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Do not fill this in! {{Short description|Capital city of Edo State, Nigeria}} {{Distinguish|text=the West African country of [[Benin]], west of Nigeria}} {{Use Nigerian English|date=January 2023}} {{Use dmy dates|date=June 2020}} {{Infobox settlement | name = Benin City | official_name = Benin | other_name = | settlement_type = City | image_skyline = Areal view of the ancient city of Benin.jpg | image_caption = Aerial view of Benin City | image_flag = | flag_size = | image_seal = Benin_City_Coat_of_arms.jpg | seal_size = | image_shield = | shield_size = | nickname = | motto = <!-- images and maps -----------> | image_map = | map_caption = | pushpin_map = Nigeria<!-- the name of a location map as per http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Location_map --> | pushpin_label_position = bottom | pushpin_map_caption = Location in Nigeria <!-- Location ------------------>| coordinates = {{coord|6|20|00|N|5|37|20|E|region:NG|display=inline,title}} | subdivision_type = Country | subdivision_name = {{flag|Nigeria}} | subdivision_type1 = [[States of Nigeria|State]] | subdivision_name1 = {{flagicon image|}} [[Edo State|Edo]] | subdivision_type2 = | subdivision_name2 = <!-- Politics -----------------> | established_title = <!-- Settled --> | established_date = | established_title2 = <!-- Incorporated (town) --> | established_date2 = | established_title3 = <!-- Incorporated (city) --> | established_date3 = <!-- Area ---------------------> | government_footnotes = | government_type = | leader_title = | leader_name = | leader_title1 = <!-- for places with, say, both a mayor and a city manager --> | leader_name1 = | unit_pref = <!--Enter: Imperial, if Imperial (metric) is desired--> | area_footnotes = | area_total_km2 = 1,204<!-- ALL fields dealing with a measurements are subject to automatic unit conversion--> | area_land_km2 = <!--See table @ Template:Infobox Settlement for details on automatic unit conversion--> | area_water_km2 = | area_water_percent = | elevation_footnotes = <!--for references: use <ref> </ref> tags--> | elevation_m = <!-- Population -----------------------> | population_total = 1,050,000 | population_as_of = 2006{{Citation needed|date=October 2022}} | population_footnotes = | pop_est_as_of = 2016<ref name="Britannica" /> | population_density_km2 = auto | population_rank = [[List of Nigerian cities by population|4th]] | population_note = <!-- Area/postal codes & others --------> <!-- GDP ---------------> | demographics_type1 = [[GDP|GDP (PPP, 2015 int. Dollar)]] | demographics1_footnotes = | demographics1_title1 = Year | demographics1_info1 = 2023 | demographics1_title2 = Total | demographics1_info2 = $16.6 billion<ref name="TelluBase">{{cite web|url=https://tellusant.com/repo/tb/tellubase_factsheet_nga.pdf|publisher=Tellusant|title=TelluBase—Nigeria Fact Sheet (Tellusant Public Service Series)| access-date = 2024-01-11}}</ref> | demographics1_title3 = Per capita | demographics1_info3 = $8,700 | postal_code_type = <!-- enter ZIP code, Postcode, Post code, Postal code... --> | postal_code = | area_code = | website = | footnotes = | timezone = | utc_offset = | timezone_DST = | utc_offset_DST = | blank_name = [[Köppen climate classification|Climate]] | blank_info = [[Tropical savanna climate|Aw]] }} '''Benin City''' is the capital and largest city of [[Edo State|Edo State, southern Nigeria]]. It is the fourth-largest city in [[Nigeria]] according to the 2006 census, after [[Lagos]], [[Kano (city)|Kano]], and [[Ibadan]].<ref name="Britannica">{{Cite web|title=Benin City {{!}} History & Facts|url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Benin-City|website=Encyclopedia Britannica|language=en|access-date=2020-05-31}}</ref> It is situated approximately {{convert|25|mi|km|order=flip}} north of the [[Benin River]] and {{convert|200|mi|km|order=flip}} by road east of [[Lagos]]. Benin City is the centre of Nigeria's [[rubber]] industry, and [[Palm oil|oil]] production is also a significant industry.<ref>{{Cite web|title=International Rubber Study Group - Nigeria|url=http://www.rubberstudy.com/nigeria|website=www.rubberstudy.com|access-date=2020-05-31}}</ref> The city was the most important settlement of the [[Edo people|Edo]] [[Kingdom of Benin]], which flourished during the 13th to the 19th century. It held important trade relations with [[Kingdom of Portugal|Portugal]] during the last centuries before being captured, sacked and burnt in 1897 by a British [[Benin Expedition of 1897|punitive expedition]]. Many [[Art of the Kingdom of Benin|bronze sculptures]] in [[Royal Palace of the Oba of Benin|Benin City palace]], collectively termed the [[Benin Bronzes]], were stolen by the British who followed up their victory by gradually colonizing the area, eventually incorporating the region into [[Colonial Nigeria]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Benin Bronzes |url=https://www.britishmuseum.org/about-us/british-museum-story/contested-objects-collection/benin-bronzes |access-date=2023-01-24 |website=The British Museum |language=en}}</ref> 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 known for their beads (the beads stand for royalty and usually stand out during the traditional marriage of the Benin people), body marks, bangles, anklets, [[raffia]] work and the subsistence farming of [[Yam (vegetable)|yam]], [[Cooking banana|plantain]] and [[cassava]].