NIGERIA TO THE WORLD: A Look At The Benin (Bini) People

So, let’s talk about the Benin people of Edo State. These folks are the proud descendants of the legendary founders of the Benin Kingdom, tracing their roots back to Ogiso Igodo himself. They live mainly in Edo State, Nigeria (no surprise there, since the state is literally named after them), especially in seven southern local government areas.

Now here’s the fun part: the name “Benin” wasn’t even theirs originally! The Edo word was Ubini, which means “livable.” The great ancestor, Pa Idu, used it to describe the area when they settled there after moving from Lower Egypt. But then came the Portuguese traders around 1485, and well… let’s just say their tongues weren’t ready for Edo pronunciation. They twisted Ubini into Bini, then into Benin. And just like that, a new name stuck.

The Edo people aren’t in isolation, though. They’re closely connected to cousins like the Esan, the Etsakọ, the Isoko, the Urhobo, and a few other neighbors. Basically, it’s one big family reunion across southern Nigeria, all tracing history back to the heart of it all—Benin City.

Now, about their monarchy—it’s royalty with serious rituals. The king (Oba) always passed the crown to the eldest son, but only after he buried his father properly and completed elaborate rites. Skip the rituals? Well that’s as good as saying bye to the crown. Once crowned, the new king became divine. Here’s the twist, he becomes so divine, that his own mother (now given the powerful title Iyoba, Queen Mother) was sent to her palace in Uselu and could never see her son again. Now let’s just say that’s Downright heartbreaking.

Now, if there’s one thing the Edo people are famous for besides royalty, it’s their style. Nah they didn’t come to paly! Fashion here isn’t just about clothes, it’s a cultural statement. Picture this: men in crisp white shirts, draped with bold striped wrappers, coral-beaded caps, or sometimes sleek black hats. Add a carved walking stick, and you’ve got serious “distinguished chief” vibes. Women? Absolute showstoppers.Velvet or lace wrappers tied just right, coral-beaded capes (Ewu-ivie), dazzling coral necklaces (Ivie-uru), beaded handpieces(Ivie-obo), earrings, and even coral-beaded handbags (Ekpa-ivie). Every detail screams elegance, royalty, and tradition. Weddings and coronations basically look like runway shows — just swap Paris Fashion Week for Benin City. But there’s more to Edo culture than crowns and beads. Their spiritual life is just as rich. At the center is Osanobua, the supreme creator—merciful, timeless, and almighty. His children each rule their own domains: Olokun controls the waters and wealth, Ogunlooks after metalworkers, and so on. Offerings and shrines are their way of staying connected with the divine.

And let’s not forget the art! Edo art is legendary. Oh, the art! Edo craftsmanship is world-renowned. The Benin Bronzes — those stunning plaques, masks, and sculptures — tell stories of kings, gods, and history. One of the most iconic pieces is the ivory mask of Queen Mother Idia, symbolizing power, resilience, and beauty. Sadly, many of these treasures were looted during colonial times and are now scattered across museums from London to New York, but they remain living symbols of Edo creativity and resilience.

So, when you think Edo, think ancient royalty, legendary art, bold fashion, and a people who know how to blend tradition with flair. Their story isn’t just Nigerian history — it’s world history, told in coral beads, bronze, and centuries of legacy.

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