Supremacy battle in Yorubaland is starting to gear up as the Palace of the Oba of Benin has stoked controversy over the supremacy of Obas in the South West, saying it was not true that the Benin monarch was the third in the ranking of kings in the region as declared by the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo.
The Esogban of Benin and Odionwere of the Kingdom (traditional head), Chief David Edebiri, yesterday, said the Alake of Egbaland, goofed when he said the Oba of Benin was third in the hierarchy of Obas.
He explained that the Ooni of Ife was a son of the Oba of Benin, adding that the stool of the Oba of Benin could not be compared with that of any Yoruba King.
Esogban, third in command in the palace of the Oba of Benin, said: “We wanted to discard this report as something that was not necessary at all. We do not see how the Alake of Egbaland suddenly woke up to think that the Oba of Benin is also a Yoruba Oba. “There is no basis for such classification; Oba of Benin has nothing to do with the Yoruba Obas.
It is simply unnecessary, unless they simply want to stir up an unnecessary controversy. “We are not in Yorubaland. To be frank, it is because many of them are not willing to come up with the truth, the word Oba is alien to Yoruba monarchy; it is not part of their title from time immemorial.
“For instance, the one they call the Oba of Lagos, these are recent adaptations. In the 50s, there was no Oba of Lagos, what we had was the Eleko of Eko. That is the title of the King there. In Ibadan, you have the Olu Ibadan. You come to Abeokuta, you have the Alake of Egba land. You come to Oyo, you have the Alaafin of Oyo. In Ilesha, you have the Owa-Obokun of IIesha. So no Yoruba monarch had as part of his titles the word Oba except the Oba of Benin. “That word Oba is indigenous to Benin.
It is only in recent times you find everybody bearing Oba. When the Western Regional conference of traditional rulers took place in Benin City in 1942, go and check the attendance, there was no other monarch in the whole of the Western Region then that bore the title of Oba, except the Oba of Benin.
“So it is an unnecessary excursion, an unnecessary attempt to turn history upside down by the Alake by classifying the Oba of Benin as third in the hierarchy of kings. “Our own traditional history says that the Ooni of Ife was a Benin Prince who wandered from here to Ife, settled there and became the ruler there. That is the position, if they don’t know, they should send people here; we will teach them.
“We will show them landmarks. So this is unnecessary misrepresentation of history. Maybe the Alake wanted to mention a different place and not Benin. “The monarchical rulership in this part of the world started from Benin during the era of the Ogisos. It was the son of the last Ogiso, Owodo, that wandered from here to Ife and he became a ruler there, carrying everything about the Benin monarchical system to that place.
There is no basis for such classification. “The Ooni of Ife by historical facts, is a son of the Oba of Benin, so they are not in the same class. The Oba of Benin is the only one that answers Oba, the rest don’t. But today, we hear Oba here and there, they are all recent adaptations. I am saying categorically that the word Oba is indigenous to Benin and not to Yoruba nation.”
Yoruba Obas keep mum
Most traditional rulers in Yorubaland who were contacted for their reactions on the issue declined making any remark, saying since the Alake had spoken on the issue, they would not want to be drawn into any controversy.
Specifically, one of the monarchs who occupied a prominent office of a national forum who does not want his name in print, said the 1903 gazette spoke extensively on the issue.
But the Olowu of Owu-Kuta, Oba Adekunle Oyetunde, said the ranking by the Alake was not new. “Even the colonial masters have done the ranking. Spiritually, Ooni occupies the territory of Oduduwa. So, he is the landlord of Oduduwa House. I don’t think there is any controversy,” he said. He advised all Yoruba sons and daughters to support the incumbent Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, in his on-going efforts at uniting the Yoruba race. Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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Everything we refer to the colonial masters. The man is talking about traditional historical fact and you(oluwo of owu-kuta) is here referring to colonial masters ranking. Olodo,
ReplyDeleteoni is first, others follow..
ReplyDeleteYes, but only in Yoruba land.
DeleteThis Benin chief is ESogban is very very wrong. He should go and check the history well. Oba of Benin was among the sons of Oduduwa the first Ooni of Ife. Not the other way round chief from Benin try and check your history book well or come to Oduduwa house at Ile Ife for more lessons and clarification.
ReplyDeleteI want to believe that this referred elder did not go to school in Nigeria and if he did may be he did not take the then social studies. Sir you are totally wrong that Ooni is the son of your king, please don't twist history for the sake of younger generation. I believe Alake was fair enough to have recognized your Oba with regards to history of origin as the 3rd after Ooni and Alafin of Oyo. Also sir, the translation for king in Yoruba is Oba, and different from your own king title of Oba.
ReplyDeleteAlake has spoken the truth. Any one who refused to accept the fact as said by Alake is on the wrong platform.