<ref name="columbia encyclopedia">[http://bartleby.com/65/be/BeninNig.html ''Benin, City, Nigeria,''] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070425211700/http://bartleby.com/65/be/BeninNig.html |date=25 April 2007 }} The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. 2005 Columbia University Press. Retrieved 18 February 2007</ref> ==History== === Edo people === According to tradition, the original people and founders of the [[Kingdom of Benin|Ẹdo Empire]] and the Edo people initially were ruled by the kings known as the Ogiso (meaning King of the sky) dynasty who called the land [[Igodomigodo]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji |title=benin-kingdom-edo-yoruba-territory-ooni-ife-adeyeye-ogunwusi. |url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/198255-benin-kingdom-edo-yoruba-territory-ooni-ife-adeyeye-ogunwusi.html?tztc=1 |access-date=2023-06-12 |website=www.premiumtimesng.com}}</ref> Igodo, the first [[List of the Ogiso|Ogiso]], wielded much influence and gained popularity as a good ruler. He died after a long reign and was succeeded by [[Ere (ogiso)|Ere]], his eldest son. A battle for power soon erupted between the wife of the last [[List of the Ogiso|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 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]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Edo People – Edo Nigeria Association of Western Australia|url=https://enawa.org.au/edo-people/|access-date=2021-07-09|language=en-AU}}</ref> The exiled Ekaladerhan, now Oduduwa, refused to come to Benin because of how he was treated, having found out that he wasn't killed.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nigeria |first=Guardian |date=2017-02-12 |title=Remapping the inter-twinned histories of Nigeria's ethnic nationalities |url=https://guardian.ng/art/c74-arts/remapping-the-inter-twinned-histories-of-nigerias-ethnic-nationalities/ |access-date=2023-06-12 |website=The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News |language=en-US}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite news|title=The kingdom of Benin|language=en-GB|work=BBC Bitesize|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/zpvckqt/articles/z3n7mp3|access-date=2020-05-31}}</ref> Prince [[Ọranyan|Ọranmiyan]] took up residence in 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]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Benin Obas|url=https://www.edoworld.net/Obas1.html|access-date=2021-08-25|website=www.edoworld.net}}</ref> 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 the arts and mysteries of the land could reign over the people.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Pynith|date=2020-03-21|title=the history of Benin city you need to know - LPV Forum|url=https://lpvforum.com/the-history-of-benin-city-you-need-to-know|access-date=2021-07-09|website=lpvforum.com|language=en}}</ref> 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|Oba]] of Benin of the present line, while Ọranmiyan himself 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 Oyo|Alaafin]] of [[Oyo Empire|Ọyọ]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Benin City {{!}} Hometown.ng™|date=24 November 2016|url=https://hometown.ng/listing-item/benin-city/|access-date=2020-06-08|language=en-US}}</ref> 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 language|Portuguese]] as "Benin" in their own language. Around 1470, Ẹwuare changed the name of the state to Ẹdo.<ref>''The Sun'' (Nigeria), Wednesday, 17 September 2008.</ref> This was about the time the people of Ọkpẹkpẹ migrated from Benin City. Alternatively, the [[Yoruba people|Yoruba nation]] has a different conception of [[Oduduwa]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2016-02-10|title=Benin Kingdom in Edo is Yoruba territory -- Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi {{!}} Premium Times Nigeria|url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/198255-benin-kingdom-edo-yoruba-territory-ooni-ife-adeyeye-ogunwusi.html|access-date=2021-07-09|language=en-GB}}</ref> 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 people|Yoruba]] and the [[Edo people|Edo]] that [[Oduduwa]] sent his son Prince Oranmiyan of Ife to rule Benin City and founded the Oba dynasty in Benin City.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2016-02-22|title=The Place Of Oranmiyan In The History Of Ile - Ife|url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/02/the-place-of-oranmiyan-in-the-history-of-ile-ife/|access-date=2021-07-09|website=Vanguard News|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Benin City {{!}} History & Facts|url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Benin-City|access-date=2021-07-15|website=Encyclopedia Britannica|language=en}}</ref> Benin [[imperialism]] was started in the last decade of the [[13th century|thirteen century]] by [[Oba Ewedo]].<ref>{{cite book |last1=Toyin |first1=Falola |editor1-last=Akinwunmi |editor1-first=Ogundiran |title=Precolonial Nigeria |publisher=African World Press Inc |isbn=978-1592212194 |pages=264–265 |edition=2005 |year=2005 }}</ref> === European contact and colonization === The [[Portugal|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 [[Ethnic groups in Europe|Europeans]], mostly in pepper and ivory. In the early 16th century, the Ọba sent an ambassador to [[Lisbon]], and the [[King of Portugal]] sent [[Christianity|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 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".