Benin City Ring Road also referred to as Kings Square or

Oba Ovonramwen Oba or OBA may refer to: * Oba (king), a Bini and Yoruba title for certain royal rulers * Oba (orisha), a spirit who is prominent in various Traditional African religions and Afro-American religions * Ōba, a Japanese surname * '' Oba: The Last S ...

Square is a circular road in

Benin City Benin City is the capital and largest city of Edo State, Edo State, Nigeria. It is the fourth-largest city in Nigeria according to the 2006 census, after Lagos, Kano (city), Kano, and Ibadan, with a population estimate of about 3,500,000 as of ...

, the capital of

Edo State Edo, commonly known as Edo State, is a state located in the South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria. As of 2006 National population census, the state was ranked as the 24th populated state (3,233,366) in Nigeria, However there was controversy ...

, Nigeria. It spans approximately 25 kilometers and has been a vital component of the city's transportation network since its establishment in 1976.

History

The history of the Benin City Ring Road is closely tied to the city's urban development and transportation network. In the 1970s, as Benin City grew rapidly, addressing traffic congestion became a priority. The concept of the Benin City Ring Road emerged as a solution. The road network in

is often compared to a spider web, radiating from the Oba palace at Kingsquare. Some of the world's longest straight roads connect to the city center from destinations like Abeokuta, Warri, Okene, and

Onitsha Onitsha ( or just ''Ọ̀nị̀chà'') is a city located on the eastern bank of the Niger River, in Anambra State, Nigeria. A metropolitan city, Onitsha is known for its river port and as an economic hub for commerce, industry, and education. ...

. The Benin City Ring Road, one of the world's largest roundabouts, serves as the nexus connecting

to other parts of Nigeria. Originally an open space, it now links major roads leading into the city. All major roads leading into the city converge in front of the Oba palace and are interconnected by circular roads, including 1st, 2nd, 3rd East Circular roads, and West Circular roads. Some of these circular roads are among the world's longest. Ring Road Benin City

The Ring Road is a commercial hub and central traffic intersection for major arteries such as Akpakpava, Airport road, Sapele road, and Forestry, extending into adjoining districts. In the pre-1897 era, the Ring Road Island was part of the Royal Palace and, at one point, hosted a British fort and barracks.

Route and features

Benin City Ring Road encircles the city center, providing a convenient bypass for travelers seeking to navigate around the central district. It connects major thoroughfares, including and , ensuring easy access to residential neighborhoods and commercial areas while avoiding congestion in the city center. Notable landmarks along the route include

Oba Market Oba or OBA may refer to: * Oba (king), a Bini and Yoruba title for certain royal rulers * Oba (orisha), a spirit who is prominent in various Traditional African religions and Afro-American religions * Ōba, a Japanese surname * '' Oba: The Last Sa ...

, a historic and bustling trading hub, and the

University of Benin Teaching Hospital University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) is a premier and multi-specialty healthcare service provider in West Africa. The hospital is located in Ugbowo, Benin City and was established on May 12, 1973 following the enactment of an edict ...

, an essential healthcare institution serving both residents and the surrounding regions. Additionally, the Ring Road Market thrives as a commercial center, benefiting from the road's strategic location.

References

{{Reflist Ring roads in Nigeria