51-563: Edo , officially known as Edo State , is a state in the South-South geopolitical zone of the federal republic of Nigeria . As of 2022, the state was ranked as the 22nd most populous state (4,777,000) in Nigeria. The estimated state population is around 4,777,000 in 2022. Edo State is the 22nd largest State by landmass in Nigeria. The state's capital and largest city, Benin City , is
102-449: A good ruler. He died after a long reign and was succeeded by Ere , his eldest son. A battle for power soon erupted between the wife of the last Ogiso and prince Ekaladerhan, son of the last Ogiso . Prince Ekaladerhan was framed by his father's wife and sentenced to death. The men sent to kill him, however, released him at Ughoton . The exiled prince made his way to where he changed his name to Izoduwa, meaning "I have found prosperity". It
153-571: A plurality of votes in the highest number of local government Areas. English is the official language of the state. The major tribal languages spoken in the state are Edo , Etuno , Etsako , Esan , Ake-Ievbu and Okpamheri . Edo State is home to several ethnicities, they are the Edo , Okpe , Esan , Afenmai , Akoko , Igbanke , Emai . The Etsako/Afemai people of Edo state have the highest population of Muslims. They live in Six local government areas within
204-481: A significant number of communities and individuals were left homeless because of city flooding. At the time, residents and the city blamed poor storm drains and a failure to continue flood adaptation programs. The city, on average is .5 degrees Celsius warmer than the surrounding rural areas, and these temperature differences are greater during the working weeks. A 2021 study published in Nature , highlighted that
255-472: Is -0.68% lower than Nigeria's averages. Edo typically receives about 183.49 millimeters (7.22 inches) of precipitation and has 265.91 rainy days (72.85% of the time) annually and at an elevation of 239.16 meters (784.65 feet) above sea level. With Benin City as capital, the population of the entire state is approximately 5 million. It is made up of four major ethnic groups ; namely Edo (Binis), Owan , Esan and Afemai ( Etsako & Akoko Edo ). However,
306-592: Is also the home of one of the oldest ongoing monarchies in the world. Various festivals are held in Benin City yearly to celebrate various historic occasions and seasons. Benin City has a popular festival called the Igue festival . The festival is an annual event held in the city to usher in the new year. The festival is an integral part of the culture of the people in Benin City (formerly referred to as Benin Kingdom or
357-522: Is little doubt that human sacrifices were an integral part of the Benin state religion from very early days," first-hand accounts regarding such acts often varied significantly, with some reporting them and others making no mention of them. The " Benin Bronzes ", portrait figures, busts and groups created in iron , carved ivory , and especially in brass (conventionally called "bronze"), were looted from
408-486: 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. Edo state has a Tropical wet and dry or savanna climate with yearly temperature of 28.78 °C (83.8 °F) and it
459-670: Is served by Benin Airport with flights to Abuja, Kano, Lagos and Port Harcourt. States of Nigeria Nigeria is a federation of 36 states, each of which is a semi-autonomous political unit that shares powers with the federal government as enumerated under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria . In addition to the states, there is the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), in which
510-525: Is situated approximately 40 kilometres (25 mi) north of the Benin River and 320 kilometres (200 mi) by road east of Lagos . It shares boundaries with major towns in Southern Nigeria such as Agbor, Oghara and Ekpoma. Benin City is very rich in agriculture and it's the centre of Nigeria's rubber industry, and Palm oil production is also a significant industry. The city was
561-575: Is the dominant religion in Edo State. It was first introduced to the region by Portuguese missionaries during the 15th century. Islam and traditional religions are also practised. The Mid-Western Region was a division of Nigeria from 1963 to 1991, formally known as Bendel state from 1976. It was formed in June 1963 from Benin and Delta provinces of the Western Region, and its capital