<ref name="Koutonin">{{cite news|last1=Koutonin|first1=Mawuna|title=Story of cities #5: Benin City, the mighty medieval capital now lost without trace|url=https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2016/mar/18/story-of-cities-5-benin-city-edo-nigeria-mighty-medieval-capital-lost-without-trace|access-date=2 April 2018|date=18 March 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Elias |first1=Taslim Olawale |title=Africa and the development of international law |date=1988 |publisher=Springer Netherlands |isbn=9789024737963 |page=12 |edition=Second edition, first published 1972 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0dol1fMSM-AC |access-date=27 January 2019}}</ref> [[File:Drawing of Benin City made by an English officer 1897.jpg|thumb|Drawing of Benin City made by a British officer, 1897]] On 17 February 1897, Benin City fell to the British.<ref name="columbia encyclopedia"/> In the "[[Benin Expedition of 1897|Punitive Expedition]]", a 1,200-strong British force, under the command of Admiral [[Harry Rawson|Sir Harry Rawson]], captured, sacked, and burnt the city after all but two men from a previous British delegation led by Acting Consul General [[James Robert Phillips]] were ambushed and killed.<ref name="ny">{{cite magazine |quote=In 1897, after the Edo slaughtered a British delegation, colonial forces, pledging to end slavery and ritual sacrifice, ransacked the city and burned it to the ground. |url=http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2017/04/10/the-desperate-journey-of-a-trafficked-girl |magazine=[[The New Yorker]] |date=10 April 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170403090127/http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2017/04/10/the-desperate-journey-of-a-trafficked-girl |archive-date=3 April 2017 |title=The Desperate Journey of a Trafficked Girl |first=Ben |last=Taub}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |jstor = 2784423|title = The Annexation of Benin|journal = Journal of Black Studies|volume = 19|issue = 1|pages = 29–40|last1 = Obinyan|first1 = Thomas Uwadiale|year = 1988|doi = 10.1177/002193478801900103|s2cid = 142726955}}</ref> [[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).<ref>Boisragon, A. [https://archive.org/stream/beninmassacre02boisgoog#page/n198/mode/2up ''The Benin Massacre''(1897).]</ref> James D. Graham notes that although "there is little doubt that human sacrifices were an integral part of the Benin state religion from very early days," firsthand accounts regarding such acts often varied significantly, with some reporting them and others making no mention of them.<ref>{{Cite journal |jstor = 4390897|title = The Slave Trade, Depopulation and Human Sacrifice in Benin History: The General Approach|journal = Cahiers d'Études Africaines|volume = 5|issue = 18|pages = 317–334|last1 = Graham|first1 = James D.|year = 1965|doi = 10.3406/cea.1965.3035}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=The kingdom of Benin|language=en-GB|work=BBC Bitesize|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/zpvckqt/articles/z3n7mp3|access-date=2021-07-15}}</ref> The "[[Benin Bronzes]]", portrait figures, busts and groups created in [[iron]], carved [[ivory]], and especially in [[brass]] (conventionally called "bronze"), were looted from the Benin City palace by the expeditionary force and are currently on display in various [[museum]]s around the world.<ref name="columbia encyclopedia"/> 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 and locations around the world. In recent years, various appeals have gone to various museums and governments to return such artifacts. The most prominent of these artifacts was the famous Queen Idia mask used as a mascot during the [[World Festival of Black Arts|Second Festival of Arts Culture]] (FESTAC '77) held in Nigeria in 1977 now known as "Festac Mask".<ref>{{Cite news|last=Marshall|first=Alex|date=2020-01-23|title=This Art Was Looted 123 Years Ago. Will It Ever Be Returned?|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/23/arts/design/benin-bronzes.html|access-date=2021-07-09|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> 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 [[Colonial Nigeria|Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria]]. The British permitted the restoration of the Benin monarchy in 1914, but true political power still lay with the colonial administration of Nigeria.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Nigeria - The arrival of the British|url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Nigeria|access-date=2021-07-09|website=Encyclopedia Britannica|language=en}}</ref> === Nigerian independence === Following Nigeria's independence from British rule in 1960,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Nigeria: Four Regions at the Time of Independence {{!}} AHA |url=https://www.historians.org/teaching-and-learning/teaching-resources-for-historians/teaching-and-learning-in-the-digital-age/through-the-lens-of-history-biafra-nigeria-the-west-and-the-world/the-republic-of-biafra/nigeria-four-regions-at-the-time-of-independence |access-date=2023-10-31 |website=www.historians.org}}</ref> Benin City became the capital of [[Mid-Western Region, Nigeria|Mid-Western Region]] when the region was split from [[Western Region, Nigeria|Western Region]] in June 1963. In 1976, when the region was renamed [[Mid-Western Region, Nigeria|Bendel State]], it remained the capital of the region and became the State Capital of [[Edo State]] when Bendel state was split into [[Delta State]] and [[Edo State]] in 1991.