Tag: Edo heritage
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BENIN CITY — The heartbeat of the Benin Kingdom is aglow today as sons and daughters of the ancient kingdom — at home and across the world — unite to celebrate the birthday of His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, CFR, the revered Oba of Benin. Across palaces, shrines, homes,…
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A Legacy Cast in Bronze Long before colonial explorers arrived in the heart of West Africa, the Benin Kingdom stood as one of the most artistically advanced civilizations in the world. From intricate bronze plaques to life-sized royal busts, Edo artisans mastered techniques that would later astonish European scholars and collectors. Today, centuries after their…
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In Benin Kingdom, before the first yam of the season touches any plate, the land itself must first be honored. This sacred moment, known as the Emorho Festival, isn’t just another cultural event — it’s a spiritual conversation between the living, the ancestors, and the earth that sustains them. Every year, the Oba of Benin…
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A Historic Reunion Rooted in Ancestry and Tradition In a remarkable display of cultural continuity and unity, the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, has reenacted the age-long Emorho ceremony, symbolizing renewed ancestral ties between the Benin Kingdom and Issele-Uku, a historical community in present-day Delta State. The…
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Amidst the bustling streets of Benin City, there stands a living monument that has defied time, war, and colonial destruction — the Ogiamien Palace. Known as the only building that survived the brutal 1897 British invasion of the Benin Kingdom, the palace remains a powerful symbol of the resilience, heritage, and unbroken spirit of the…
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Festivals are a powerful way the Edo people preserve their culture. The Igue Festival, celebrated by the Oba of Benin and his people, is one of the oldest and most colorful festivals in Africa. But beyond Igue, there are several other Edo celebrations tied to farming, marriages, and ancestral worship. This complete guide breaks down…
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The Edo culture is full of unique practices that reflect centuries of heritage and tradition. From the famous Igue Festival to the symbolic use of coral beads in marriage ceremonies, the Edo people have cultural practices that stand out not only in Nigeria but across Africa. These traditions, rooted in the great Benin Kingdom, continue…