The kingdom of Benin | History for Year 6 PDF Download

Who started the kingdom?

The Kingdom of Benin emerged in the 900s when the Edo people settled in the rainforests of West Africa. Initially, they lived in small family groups, which eventually united to form a kingdom called Igodomigodo. This kingdom was governed by a series of kings known as Ogisos, meaning "rulers of the sky."

How did the Obas come to rule?

In the 1100s, the Ogisos lost their grip on Igodomigodo, causing the Edo people to fear disorder. They sought help from their neighbor, the King of Ife, who sent his son, Prince Oranmiyan, to restore stability. Oranmiyan appointed his son Eweka as the first Oba, or ruler, of Benin. By the 1400s, Benin had grown into a prosperous kingdom, with the Obas residing in ornate palaces adorned with brass decorations.

How did Benin become an empire?

Around 1440, Oba Ewuare ascended to the throne and transformed Benin into an empire. He strengthened the military, reconstructed Benin City, and rebuilt the royal palace. Ewuare was the first of five notable warrior kings, each contributing to Benin's expansion:

• Oba Ewuare: Established hereditary succession, ensuring the throne passed to the reigning king’s heir.
• Oba Ozolua: Reputed to have triumphed in 200 battles.
• Oba Esigie: Extended the empire eastward, annexing territory from the Kingdom of Ife.
• Oba Orhogbua: Expanded the empire to its greatest extent, stretching beyond the River Niger in the east and reaching modern-day Ghana in the west.
• Oba Ehengbuda: Focused on quelling rebellions led by local chiefs.

Obas Ozolua and Esigie fostered trade with Europe, dealing in goods like ivory, palm oil, and pepper, which brought immense wealth and enabled the buildup of a formidable army. After Oba Ehengbuda's death in 1601, the Benin Empire began to decline in size.

How did Benin become part of the British Empire?

By the 1800s, Benin’s power waned, and it faced pressure from Britain, which sought control over its valuable resources, such as palm oil and rubber. The Oba attempted to cut off all contact with the British, who demanded trading rights. In 1897, a group of British officials tried to visit Benin during a religious ceremony and were turned away. Ignoring this, they proceeded, only to be repelled by Benin warriors, resulting in several British deaths. Infuriated, the British launched an invasion with over a thousand soldiers, burning Benin City to the ground. Consequently, the Kingdom of Benin was absorbed into the British Empire.