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Bendel {{!}} state, Nigeria|url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Bendel|website=Encyclopedia Britannica|language=en|access-date=2020-05-31}}</ref> == Geography == === Climate === Benin City has a borderline [[tropical savanna climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification|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. {{Weather box | width = auto | metric first = yes | single line = yes | location = Benin City (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1951–1965, 1991–2020) | Jan record high C = 40 | Feb record high C = 43 | Mar record high C = 42 | Apr record high C = 48 | May record high C = 39.5 | Jun record high C = 39.5 | Jul record high C = 35 | Aug record high C = 32.8 | Sep record high C = 35 | Oct record high C = 34.5 | Nov record high C = 36 | Dec record high C = 36.9 | year record high C = 48.0 | Jan high C = 33.6 | Feb high C = 34.9 | Mar high C = 34.4 | Apr high C = 33.4 | May high C = 32.4 | Jun high C = 30.7 | Jul high C = 29.0 | Aug high C = 28.6 | Sep high C = 29.7 | Oct high C = 31.1 | Nov high C = 32.9 | Dec high C = 33.4 | year high C = 32.0 | Jan mean C = 28.8 | Feb mean C = 29.5 | Mar mean C = 29.2 | Apr mean C = 28.7 | May mean C = 28.2 | Jun mean C = 27.4 | Jul mean C = 26.5 | Aug mean C = 26.3 | Sep mean C = 26.8 | Oct mean C = 27.5 | Nov mean C = 28.4 | Dec mean C = 28.7 | year mean C = 28.0 | Jan low C = 23.0 | Feb low C = 24.6 | Mar low C = 24.8 | Apr low C = 24.5 | May low C = 24.1 | Jun low C = 23.4 | Jul low C = 23.0 | Aug low C = 22.8 | Sep low C = 22.9 | Oct low C = 23.1 | Nov low C = 23.7 | Dec low C = 22.9 | year low C = 23.6 |Jan record low C = 12.8 |Feb record low C = 13.3 |Mar record low C = 18.3 |Apr record low C = 19.4 |May record low C = 19.4 |Jun record low C = 18.3 |Jul record low C = 16.7 |Aug record low C = 16.1 |Sep record low C = 18.9 |Oct record low C = 18.9 |Nov record low C = 15.6 |Dec record low C = 11.0 |year record low C = 11.0 | precipitation colour = green | Jan precipitation mm = 19.4 | Feb precipitation mm = 55.7 | Mar precipitation mm = 126.2 | Apr precipitation mm = 192.5 | May precipitation mm = 238.9 | Jun precipitation mm = 300.6 | Jul precipitation mm = 336.5 | Aug precipitation mm = 304.1 | Sep precipitation mm = 352.4 | Oct precipitation mm = 266.5 | Nov precipitation mm = 100.5 | Dec precipitation mm = 24.2 | year precipitation mm = 2317.5 | unit precipitation days = 1.0 mm | Jan precipitation days = 1.2 | Feb precipitation days = 3.7 | Mar precipitation days = 7.7 | Apr precipitation days = 10.5 | May precipitation days = 12.2 | Jun precipitation days = 15.6 | Jul precipitation days = 18.7 | Aug precipitation days = 17.7 | Sep precipitation days = 18.2 | Oct precipitation days = 16.3 | Nov precipitation days = 7.0 | Dec precipitation days = 2.2 | year precipitation days = 131.0 | Jan humidity = 75.0 | Feb humidity = 80.4 | Mar humidity = 86.9 | Apr humidity = 89.8 | May humidity = 90.9 | Jun humidity = 91.7 | Jul humidity = 91.4 | Aug humidity = 90.6 | Sep humidity = 91.6 | Oct humidity = 91.1 | Nov humidity = 86.5 | Dec humidity = 77.9 | year humidity = 87.0 |Jan sun = 179.8 |Feb sun = 178.0 |Mar sun = 173.6 |Apr sun = 177.0 |May sun = 176.7 |Jun sun = 144.0 |Jul sun = 99.2 |Aug sun = 89.9 |Sep sun = 81.0 |Oct sun = 148.8 |Nov sun = 192.0 |Dec sun = 213.9 |year sun = |Jand sun = 5.8 |Febd sun = 6.3 |Mard sun = 5.6 |Aprd sun = 5.9 |Mayd sun = 5.7 |Jund sun = 4.8 |Juld sun = 3.2 |Augd sun = 2.9 |Sepd sun = 2.7 |Octd sun = 4.8 |Novd sun = 6.4 |Decd sun = 6.9 |yeard sun = 5.1 | source 1 = [[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|NOAA]]<ref name="WMONormals">{{cite web |url = https://www.nodc.noaa.gov/archive/arc0216/0253808/2.2/data/0-data/Region-1-WMO-Normals-9120/Nigeria/CSV/Benin_65229.csv |title = World Meteorological Organization Climate Normals for 1991-2020 — Benin City |publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |access-date = January 4, 2024}}</ref> |source 2 = [[Deutscher Wetterdienst]] (sun 1951–1965)<ref name = DWD> {{cite web | url = http://www.dwd.de/DWD/klima/beratung/ak/ak_652290_kt.pdf | title = Klimatafel von Benin City / Nigeria | work = Baseline climate means (1961-1990) from stations all over the world | publisher = Deutscher Wetterdienst | language = de | access-date = 9 August 2016}}</ref> }} ==Education== Benin City is home to some of Nigeria's institutions of higher learning, namely, the [[University of Benin (Nigeria)|University of Benin]] located at [[Ugbowo, Benin City|Ugbowo]] and Ekenwan,<ref>{{Cite web|title=University of Benin on The Conversation|url=https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-benin-3614|access-date=2021-06-23|website=theconversation.com}}</ref> the [[Ambrose Alli University]] located at [[Ekpoma]],<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ambrose Alli University {{!}} TOP ranked University {{!}} University Directory|url=https://www.university-directory.eu/Nigeria/Ambrose-Alli-University.html|access-date=2021-06-23|website=www.university-directory.eu}}</ref> the [[College of Education, Ekiadolor|College of Education Ekiadolor]],<ref>{{Cite web|title=College of Education, Ekiadolor-Benin coeeki{{!