Benin Expedition 120 Years On

This year 2017 marks 120 years ago when the Benin Punitive Expedition by the British took place.

The Benin-Expedition-120-years-on website presents events as they happen daily in real time.

The website consists of comprehensive accounts and analysis of events leading up to, during and after the expedition of February 1897. Newspaper clips which show reactions in Britain to the Benin Massacre of January 4 1897 and the subsequent plans of the British Admiralty for revenge are published in real time.

Both internal and external links on the website present a rounded history of the Benin Kingdom. 

http://beninexpedition120yearson.weebly.com/beninpunitiveexpedition

This is a website worth reading through. 

Oba Ewuare II

Oba Ewuare 11 coronation speech as the

40^th Oba of Benin Kingdom

Thursday 20^th October 2016

Full transcript

Today marks the end of activities described by custom and tradition for my ascension to the revered throne of this ancient kingdom. I accept with faith and humility the destiny which ordained that henceforth I shall be the embodiment and the expression of culture and aspirations and history of our people.

As the principal actor in the event of several months that led to this position, I have had the unique opportunity to reflect on the values and essence of our historical continuum. What royalty represents to our people are justice, peace and unity. These ideals shall be reawakened and be sustained in the dispensation that will soon unfold.

The time tested, rancour free succession process bequeathed to us in our customs and tradition is a great tribute to the far sightedness and wisdom of our fore-fathers and our people. This collective achievement is a veritable proof of our ability to manage our own affairs. It makes us very proud of our heritage.

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, let me begin by paying deserved tribute to my illustrious father, Omo N’oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Erediauwa, CFR, who joined his ancestors after 37 years of glorious reign. With all due modesty, I must admit that as a son and heir, that I enjoyed and benefited from his fatherly love and wisdom more than anyone else. His visionary leadership, courage and dedication to our cultural heritage ensured that the legacies of several century were preserved. He was a true symbol of our cultural identity. Throughout his reign, his palace was a warm and welcome home for all who had need for good counsel, guidance and material assistance. Traditional rulers from far and near consulted him for clarity on touchy issues. Or to resolve a vast range of socio-cultural problems. Ethnicity, religion and social status were no barriers to reaching him for advice and support. He was a good and caring father to us all. He led our common cause with dignity, tact and wisdom. In the community of royalty, he was exemplary and hence he was revered throughout this kingdom and beyond. Though for him, our culture and tradition was his priority but he was open to new ideas and respectful of progress made through social and scientific innovations. Time constraint will not allow me to give full account of all my father’s achievement or the benefit his reign brought to Benin Kingdom, our state, our country and indeed, humanity.

Our responsibility for us now is daunting, but I am confident that with the blessing of God Almighty, the love and support of my family, my people, Nigerians in general and my friends in the international community, we shall succeed in this mission of building upon the legacies of our fathers.

Let me crave your indulgence to also make few remarks about my late mother, Princess Eghiunwe Akenzua of blessed memory, who passed on to the great beyond in 1976, when my father was still the Crown Prince. It was my dear mother who taught me to work hard for success in everything I set my mind upon to achieve. Circumstances and act of faith did not allow her to enjoy the status of a Queen in her life time. But she was a Princess in her own right. By my coronation, today, she is now entitled to be bestowed with the title of Iye Oba (Queen Mother). Which customs allow us to confer posthumously. This will be consummated at the appropriate time.

History also reminds us of the importance of the present time which is the only opportunity we have to take the different and too often fragmented components of our collective past to prepare the foundation for a unifying and collective future.

A long line of succession of kings in the Kingdom known as Benin, started in the 12th century by modern recording. There may be some different views about the origin of some of our ancestors, but there is unanimity in the shared heritage between the people of Benin and lle lfe in identifying Oduduwa as a forebear of kingship in many kingdoms in some part of Africa and the part called Nigeria today. Historians all agree that Oduduwa sent his son Oromiyan at the request of elders of Benin to return to them as ruler of their realm. Oromiyan staying in Benin may have been short, but before he left, a child was born to him, who was later crowned Oba and he is known today as Eweka the 1st. Oromiyan’s time in Benin, however short-lived, he was an Oba and so he was the first Oba after the Ogiso dynasty came to an end. He established Obaship in Benin, by implication the listing of past Obas should therefore begin with Oromiyan as it is listed in the line of Obas. This actually made my revered father the 39th Oba of Benin, if the listing is counted from and should be counted from Oromiyan. I therefore stand before you today as the 40th Oba of Benin. A direct descendant of Oromiyan, the son of Oduduwa who the Benin people of that era knew as Ekharaderan, their self exiled prince who later became   ruler in IIe Ife, the Benin people recognized Oduduwa and his origin but it is not in our place to force this recognition on others outside our boundaries. The history of the world, is a shared one and there will certainly be unexpected connections in future.

