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Edo State

State of Nigeria

  • 12 min read
  • 16 chapters
Mountains in Ososo, Edo state.
Hadassah Photostorie group · CC BY-SA 4.0

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The modern borders of Edo State encompass regions that were formerly the site of various empires and kingdoms of the second dynasty formed in the 11th century AD, the Benin Empire. The ancient city of Edo, the site of modern-day Benin City, was home to some of the largest earthworks in the world. In 1897, the British Empire conducted a punitive expedition and invasion of the region, destroying most of the ancient city of Edo and incorporating the territory into what would become the Southern Nigeria Protectorate.

Edo State is a diverse state that is predominantly inhabited by the Edoid people, including the Edo (or Bini), Esan, Ora, Akoko-Edo, Owan and Afemai people and Igala people among others. The most common Edoid language spoken is the Edo language, which is commonly spoken in Benin City. Christianity is one of the dominant religions in Edo South. It was first introduced to the region by Portuguese missionaries during the 15th century. Islam, on the contrary, is the dominant religion in Edo North and traditional religions are also practised across these Senatorial districts of the State.

History

The Mid-Western Region was a division of Nigeria that came into being in 1963. It was formed in June 1963 from Benin and Delta provinces of the Western Region, and its capital was Benin City. In 1967 when a new 12-state structure was introduced, the region transmuted into Midwest State, remaining territorially intact. This nomenclature lasted until the territory was renamed Bendel state in 1976.

During the Nigerian Civil War, the Biafran forces negotiated for a passage (in agreement for the Independence of Benin kingdom or Republic of Benin) in the new Mid-Western state, en route to Lagos, in an attempt to force a quick end to the war. While under Biafran occupation, the state was declared as the "Republic of Benin" as Nigerian forces were to retake the region. The republic collapsed a day after the declaration as Nigerian troops overtook Benin City. Edo State was established on 27 August 1991 when Bendel State was split into Edo and Delta States. The traditional political organization of the Edo people is expressed in a three-tier age group system that cuts across kin groups and make age, rather than line-age affiliation, with criterion of authority. Benin city itself is organized on the basis of age-grades similar to those of the villages as well as on the basis of wards and chiefs, both hereditary and non-hereditary, serving the Oba in specialised functions. The Oba is the focal point of the Benin political system and institution is based squarely on that of divine kingship.

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