}} School Fees, Courses & Admission info|url=https://universitycompass.com/africa/Nigeria/colleges/College-of-Education-Ekiadolor-Benin.php|access-date=2021-06-23|website=universitycompass.com}}</ref> [[Igbinedion University]],<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-11-29|title=16 students bag first class at Igbinedion University 18th convocation|url=https://guardian.ng/news/16-students-bag-first-class-at-igbinedion-university-18th-convocation/|access-date=2021-06-23|website=The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News|language=en-US}}</ref> [[Benson Idahosa University|the Benson Idahosa University]],<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-08-01|title=NUC approves new courses for BIU|url=https://guardian.ng/news/nuc-approves-new-courses-for-biu/|access-date=2021-06-23|website=The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News|language=en-US}}</ref>[[Wellspring University]],<ref>{{Cite web|title=Wellspring University {{!}} School Fees, Courses & Admission info|url=https://universitycompass.com/africa/Nigeria/universities/wellspring-university.php|access-date=2021-06-23|website=universitycompass.com}}</ref> [[Edo State Polytechnic]] located in Usen (formerly known as Edo State Institute of Technology and Management Usen)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Edo State Polytechic – Excellence and Innovation |url=https://www.edopoly.edu.ng/ |access-date=2022-03-24 |language=en-US}}</ref> and [[Edo University, Iyamho|Edo State University, Uzairue.]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-11-13 |title=Edo University, Iyamho |url=https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/edo-university-iyamho |access-date=2022-03-19 |website=Times Higher Education (THE) |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Edo State University Uzairue Archives |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/tag/edo-state-university-uzairue/ |access-date=2022-03-19 |website=Vanguard News |language=en-US}}</ref> [https://auchipoly.edu.ng/ap/ Auchi Polytechnic] located in Auchi, Edo State. Secondary schools in Benin such as, [[Edo College]],<ref>{{Cite web|title=Edo College Old Boys' Association - Home|url=https://ecoba.org.ng/|access-date=2021-06-23|website=ecoba.org.ng|archive-date=24 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624211105/https://ecoba.org.ng/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Edo Boys High School (Adolo College), Western Boys High School, Oba Ewuare Grammar School, Greater Tomorrow Secondary School, Imaguero College, Oredo Girls Secondary School, Oredo, 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 (USSD), [[University Preparatory Secondary School]], [[Auntie Maria School]], Benin Technical College,<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-08-26|title=Benin Technical College nears completion ahead of school resumption|url=http://nigerianobservernews.com/2019/08/benin-technical-college-nears-completion-ahead-of-school-resumption/|access-date=2021-06-23|website=Nigerian Observer|language=en-US}}</ref> Headquarters of Word of Faith Group of Schools, Lydia Group of Schools, Nosakhare Model Education Centre and [[Igbinedion University|Igbinedion Educational Center]],<ref>{{Cite web|title=Igbinedion Education Centre in|url=https://www.edusko.com/school/igbinedion-education-centre|access-date=2021-06-23|website=www.edusko.com|language=en}}</ref> [[Federal Government Girls College, Benin City]],<ref>{{Cite web|title=FEDERAL GOVERNMENT GIRLS COLLEGE BENIN's Official Website|url=https://fggcbenin.com/w_home|access-date=2021-06-23|website=fggcbenin.com|archive-date=24 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624203818/https://fggcbenin.com/w_home|url-status=dead}}</ref> Paragon Comprehensive College, and Itohan Girls Grammar School, Negbenebor International School, Divine Wisdom School. Some of the vocational schools in Benin City include Micro International Training Center, Computer Technology and Training Center, Okunbor Group of Schools. == Environmental issues == === Climate change === {{Further|Climate change in Nigeria}} The city is already feeling the effects of climate change, with increases in temperature, humidity and precipitation trends between 1981 and 2015.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Floyd|first1=A. C.|last2=Oikpor|first2=R.|last3=Ekene|first3=B.|date=2016|title=An Assessment of Climate Change in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria|url=https://www.ajol.info/index.php/fje/article/view/176006|journal=FUTY Journal of the Environment|language=en|volume=10|issue=1|pages=87–94|doi=10.4314/fje.v10i1|doi-broken-date=31 January 2024|issn=1597-8826|s2cid=211560255}}</ref> ==== Flood management ==== Benin city experiences regular flooding.<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal|last1=Butu|first1=A. W.|last2=Emeribe|first2=C. N.|last3=Ogbomida|first3=E. T.|date=March 2019|title=Effects of Seasonal Flooding in Benin City and the need for a Community-Based Adaptation Model in Disaster Management in Nigeria|url=https://nijest.com/112-128_108_vol-3-no-1_nijest-2/|journal=Nigerian Journal of Environmental Sciences and Technology|language=en|volume=3|issue=1|pages=112–128|doi=10.36263/nijest.2019.01.0108|doi-broken-date=1 February 2024|s2cid=202915758|issn=2616-0501|doi-access=free|access-date=2 October 2021|archive-date=13 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313191011/https://nijest.com/112-128_108_vol-3-no-1_nijest-2/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Studies have consistently highlighted the problem since at least 1993.