ReplyDeleteSome contemporary historians contend that some Yoruba are not indigenous to Yorubaland, but are descendants of immigrants to the region. This version of history contends that Oduduwa was a mortal king, probably from northeast Africa, under whose leadership the Oyo region of Yorubaland was conquered sometime in the 11th century AD and the kingdom of Ife was established. Oduduwa's relatives established kingdoms in the rest of Yorubaland. One of Oduduwa's sons, Oranmiyan, took the throne of Benin and expanded the Oduduwa Dynasty east-wards. Further expansion led to the establishment of the Yoruba in what are now Southwest Nigeria, Benin, and Togo, with Yoruba city-states acknowledging the spiritual heritage primacy of the ancient city of Ile Ife. The southeastern Benin Empire, ruled by a dynasty that traced its ancestry to Ifẹ and Oduduwa but largely populated by the Edo and other related ethnicity, also held considerable sway in the election of nobles and kings in eastern Yorubaland.
ReplyDeleteBetween 1100 AD and 1700 AD, the Yoruba Kingdom of Ife experienced a golden age. It was then surpassed by the Kingdom of Oyo as the dominant Yoruba military and political power between 1700 AD and 1900 AD, The nearby splinter Yoruba kingdom of Benin was also a powerful force between 1300 and 1850 AD. Yoruba civilization also has strong historical exchanges with Noak civilization, which may date to 900 BC, as with other neighboring African settlements. The exchanges have been both genetic and cultural.
Why are we fighting... The Benin traditional chief made mistake to claim Oba is indigenous to Benin Kingdom.
ReplyDeleteIt is blunt lie. OK, what is the literal meaning of Oba? If Benin Chief believe, it is their language.
Erediuwa of Benin is the title.
The so-called Ooni of Ife,Alaafin of Oyo,Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Orangun of Ila and Alake of Egbaland etc. Are just title of their chieftains. They are all Obas.
Why are we fighting... The Benin traditional chief made mistake to claim Oba is indigenous to Benin Kingdom.
ReplyDeleteIt is blunt lie. OK, what is the literal meaning of Oba? If Benin Chief believe, it is their language.
Erediuwa of Benin is the title.
The so-called Ooni of Ife,Alaafin of Oyo,Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Orangun of Ila and Alake of Egbaland etc. Are just title of their chieftains. They are all Obas.
U should go online and read an by Kunle Sowunmi culled from Vanguard Newspaper : The missing gap of history between yoruba and benin. Kingdom. This should be confirmed from historians of high repute from Nigerian universities and recognised institutions and not from uneducated and bais sources of chambers and shrines of traditional rulers as envisaged 2day.
ReplyDeleteDo all this so called Obas make any binding laws for the governance of the area they live in or have any constitutional responsibilities,No!.So what's the fuss all about,they are now seen as ceremonial heads of once relevant tradition and culture and are nothing more than that
ReplyDeleteColonial masters are telling you? Are you ok?
ReplyDeleteYou are just full of ignorance at sakabula
ReplyDeleteIf Chief Esoghan is right by his postulations then, he must have failed social studies, history studies etc woefully and should he ever cross the borders of primary/standard school let alone secondary/modern school; he must have bribe his way through. Because what we were thought and also learnt as history documented or oral has was that Oduduwa was the father of Yoruba race whose children including Oranmiyan later spread across land areas known and referred to as Western Nigeria today including the Benin Kingdom. 'According to oral history, the first dynasty of the Edo or Benin Kingdom was the Ogiso dynasty, rulers who were known to their people as the kings of the Sky.The number of such kings varies depending on which tradition is followed.One tradition gives the number as 31 while others state twelve or even one. Whatever the case may be, Oranmiyan was the grandson of Oduduwa a fearless warrior that ousted the Ogiso dynasty and conquer Benin Kingdom. Shortly afterwards, the Eweka dynasty was founded by Oranmiyan. Oranmiyan spent some years in Benin before returning to Ife to subsequently establish a Yoruba kingdom at Oyo. It is said that he left Benin (called Ubinu those days) in anger, for its palace intrigues and fights over power caused by the brother of the last Ogiso, as synonymous with 'vexations'. On his way home to Ife, Oranmiyan stopped briefly at Ego, where he impregnated Princess Erimwinde, the daughter of the duke of Ego, in short order and then gave birth to a son named Eweka (also called Owomika in bini dialect according to oral tradition). Eweka happens to be the first Oba of Benin, title associated with Yoruba Obas. The title of Oba was created by Oba Eweka I, Benin Empire's first 'Oba', who is said to have ascended to power at some time between 1180 and 1300. The Oba of Benin was the Head of State (Emperor) of the Benin Empire until the Empire's annexation by the British, in 1897. So, Chief get updated.
ReplyDeleteOlowu of Owu, Alaketu of Ketu, Oba of Benin, Òràngún of Ila, Onisabe of Sabe,Olupopo of Popo and Alaafin of Oyo are the descendants of Oduduwa.
