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Oba Oguola
Oba Oguola was a ruler of the Benin Kingdom, reigning from 1280 AD to 1295 AD. His reign was marked by achievements in fortifying the city of Benin, enhancing its defenses, and contributing to the cultural and economic development of the kingdom. Born into the royal family, Oguola's ascent to the throne was prompted by the extended absence of his elder brother, Prince Obuobu, who was engaged in military campaigns. This unorthodox succession was a pragmatic decision by the kingdom's elders and advisors to ensure stability and effective leadership during a critical period. Oba Oguola's commitment to the Benin Kingdom's welfare and security was evident in his initiatives to fortify Benin City, including the construction of the first and second moats. These moats, characterised by their impressive size and strategic design, served as defensive barriers to protect the city from external threats. Furthermore, Oguola played a role in the revival of the ancient guild of brass casting i ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Oba Of Benin
The Oba of Benin is the traditional ruler and the custodian of the culture of the Edo people and all Edoid people. The then Kingdom of Benin (not to be confused with the modern-day and unrelated Republic of Benin, which was then known as Dahomey) has been and continues to be mostly populated by the Edo (also known as Benin ethnic group). In 1897, a British military force, of approximately 1,200 men, under the command of Sir Harry Rawson, mounted the Benin punitive Expedition. The force dispatched in retaliation to the ambush of a British party, at Ugbine village near Gwato, on the 4th January 1897, by a group of Benin soldiers, acting without orders from the Oba; the ambush had led to the deaths of all but two of the British party. The British force captured the capital of the Kingdom of Benin, sacking and burning the city while forcing the Oba of Benin, Ovonramwen, into a six-month exile. The expeditionary force consisted of both indigenous soldiers and British officers b ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Benin Moat
The Benin Moat (), also known as the Benin Iya, or Walls of Benin, are a series of massive earthworks encircling Benin City in Nigeria's Edo State. These moats have deep historical roots, with evidence suggesting their existence before the establishment of the Oba of Benin, Oba monarchy. Construction began around 800 AD and continued until 1460 AD, involving large-scale manual labour and the repurposing of earth from the inner ditch to build the outer berm. Some traditional sources claim that these earthworks spanned approximately , enclosing about of land, but very little remains today. The Benin Moat served as defensive structures, with Rampart (fortification), steep banks and a berm to deter invaders. Access to the city was controlled through Ancient gates of Benin Kingdom, nine gates. Today, remnants of the moats can still be found in Benin City, although Urbanization, urbanisation and Territorial dispute, land disputes pose challenges to their preservation. Recognised for ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