<ref name="Odemerho 371–376">{{Cite journal|last=Odemerho|first=Francis O.|date=1993-04-01|title=Flood control failures in a Third World City: Benin City, Nigeria — some environmental factors and policy issues|url=https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00807539|journal=GeoJournal|language=en|volume=29|issue=4|pages=371–376|doi=10.1007/BF00807539|s2cid=153661811|issn=1572-9893}}</ref> Experts have recommended a number of ways to improve flood management, including better controls on land use, construction and development,<ref name="Odemerho 371–376"/> improved [[Community-based program design|Community-based programs]] designed to improve city adaptation and disaster management,<ref name=":0" /> and improvements in individual preparedness.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Ezemonye|first1=Mary. N|last2=Emeribe|first2=Chukwudi. N|date=2014-01-01|title=Flooding and Household Preparedness in Benin City, Nigeria|url=https://www.richtmann.org/journal/index.php/mjss/article/view/1933|journal=Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences|doi=10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n1p547|doi-access=free}}</ref> In June 2020, a significant number of communities and individuals were left homeless because of city flooding.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|date=2020-06-22|title=Flood ravages Benin City, renders many homeless|url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/06/flood-ravages-benin-city-renders-many-homeless/|access-date=2021-10-02|website=Vanguard News|language=en-US}}</ref> At the time, residents and the city blamed poor [[storm drain]]s and a failure to continue flood adaptation programs.<ref name=":1" /> ==== Urban heating ==== The city, on average is .5 degrees Celsius warmer than the surrounding rural areas, and these temperature differences are greater during workweeks when human activity increases pollution in the urban area.{{citation needed|date=October 2021}} ==== Waste management ==== A 2021 study published in ''[[Nature (journal)|Nature]]'', highlighted that 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 didn't understand proper waste management practices.<ref name=":2">{{Cite journal|last1=Adekola|first1=P. O.|last2=Iyalomhe|first2=F. O.|last3=Paczoski|first3=A.|last4=Abebe|first4=S. T.|last5=Pawłowska|first5=B.|last6=Bąk|first6=M.|last7=Cirella|first7=G. T.|date=2021-01-11|title=Public perception and awareness of waste management from Benin City|journal=Scientific Reports|language=en|volume=11|issue=1|pages=306|pmid=33432016| doi=10.1038/s41598-020-79688-y |pmc=7801630 |issn=2045-2322}}</ref> Moreover, the study found that survey participants didn't understand how waste management was connected to other issues like greenhouse gas emissions.<ref name=":2" /> An additional study found that most residents didn't understand the health impacts of bad waste management.{{Citation needed|date=August 2022}} ==Culture== Attractions in the city includes the National Museum, the [[Royal Palace of Oba of Benin|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)<ref>{{Citation|author=Trillo, Richard |title=The Rough Guide to West Africa |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=clU65BAfOmUC&pg=PT2629 |publisher=[[Rough Guides]] |year=2008 |page=2629 |isbn=978-1-84353-850-9 }}</ref> and its traditional markets. The Binis are known for bronze sculpture, its casting skills, and their arts and craft. Benin City is also the home of one of the oldest sustained monarchies in the world. Various festivals are held in Benin City yearly to celebrate various historic occasions and seasons. [[Igue festival]] is the most popular of the festivals where the Oba celebrates the history and culture of his people and blesses the land and the people. It is celebrated at a time between [[Christmas]] and New Year.<ref>{{Cite web |title = IGUE FESTIVAL |last1 =Ademola Iyi-eweka, Ph.D |url=https://www.edo-nation.net/igue.htm |website=www.edo-nation.net |access-date=2020-05-31}}</ref> === Festival === Benin city has a popular festival called [[Igue festival]]. The festival is an annual event held in Benin 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 the Kingdom of Benin). The festival is believed to renew Oba Ewuare 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.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Igue Festival, Festivals And Carnivals In Edo State :: Nigeria Information & Guide|url=https://www.nigeriagalleria.com/Nigeria/States_Nigeria/Edo/Igue-Festival-Edo.html|access-date=2021-06-23|website=www.nigeriagalleria.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Igue Festival – Visit Edo|url=https://visitedo.ng/igue-festival/|access-date=2021-06-23|language=en-US|archive-date=24 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624222405/https://visitedo.ng/igue-festival/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=History of Igue Festival in Benin-City|url=https://edofolks.com/html/pub142.htm|access-date=2021-06-23|website=edofolks.com|archive-date=24 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624203311/https://edofolks.com/html/pub142.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2017-09-05|title=Igue Festival {{!