This is a time for unity and not divisiveness’. A time for mutual respect, recognizing that our wholeness as equals is so much more than the sum of our parts.

Now, what does the new dispensation hold for us? The Oba remains the channel through which the powers of the ancestors continue to guide and protect the kingdom and its people.

To that extent, we shall faithfully discharge this sacred responsibility, we shall pay due attention to all manners of all our customs and traditions, focusing on real issues of security of our communities and welfare of our people.

We shall carry out our reforms in palace administration in order to be adequately responsive to our people’s sincere and deep longing for justice, equity and stability.

Using culture as unifying factor, we shall strive to ensure that conflicts are resolved between individuals, families and communities along the principles of social justice.

We shall use cultural diplomacy as a veritable tool for the promotion of harmonious relationship with our neighbours far and near.

I also strongly advise my Benin people, we should strive to maintain our culture, especially our language by insisting on its use in communicating with our children and each other.

You will agree with me that the Benin empire which encompasses part of Lagos, across to Asaba, even to the then Dahomey, has now reduced to one state. To survive, it is imperative that we maintain our culture which is now the only unifying force for our people. Our culture and tradition remains the grand main factor that the entire country and the international community respects us for. And I appeal to our Benin people to uphold and respect our traditional institutions at all times. I employ government to also include Edo language and Benin history in our schools curriculum.

We shall forge links with other traditional institutions here in Nigeria, in Africa and beyond. We must especially acknowledge how honoured and gratifying we are to have in our midst today, representatives of monarchs from other parts of the world. The Zulu King in South Africa, the Kabaka of the Kingdom of Bugunda, as well as the Queen of England and the monarchs of Sweden, Denmark and Norway are all represented in this event by the Ambassadors of these countries.

I hope this will provide an opportunity to strengthen contacts and build linkages and will compliment and enhance excellent bilateral relationships that already exist between our countries.

We shall uphold and maintain the principle of neutrality and none partisanship in political party activities.

While our people remain free to play politics in the political party of their choice, we shall however continue to pray for and always support the right kind of political leaders who will safeguard the welfare of our people, provide for their basic needs and who will accord due recognition to the traditional institution.

We will initiate a cultural renaissance that will focus on tourism promotion, through arts and craft.

To drive this initiative, we have already established two purpose vehicles, namely the Benin Royal Family Trust, in collaboration with the Benin Traditional Council has established an office in Igun, Iguewon quarters to enhance the productivity of the bronze casters.

The Benin Royal Academy for performing arts will train youths and develop their talents. They will reach out to international choreographers in different parts of the world for the purpose of transforming Benin dance into an international brand.

Through this initiatives, we hope to attract tourism to our land and provide jobs for our teeming youths.

We shall also support efforts to build partnership and seek international assistance for the restoration of Benin monuments including revival of the creative and artistic talents of the Binis, which are already globally acknowledged through our rich artifacts.

It is pertinent at this point to express our deep concern about poverty and the rise in crime and juvenile delinquency in our society. The problem is both a consequence, and it is aggravated by wild spread youth unemployment.

The solution will require a well-articulated and structured youth development and empowerment programmes with active support of government at all levels.

We shall partner with government to attract domestic and international resources for the establishment of clusters of agro based industries in each of our seven Local Government Areas. In this regard, the transformation of Gelegele into an export processing zone. Agro allied industries shall remain one of our major projects in the state.

With the support of the Federal Government, we shall join forces with government at all levels and other well-meaning individuals in pursuing poverty alleviation strategies which will be driven by the Royal Dynasty Trust.

We will also partner with relevant government agencies to pursue programmes for the preservation of our forest endowment. To this end, we will establish a prize for the local government in Edo state that is best in annual tree planting competitions.

Today is an important day for us. It marks a turning point in our lives. We will therefore do two important things to mark this day.

First, to honour the memory of our illustrious father. We establish today Oba Erediauwa Annual Lecture series. For this, the sum of N10million will be invested in a Trust Fund and the proceeds will be used to support an annual well researched work on any subject in Benin history, public administration or Edo language.

Secondly, we will unveil a new crest which states my motto, meaning no reward without industry.