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#1732765670610612-458: Is the legislative body. The electoral system of each state is selected using a modified two-round system. To be elected in the first round, a candidate must receive the plurality of the vote and over 25% of the vote in at least two -third of the State local government Areas. If no candidate passes threshold, a second round will be held between the top candidate and the next candidate to have received
663-561: The Church of Nigeria under Archbishop Cyril Odutemu (2020) includes the Diocese of Akoko-Edo (2007) led by Bishop Jolly Ehigiator Oyekpen until he died 2022, the Diocese of Benin (1962) led by Bishop Peter Imasuen (2004), the Diocese of Esan (2000) led by Bishop Gabriel Elabor (2020), the Diocese of Etsako (2007) led by Bishop Felix Unuokhe Olorunfemi , the Diocese of Oleh (1999) led by Bishop John Usiwoma Aruakpor (2012), and
714-484: The Constitution of Nigeria . At the state level, the legislature is unicameral , with the number of its members equal to three times the number of legislators it has in the Federal House of Representatives . It has the power to legislate on matters on the concurrent list. At the state level, the head of the executive is the governor, who has the power to appoint people to the state executive council, subject to
765-695: The Diocese of Sabongidda-Ora (1993) led by Bishop Augustine Ohilebo (2004). Tourist attractions in Edo State include the Emotan Statue in Benin City, Ise Lake and River Niger Beach in Agenebode , Etsako-East; Mike Akhigbe Square at fugar , Ambrose Alli Square, Ekpoma , River Niger Beaches at Ilushi , BFFM Building at Ewu , Obiemen lake in Agua Irrua, Igun Bronze Caster at Igun Street in Benin City, College of Agriculture and Aqua Culture Technology, Agenebode, Okpekpe with its hills and scenes and
816-558: The King of Portugal sent Christian missionaries to Benin. Some residents of Benin could still speak a pidgin Portuguese in the late 19th century. Many Portuguese loan words can still be found today in the languages of the area. A Portuguese captain described the city in 1691:"Great Benin, where the king resides, is larger than Lisbon ; all the streets run straight and as far as the eye can see. The houses are large, especially that of
867-1669: The University of Benin located at Ugbowo and Ekenwan, Ambrose Alli University located at Ekpoma , College of Education Ekiadolor , Igbinedion University , Benson Idahosa University , Wellspring University , Edo State Polytechnic located in Usen (formerly known as Edo State Institute of Technology and Management Usen), Edo State University, Uzairue. and Auchi Polytechnic located in Auchi, Edo State. Secondary schools in Benin include Edo College , Edo Boys High School (Adolo College), Western Boys High School, Oba Ewuare Grammar School, Greater Tomorrow Secondary School, Imaguero College, Oredo Girls Secondary School, Garrick Memorial Secondary School, Winrose Secondary School, Asoro Grammar School, Eghosa Anglican Grammar School , Edokpolor Grammar School, Covenant Christian Academy, Niger College, Presentation National High School , Gaius Obaseki International High School, Immaculate Conception College (ICC), Uselu Secondary School, Idia College, University of Benin Demonstration Secondary School (UDSS), University Preparatory Secondary School, Auntie Maria School , Benin Technical College , Word of Faith Group of Schools, Lydia Group of Schools, Nosakhare Model Education Centre, Igbinedion Educational Center, Federal Government Girls College, Benin City . Scientists have already demonstrated
918-526: The fourth largest city in Nigeria, and the centre of the country's rubber industry. Created in 1991 from the former Bendel State , it is also known as the heart beat of the nation. Edo State borders Kogi State to the north for 133 km and across the Niger River for 81 km to the northeast, Anambra State to the east for about four km across the Niger River, Delta State to the southeast and south for 350 km (218 miles), and Ondo State to
969-403: The Benin City palace by the expeditionary force. Some of the bronzes were auctioned off to compensate for the expenses incurred during the capture and occupation of the city. Most of these artifacts can be found today in western museums at locations around the world. In recent years, appeals have gone to various museums and governments to return such artifacts. The most prominent of these artifacts
1020-485: The Benin people), body marks, bangles, anklets, raffia work. They are also known for subsistence farming of yam , plantain and cassava . According to tradition, the original people and founders of the Ẹdo Empire and the Edo people , were ruled by the kings known as the Ogiso (meaning King of the sky) dynasty who called the land Igodomigodo . Igodo, the first Ogiso , wielded much influence and gained popularity as