}} Hometown.ng™|url=https://hometown.ng/listing-item/igue-festival/|access-date=2021-06-23|language=en-US}}</ref> Aside the cultural festival, the city also play host to the Benin City Film Festival. The festival create room for the promotion of works produced by local film community. It also promote contents of National and International emerging filmmakers to showcase their works in an environment where they have access to experienced industry professionals.<ref>{{Cite web|title=4th Benin City Film Festival: Call for Entries {{!}} LADIMA|url=https://ladima.africa/4th-benin-city-film-festival-call-for-entries/|access-date=2021-06-23|website=ladima.africa}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=BENIN CITY FILM FESTIVAL {{!}} GivingWay|url=https://www.givingway.com/organization/benin-city-film-festival|access-date=2021-06-23|website=www.givingway.com|language=en|archive-date=24 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624204122/https://www.givingway.com/organization/benin-city-film-festival|url-status=dead}}</ref> ==== Tradition ==== * Vadoo day: it happens on every 10 January and it's viewed by the people of Benin. Vadoo is * Quintessence Film Festival * Gelede Festival * Waba Festival * International Festival of the Dahomean Culture.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Benin Holidays and Festivals |url=https://www.iexplore.com/articles/travel-guides/africa/benin/festivals-and-events |access-date=2023-06-28 |website=www.iexplore.com}}</ref> ===Bini market days=== The "Bini" people have four market days: Ekioba, Ekenaka, Agbado, and Eken.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Significance Of Market Days '(edeki) In Traditional Or Customary Marriage Celebration |url=https://www.edoworld.net/Significance_Of_Market_Days.html |access-date=2023-01-29 |website=www.edoworld.net}}</ref> ==Transportation== [[Benin Airport]] serves the city with five commercial airlines flying to it, including [[Green Africa Airways]],[[United Nigeria Airlines]],[[Aero Contractors (Nigeria)|Aero Contractors]], [[Arik Air]], and [[Air Peace]] ==Gallery== <gallery> File:Ameosa Motors, Benin City Edo State,.jpg File:Baptist College of Theology, Benin City, Edo State.jpg File:Baptist High School Main Entrance, Benin Edo state.jpg File:Baptist Secreteriat, Benin Edo state.jpg File:Edo Specialist Hospital, Benin City, Edo State.jpg File:Edo state House of Assembly complex, Benin city3.jpg File:Endurance Education Centre, Benin City.jpg File:Investment House, Benin city, Edo state.jpg File:Nigerian Television Authority, Benin City, Edo State.jpg File:Oba of Benin Palace, Benin, Edo state.jpg File:Oredo Constituency Office, Benin city, Edo State.jpg File:Ovia North East Line, Benin City, Edo State.jpg File:Pension House, Benin city, Edo state.jpg File:Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City Edo State.jpg File:Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City Edo State 01.jpg File:St. Patrick Catholic Church, Ugbowo, Benin City 2.jpg File:St. Patrick Catholic Church, Ugbowo, Benin City.jpg File:Welcome to the Palace of the Oba of Benin signpost, Benin, Edo state.jpg </gallery> ==Notable people== [[File:Suleiman Braimoh.jpg|thumb|180px|[[Suleiman Braimoh]]]] [[File:Modupe Ozolua 02.jpg|thumb|180px|[[Modupe Ozolua]]]] <!---♦♦♦ Only add a person to this list if they already have their own article on the English Wikipedia ♦♦♦---> <!---♦♦♦ Please keep the list in alphabetical order by LAST NAME ♦♦♦---> {{div col}} * [[Godwin Abbe]], former Nigerian Minister for Interior and Defence<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-01-10|title=Obaseki celebrates with Godwin Abbe at 70|url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/01/obaseki-celebrates-with-godwin-abbe-at-70/|access-date=2021-07-16|website=Vanguard News|language=en-US}}</ref> * [[Ambrose Folorunsho Alli]], former governor of the defunct Bendel State. He created the Bendel State University now named after him as "[[Ambrose Alli University]]"<ref>{{Cite book|last=Irene|first=Oseremen Felix|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/53015677|title=Footpaths: a life of service : tribute to prof. Ambrose Folorunsho Alli : a compendium of achievements|date=2000|publisher=National Association of Edo State Students|location=Ibadan, Nigeria|language=English|oclc=53015677}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Prof. Ambrose Folorunsho Alli|url=https://www.edoworld.net/Alli_Biography.html|access-date=2021-07-16|website=www.edoworld.net}}</ref> * [[Eghosa Asemota Agbonifo]], politician<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-01-21|title=Eghosa Asemota Agbonifo speak on what inspired him to join Edo State politics, as campaign kicks off|url=https://businessday.ng/uncategorized/article/eghosa-asemota-agbonifo-speaks-on-what-inspired-him-to-join-edo-state-politics-as-campaign-kicks-off/|access-date=2021-07-16|website=Businessday NG|language=en-US}}</ref> * [[Anthony Anenih]], chairman, the board of trustees (PDP) and Nigeria's former Minister of Works<ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-11-03|title=How Late Chief Tony Anenih Became "Mr. Fix It"|url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/11/how-late-chief-tony-anenih-became-mr-fix-it/|access-date=2021-07-16|website=Vanguard News|language=en-US}}</ref> *[[Suleiman Braimoh]] (born 1989), Nigerian-American basketball player in the [[Israel Basketball Premier League]]<ref>{{Cite web|last=Proballers|title=Suleiman Braimoh, Basketball Player|url=https://www.proballers.com/basketball/player/55244/suleiman-braimoh|access-date=2021-07-16|website=Proballers|language=en}}</ref> * [[Archbishop John Edokpolo]], Minister of Trade and Founder of Edokpolor Grammar School<ref>{{Cite web|title=Politics and Legacies- Arch-Bishop John Enoyogiere Edokpolo and the verdict of history- a text presented at Edokpolo Grammar School Old Boys 50th Anniversary Ceremony- 4thDecember 2010 by Comrade Aiyamenkhue Edokpolo- SSA to the Gov of Edo State.