Finally we appreciate your presence here today especially those who have supported us in various ways. We remain grateful to the multitude of people who lined the roads everywhere we passed and all those who worked tirelessly to ensure the success of this event. The show of support and affection for me in particular each time I step out of any outdoor traditional activity since I was initiated into Ewebo up till now has been very amazing.   

Remembering Oba Ovonramwen

It is 100 years ago today.

Read this: http://kingdomofbenin.weebly.com/oba-ovonramwen-interview.html

Commemorating Oba Ovonramwen Poem 4

Oba Ovonramwen the Great was the last king of the old Kingdom of Benin. He was disposed of by the British in 1897 after their punitive expedition. He died in exile on Tuesday 13^thJanuary 1914. These weekly poems commemorate him.

Oba Ovonramwen

Oba Ovonramwen, 
Selfless leader,
Determined, strong, 
History maker, 
History keeper,
Heritage defender,
Great military leader,
Guardian of traditions,
Role model for all ages. 

Source: http://kingdomofbenin.weebly.com/oba-ovonramwen-poems.html

Commemorating Oba Ovonramwen Poem 3

Oba Ovonramwen the Great was the last king of the old Kingdom of Benin. He was disposed of by the British in 1897 after their punitive expedition. He died in exile on Tuesday 13^thJanuary 1914. These weekly poems commemorate him.

Poem 3

After the Punitive Expedition

After the Punitive Expedition; after the burning, 
After the looting, terracotta figures, ivory and bronze plaques,
Sold off in England and France, Germany and America too,
Museums, private collections, it has become quite a narrative;
Sold here, sold there, auction here, auction there, 
Scholars and visitors to museums, say ‘cheese!’
'That is my history you know;', you hear everywhere,
Museums, private collections, it has become quite a narrative;
After the Punitive Expedition!

http://kingdomofbenin.weebly.com/oba-ovonramwen-poems.html

Commemorating Oba Ovonramwen Poem 2

Oba Ovonramwen the Great was the last king of the old Kingdom of Benin. He was disposed of by the British in 1897 after their punitive expedition. He died in exile on Tuesday 13^thJanuary 1914. These weekly poems commemorate him.

Poem 2

Oba Ovonramwen

Oba Ovonramwen,
Was not enticed by
Promises of overseas education,
Of rich presents,
Cameras and all;
Definitely not the occupiers’ friendship;

Rather he,
Demanded his country’s dues,
Defended his people’s sovereignty,
Sent soldiers to protect his borders,
Defended his country 
To the last soldier standing.

 The British,
 Sent a punitive expedition
 Against his country
 In 1897 
 At great expense to themselves;
 Did exile, Oba Ovonramwen the Great!

Source:  http://kingdomofbenin.weebly.com/oba-ovonramwen-poems.html

Commemorating Oba Ovonramwen Poem 1

Oba Ovonramwen the Great was the last king of the old Kingdom of Benin. He was disposed of by the British in 1897 after their punitive expedition. He died in exile on Tuesday 13^thJanuary 1914.  These weekly poems commemorate him.

Have you heard it tell?

Have you heard it tell that:
His Majesty Oba O’s country 
Was abundantly rich in, 
All manner of natural resources,
Rubber, cocoa, cotton, palm kernel and more. 

Have you heard it tell that:
His Majesty Oba O’s country
Received annual tributes from 
All neighbouring countries;
Yams, fabric, palm wine, kola nuts and more.

Have you heard it tell that:
His Majesty Oba O’s country
Had many elephant tusks;
Everyman gave one to the king,
Kept the other for himself.

Have you heard it tell that:
His Majesty Oba O’s country
Grew rich in ivory; 
Oba O stacked ivory in his storerooms,
Instead of selling them to make money for himself.

Have you heard it tell that:
His Majesty Oba O’s country
Used ivory and imported expensive metal,
To record their history
For future generations to learn about. 

Have you heard it tell that:
His Majesty Oba O’s country
Was vandalized by some savages;
They ransacked the storerooms
Taking all that history with them.

Have you heard it tell that:
His Majesty Oba O’s country’s
Crafted history in ivory and bronze,
Are in museums all over the world
For all generations to come. 

Have you heard it tell that:
His Majesty Oba O  died
One hundred years ago;
That he will be remembered
For generations to come.

Have you heard it tell; 
On January 13th  1914.
Oba Ghato, Okpere;

Long Live the King

Ise!

Source:  http://kingdomofbenin.weebly.com/oba-ovonramwen-poems.html