1071-765: The Kingdom of Benin). The festival is believed to renew Oba Ewuare's magical powers and it celebration comes between Christmas and New Year celebrations. The festival includes the Oba's blessing of the land and his people. Aside the cultural festival, the city also plays host to the Benin City Film Festival. The festival creates room for the promotion of works produced by local film community. It also promote content of emerging national and international filmmakers, showcasing their works in an environment where they have access to experienced industry professionals. The "Bini" people have four market days: Ekioba, Ekenaka, Agbado, and Eken. Benin Airport serves
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#17327656706101122-410: The Oba dynasty in Benin City. Benin imperialism was started in the last decade of the thirteen century by Oba Ewedo . The Portuguese visited Benin City around 1485. Benin grew rich during the 16th and 17th centuries due to trade within southern Nigeria, as well as through trade with Europeans , mostly in pepper and ivory. In the early 16th century, the Ọba sent an ambassador to Lisbon , and
1173-553: The State Capital of Edo State when the state of Bendel was divided into the Delta State and Edo State in 1991. Benin City has a borderline tropical savanna climate ( Köppen Aw ) bordering upon a tropical monsoon climate ( Am ). The weather is hot and humid year-round, and generally very dull, especially between July and September. Benin City is home to some of Nigeria's institutions of higher learning, namely,
1224-517: The State has a high presence of residents from across the country and the world because of its cosmopolitan tendencies. Benin City has a history of being one of the foremost destinations of Europeans during their exploration of Africa continent many centuries ago. Some of these flash points have remained enviable tourists' attraction sites for the state. The people are known for having several Edo traditional food . The main ethnic groups in Edo State are Édo, Etsako, Esan, Owan, and Akoko Edo. Some of
1275-521: The State. The State Judiciary is headed by a Chief Judge. On 19 May 2023, Former Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki swore in Hon. Justice Daniel Iyobosa Okungbowa as Acting Chief Judge of Edo State, following the retirement of Justice Joe Acha. Monday Okpebholo is the current governor of Edo State and was sworn into office on 12 November 2024. His deputy is Dennis Idahosa . The Edo State House of Assembly
1326-902: The Usomege Hills at Apana-Uzairue, Somorika hills in Akoko Edo , where a government-run tourist center at Ososo is set among spectacular scenery. The state produces crude oil, and other mineral resources like limestone and quarry. The state has a cement factory at Okpella and a Flour Mill at Ewu which is moribund. The following are the Mineral Resources found in Edo State Notable tertiary learning institutions in Edo state include: List of Edo State Medical zones and associated local government areas. Federal Highways are Other major roads include Airports: Benin City
1377-409: The advice and consent of the state house of assembly (legislature). The head of a ministry at the state level is the commissioner, who is assisted by a permanent secretary, who is also a senior civil servant of the state. The Judiciary is one of the co-equal arms of the state government concerned with the interpretation of the laws of the state government. The judiciary is headed by the chief justice of
1428-546: 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 among others. The most common Edoid language spoken is the Edo language , which is commonly spoken in Benin City. Christianity
1479-525: The area, eventually incorporating the region into Colonial Nigeria . The indigenous people of Benin City are the Edo people (the Benin People), and they speak the Edo language or Bini Language. The people of the city have one of the richest dress cultures on the African continent and are renowned for their beads (the beads stand for royalty and usually stand out during the traditional marriage of
1530-455: The arts and mysteries of the land could reign over the people. The country was afterward known by this name. He caused his son born to him by Ẹrinmwide to be made King in his place and returned to Benin land. After some years in Ife, he left for Benin, where he also left a son behind upon leaving, and his son Ajaka ultimately became the first Oba of Benin of the present line, while Ọranmiyan himself