ReplyDeleteOranmiyan Omoluabi Odede, Great Prince of Ife, King of the Yoruba, also known as Oranmiyan, was a Yoruba king from the kingdom of Ile-Ife and although last born, he was heir to Oduduwa. According to Yoruba history, he founded Oyo as its first Alaafin at around the year 1300 and one of his children, Eweka I, went on to become the first Oba of the Benin Empire. The son of Oranmiyan is crowned king of Benin.
As a result of the points listed above Benin is part of Yoruba race.
yes u are right @ Sakabula, if u read Nigeria people and their culture u will understand more.
ReplyDeleteMr Saka, which of the history books did you read?
ReplyDeleteBenin chief who is a professor is educating you guys about history some are talk nigeria ppl n culture text book. Even the alake of egbaga land don't even know his own history. The title OBA was only know by the benin before some little monarch in yoruba start using the name.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I would not consider this issue an issue that should waste a lot of time! Event such as present political set up in the country has made it unnecessary to continue to waste too much time on it. I would probably rely more to the elaborate analysis projected by Adeyemi Taiwo Idowu. His analysis quite elucidate the true position of things as it was then. If the majority of Edos believe they are not part of Yoruba race, let it be. I believe history can not be manipulated for long, for the facts will always over shadow the lies! Fortunately, the reigns of traditional rulers all over Nigeria has been over taken by the Constitution and happily, the President and Commander in Chief is the overall head of the Federation. The Constitution further explains that State Governors now over look the affairs of the States; while Chairmen of Local Government now have control over their local government including the traditional rulers of that locality. This is modern politics and it is good for the progress of our nation.
ReplyDeleteIn all comments here. I concur with you @Adeyemi Taiwo Idowu. I urge everyone of us here to go read a book written by of Oba Of Benin. Oba Erediawa, titled " I remain,sir, your Obedient Servant. I think after reading it you all will concur with Taiwo. One love.
ReplyDeleteand where did Izeduwa (who u call oduduwa) come from? this is me guessing from Sky with a chain? oh no from Mecca? and please what does oduduwa mean in Yoruba language? The truth is simple .....Izeduwa is from Benin , a royal prince who fled from a raging uncle Ekhaladeren of the Ogiso Dynasty....Izeduwa or your oduduwa is the son of the Last Ogiso Owodo of the Ogudugu Land later know as Igodomigodo, he did not fall from the sky as your history claimed. There is no way the oracle in benin will ask that the lost prince be searched out without him having royal blood connection with the throne ( Please note there was already a ruling class in Benin Before Eweka 1)....Izeduwa who had already been crowned king of an existing people in Ile Ife refused to follow them back instead he told he now has son of the royal blood who he had named Oramiyan according to the language spoken by the people he met at that Ile Ife.......Oramiyan was accepted by the oracle in Bini because of his royal blood and became King (he was crowned King of an existing throne) .....Oramiyan Could not understand the people since he was born in Ile Ife by his Bini Royal father Izeduwa and abdicated the throne for not been able to properly communicate with the people.....he left and that is not until he had a son who we call today Eweka the Great born of the daughter of Ogie of Eghor (Meaning Eweka was born of pure Bini blood ) unlike Oramiyan born of an Ile Ife MOTHER. .......Oramiyan went back to ile Ife but met another king there as his father Izeduwa is dead and sojourn to present day Oyo to rule over there (note he met a king there he only overthrew like is father Izeduwa did to OBATALA the king in Ile Ife then.........title of Oba was first Used by the Oramiyan not Eweka (it is true no oba in Yorubaland use that Title until recently) but then the ruler in Ile ife and Oyo are children of Bini royal Prince QED......(by the way the ruler in Ile ife now does not really have blood ties with the Oduduwa or Izeduwa unlike the Bini Monarchy who has an unbroken line of succession since Oramiyan)
ReplyDeleteLike · Reply · 10 mins · Edited
Mesiri Awotu Abraham
Mesiri Awotu Abraham Futhermore, the language spoken in the palace or courtyard of the bini Palace is not Yoruba (THAT IS A LIE).......The bronze sculptors and sculptures you referred was started in bini not ile Ife.....Izeduwa brought that act to Ile IFe ......The people of Ile Ife before Oduduwa came there were farmers and nothing more as is seen in many Yoruba vassals .......that is why till today the craftsman never cease in Bini it is passed from generation to generation since the days of Ogisos of the IGODOMIGODO LAND ....One cant say same in present day Ile Ife (I have been to Ile IFe There is no family who can boast of continuing in sculpture crafts today)......The PRESENT OONI just told you there is a link between BINI (LAND OF IGODOMIGODO) -ILE ife and OYO and i have tried to show it above............