BENIN – SS1 Nigerian History Lesson Note (Second Term)

Benin was a kingdom whose history falls into two periods: the Ogiso dynasty (9th to 12th century A.D.) and the period begun by Eweka I (13th to 19th century). It was ruled by an Oba, lived on agriculture, crafts and trade, grew into an empire under warrior kings, and declined through internal problems.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• state the two periods in the history of Benin;
• describe the socio-political system of Benin;
• explain the economy of Benin;
• identify the warrior kings of Benin and their achievements;
• list the factors that led to the decline of the Benin Kingdom.

What happened in the Ogiso period?

The Benin Kingdom was founded and unified during this period. Other gains of this period were the formation of the monarchy and the chieftaincy system. Owodo was the last of the Ogisos and he was followed by two republican leaders. Then came the Oranmiyan era and later Eweka I (son of Oranmiyan).

What was the socio-political system of Benin?

1. The Oba was at the apex of the ladder.
2. The first son of the Oba succeeded him.
3. There was a centralised government led by the Oba.
4. The Oba was assisted by the Uzama Council (the kingmakers).
5. There was a Council of Chiefs.
6. There were town chiefs and provincial governors.
7. Vassals paid tributes to the Oba.
8. There was no standing army, but the Oba could recruit able men into an ad-hoc army when needed.

What was the economy of Benin?

The Benin economy was based on agriculture, hunting, crafts and trade. The people were subsistence farmers producing pepper, palm oil and palm kernel. They were also skilled craftsmen producing ivory carvings, and bronze and brass castings. Benin acquired her revenue from trading (with the Yorubas and the Europeans) as well as royal revenue.

Who were the warrior kings of Benin?

1. Ewuare the Great (1440 to 1473): He was one of the greatest kings of Benin. He was a reputable warrior and his army conquered 201 towns and villages and brought them under his dominion. He raised the Benin Kingdom to the status of an empire.
2. Oba Ozolua (1481 to 1504): He consolidated Ewuare’s work and expanded the frontiers of the empire to Ijebu Land. He received the Portuguese and established trade and religious links with them.
3. Oba Esigie (1504 to 1550): He was a great Oba. He was dynamic and diplomatic. He promoted trade, Christianity, education and brass casting during his time. He gave the national honour award to a person who deserved it.

What caused the decline of the Benin Kingdom?

The factors responsible were:

1. The civil war between the Etsako and Ishan peoples led to their defeat by Nupe.
2. A succession dispute between Adolo (son of Oba Osemwede) and Ogbewekon (a rival claimant to the throne).
3. The insecurity of life as a result of slave raiding.
4. The hostility of the British traders on the coast.
5. Revolts and secession of vassals, for example Eko and Ekiti.

Evaluation

1. Name the two periods in the history of Benin.
2. Who assisted the Oba in governing Benin?
3. State three economic activities of the people of Benin.
4. What did Oba Ozolua achieve during his reign?
5. List three factors that led to the decline of the Benin Kingdom.

Assignment

Write short notes on Ewuare the Great and Oba Esigie. Then list any three features of the socio-political system of Benin.