1581-538: The borderlands. Also, Ika speaking communities exist in Igbanke (Ika) in Orhionmwon LGA. Edo State consists of eighteen (18) Local Government Areas . They are: Edo State House Of Assembly Division List 2013, consists of twenty-four (24) divisions: The Judiciary is the third arm of Government in the State, vested with the power to interpret the laws and resolve disputes in both civil and criminal matters in
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1632-482: The capital city of Abuja is located. The FCT is not a state, but a territory of the federal government, governed by an administration headed by a minister . Each state is subdivided into local government areas (LGAs). There are 774 local governments in Nigeria. Under the Nigerian Constitution, the 36 states enjoy substantial autonomy but are not sovereign entities, as ultimate authority lies with
1683-545: The city after all but two men from a previous British delegation led by Acting Consul General James Robert Phillips were ambushed and killed. Alan Boisragon , one of the survivors of the Benin Massacre, included references of the practice of human sacrifice in the city in a firsthand account written in 1898 (one year after the Punitive Expedition). Historian James D. Graham notes that although "there
1734-557: The city has not met the standards for waste management set by the Edo State Waste Management Board . After surveying 2720 inhabitants of the city, the authors found that most people in the city did not understand proper waste management practices. Moreover, the study found that survey participants did not understand how waste management was connected to other issues like greenhouse gas emissions. An additional study found that most residents did not understand
1785-536: The effects of climate change, with increases in temperature, humidity and precipitation trends between 1981 and 2015. Benin city experiences regular flooding. Studies have consistently highlighted the problem since at least 1993. Experts have recommended a number of ways to improve flood management, including better controls on land use, construction and development, improved Community-based programs designed to improve city adaptation and disaster management, and improvements in individual preparedness. In June 2020,
1836-476: The federal government. Amendments to the constitution can be proposed by the National Assembly, but for an amendment to be valid, it must be approved by a two-thirds majority of the 36 state legislatures, as required under Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria. States of Nigeria have the right to organize and structure their individual governments in any way within the parameters set by
1887-725: The groups can trace their origin to Benin City, hence their dialects vary with their distance from Benin City. The Edo speaking people occupy seven out of the 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state and constitute 57.54% of the total population. Others are as follows: Esan (17.14%), Etsako (12.19%), Owan (7.43%), and Akoko Edo (5.70%). There are also Igbira speaking communities in Akoko Edo, Itsekiri communities in Ikpoba-Okha, and Ijaw Izons and Urhobos in Ovia North East and South West Local Government Areas, especially in
1938-696: The health impacts of bad waste management. Attractions in the city includes the National Museum, the Oba Palace , Igun Street (Famous for bronze casting and other metal works). Other attractions include various festivals and the Benin Moats (measuring about 20 to 40 ft), the King's Square (known as Ring Road) and the city's traditional markets. The Binis are known for bronze sculpture, their casting skills, and their arts and craft. Benin City
1989-470: The king, which is richly decorated and has fine columns. The city is wealthy and industrious. It is so well governed that theft is unknown and the people live in such security that they have no doors to their houses". On 17 February 1897, Benin City fell to the British. In the " Punitive Expedition ", a 1,200-strong British force, under the command of Admiral Sir Harry Rawson , captured, sacked, and burnt
2040-699: The most important settlement of the Edo Kingdom of Benin , which flourished from the 13th to the 19th century. It held important trade relations with Portugal during its final centuries before being captured, sacked and burnt in 1897 by a British punitive expedition . Many bronze sculptures in Benin City palace , collectively termed the Benin Bronzes , were stolen by the British . The British followed up their punitive victory by gradually colonizing
