6 Million (Estimate)
Date Created : More than 6000 years (Linguistic evidence suggests)
Imperial period: 1440AD-1897AD
Post-Imperial: Fall to the British forces in 1897AD
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Ancient Benin kingdom {Edo Nation}Facts:
Name:Benin Kingdom {Edo Nation}
Form Of Government : Monarchial System
Demonym: Benins
Brand : The Benin Arts {Global} Home to the oldest church in Nigeria
Royal Colour: Ododo {Red}
Kingdom Capital : Benin City
The Monarch & Spiritual Head : Oba Erediauwa
The Senior Queen{OIoi}: Osarugue Erediauwa
Second in Command & the kingdom Prime Minister : Chief S.U.Igbe
Crown prince : Eheneden Erediauwa {Edaiken of Uselu}
The Four cardinal Chiefs{Ikadele}:Igbe, Edebiri, Igho-Osagie & Ozibo-Esere
Head of Royal Defence Forces: Edogun (Ceremonial)
The Chief priest : Isekhure
Head of the Royal police Forces,Land and Infomation:Okavbiogbe{Ceremonial}
Head of the Royal Brozen Casters: Ine Nigun
Head.of keepers of royal regalia and wardrobe: Uwangue
Head of royal household and worker: Esere
Head of the Royal carvers: Eholo
Head of the Royal Bards: Odionwere
Language: Edo, pidgin English, English{Official}
Religion : Predominantly Evangelical Christians and Traditional Religion
Ethnic Configuration: (The Igodomigodo {ancient}) (Edos)( Benins)
Land Area: 10,956 km2 (Estimate)
Population: 1.6 Million (Estimate)
Date Created : More than 6000 years (Linguistic evidence suggests)
Imperial period: 1440AD-1897AD
Post-Imperial: Fall to the British forces in 1897AD
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