2091-399: The palace built for him at Uzama by the elders, now a coronation shrine. Soon after he married a beautiful lady, Ẹrinmwide, daughter of Osa-nego, the ninth Enogie of Egor . He and Erinmwide had a son. After some years he called a meeting of the people and renounced his office, remarking that the country was a land of vexation, Ile-Ibinu , and that only a child born, trained, and educated in
Edo State - Misplaced Pages Continue
2142-413: 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 Edo people political organization 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
2193-408: The restoration of the Benin monarchy in 1914, but true political power still lay with the colonial administration of Nigeria. Following Nigeria's independence from British rule in 1960, Benin City became the capital of Mid-Western Region when the region was split from Western Region in June 1963. In 1976, when the region was renamed Bendel State , it remained the capital of the region. it became
2244-794: The state and their major occupation is farming. Languages of Edo State listed by LGA: Christianity and Islam are the major religions practiced in Edo State, although a minority of the population adhere to indigenous religions. The Catholic Church comprises the Archdiocese of Benin City [1] (1884 as Upper Niger) with 84 parishes under Archbishop Augustine Obiora Akubeze [2] (2011) and three suffragan dioceses of Auchi [3] (2002) with 56 parishes under Bishop Gabriel Ghiakhomo Dunia [4] (2002), Issele-Uku [5] (1973) with 94 parishes under Bishop Michael Odogwu Elue [6] (2003), and Uromi [7] (2005) with 18 parishes under Bishop Donatus Aihmiosion Ogun [8] (2014). The Anglican Province of Bendel (2002) in
2295-577: The state appointed by the governor subject to the approval of the state house of assembly. States And Capital In Nigeria, Their Slogans & Current Governors A comprehensive list of all states in Nigeria and their current governors. Benin City Benin City is the capital and largest city of Edo State, southern Nigeria . It is the fourth-largest city in Nigeria according to the 2006 census, after Lagos , Kano , and Ibadan . It
2346-540: The west. The modern borders of Edo State encompasses 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 of the region, destroying most of
2397-577: Was Benin City. It was renamed a province in 1966, and in 1967 when the other provinces were split up into several states, it remained territorially intact, becoming a state. During the Nigerian Civil War , the Biafran forces invaded 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
2448-536: Was about the time the people of Ọkpẹkpẹ migrated from Benin City. Alternatively, the Yoruba nation has a different conception of Oduduwa . According to Yoruba tradition, because of his power and military might, he was able to defeat the enemies invading Benin and that is why the people of Benin made him the King or Ọba of Benin. In any case, it is agreed upon by both the Yoruba and the Edo that Oduduwa sent his son Prince Oranmiyan of Ife to rule Benin City and founded
2499-493: Was during this period of confusion in Benin that the elders, led by Chief Oliha, mounted a search for the banished Prince Ekaladerhan – whom the Ife people now called Oduduwa . The exiled Ekaladerhan, now Oduduwa, refused to come to Benin because of how he was treated, having found out that he was not killed. He devised to send one of his sons, Oramiyan. He refused to return from Ile-Ife but sent his son Ọranmiyan to become king in his place. Prince Ọranmiyan took up residence in
2550-417: Was reigning as Ọọni of Ifẹ. Therefore, Ọranmiyan of Ife, the father of Ẹwẹka I, the Ọba of Benin, was also the father of Ajaka, Alaafin of Ọyọ . Ọọni of Ifẹ. Ọba Ẹwẹka later changed the name of the city of Ile-Binu, the capital of the Benin kingdom, to "Ubinu." This name would be reinterpreted by the Portuguese as "Benin" in their own language. Around 1470, Ẹwuare changed the name of the state to Ẹdo. This
2601-706: Was the famous Queen Idia mask used as a mascot during the Second Festival of Arts Culture (FESTAC '77) held in Nigeria in 1977 now known as "Festac Mask". The capture of Benin paved the way for British colonization and the merging of later regional British incorporation of African kingdoms into the Niger Coast Protectorate , the Protectorate of Southern Nigeria and finally, into the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria . The British permitted
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