|url=https://www.thenigerianvoice.com/news/40149/politics-and-legacies-arch-bishop-john-enoyogiere-edokpolo.html|access-date=2021-07-16|website=Nigerian Voice}}</ref> * [[Francis Edo-Osagie]], businessman * [[Jacob U. Egharevba]], Bini historian and traditional chief<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Eisenhofer|first=Stefan|date=January 1995|title=The Origins of the Benin Kingship in the Works of Jacob Egharevba|url=https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/history-in-africa/article/abs/origins-of-the-benin-kingship-in-the-works-of-jacob-egharevba/EB682F2E6B3B487C45965F467AECB4AA|journal=History in Africa|language=en|volume=22|pages=141–163|doi=10.2307/3171912|jstor=3171912|s2cid=161445279 |issn=0361-5413}}</ref> * [[Anthony Enahoro]], anti-colonial and pro-democracy activist and politician<ref>{{Cite web|date=2011-02-08|title=Chief Anthony Enahoro obituary|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/feb/08/chief-anthony-enahoro-obituary|access-date=2021-07-16|website=The Guardian|language=en}}</ref> * [[Festus Ezeli]], basketball player * [[Abel Guobadia]], former Chairman of Nigeria's [[Independent National Electoral Commission]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=Abel Guobadia|url=https://www.edoworld.net/Abel_Guobadia.html|access-date=2021-07-16|website=www.edoworld.net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2011-02-04|title=Abel Guobadia, ex-INEC chairman dies at 78|url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/02/abel-guobadia-ex-inec-chairman-dies-at-78/|access-date=2021-07-16|website=Vanguard News|language=en-US}}</ref> *[[Ovia Idah]], Nigerian sculptor<ref name="Grove">{{Cite web |title=Idah, Ovia |url=https://www.oxfordartonline.com/groveart/display/10.1093/gao/9781884446054.001.0001/oao-9781884446054-e-7000096585 |url-access=subscription |access-date=2023-03-16 |website=Grove Art Online | year=2000 |language=en |doi=10.1093/gao/9781884446054.article.t096585| last1=Jegede | first1=Dele }}</ref> * [[Benson Idahosa]], Founder of Church of God Mission International Incorporated and Idahosa World Outreach (IWO)<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-03-15|title=Archbishop Idahosa told me about his death – Oyakhilome|url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/03/archbishop-idahosa-told-me-about-his-death-oyakhilome/|access-date=2021-07-16|website=Vanguard News|language=en-US}}</ref> * [[Felix Idubor]], artist<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-09-22|title=The hunt for Marianne is being led by Bonhams' Nigeria representative, Neil Coventry|url=https://guardian.ng/art/the-hunt-for-marianne-is-being-led-by-bonhams-nigeria-representative-neil-coventry/|access-date=2021-07-16|website=The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News|language=en-US}}</ref> * [[Felix Lebarty]], musician<ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-02-12|title=My father's lifestyle affected my childhood —Felix Liberty's daughter|url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/02/fathers-lifestyle-affected-childhood-felix-libertys-daughter/|access-date=2021-07-16|website=Vanguard News|language=en-US}}</ref> * [[Gabriel Igbinedion]], businessman and Esama of Benin kingdom<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-09-13|title=Esama of Benin, Igbinedion, glows at 86|url=https://punchng.com/esama-of-benin-igbinedion-glows-at-86/|access-date=2021-07-16|website=Punch Newspapers|language=en-US}}</ref> *[[Divine Ikubor]], known professionally as Rema, musician. * [[Festus Iyayi]], novelist and first African to win the Commonwealth Writers Prize<ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-02-23|title=Driver who caused death of Professor Festus Iyayi jailed seven years {{!}} Premium Times Nigeria|url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/259701-driver-caused-death-professor-festus-iyayi-jailed-seven-years.html|access-date=2021-07-16|language=en-GB}}</ref> * [[Suleman Johnson]], senior pastor and general overseer of Omega Fire Ministries International<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-06-11|title=Apostle Suleman Warns Buhari, Threatens Him With God Over IPOB Treatment|url=http://saharareporters.com/2021/06/11/apostle-suleman-warns-buhari-threatens-him-god-over-ipob-treatment|access-date=2021-07-16|website=Sahara Reporters}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Nwachukwu|first=John Owen|date=2021-06-13|title=You can't cheat nature - Apostle Suleman reacts to T.B Joshua's death|url=https://dailypost.ng/2021/06/13/you-cant-cheat-nature-apostle-suleman-reacts-t-b-joshuas-death/|access-date=2021-07-16|website=Daily Post Nigeria|language=en-US}}</ref> *[[Godwin Obaseki]], the current governor of [[Edo State]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Godwin Obaseki Archives |url=https://guardian.ng/tag/godwin-obaseki/ |access-date=2022-03-19 |website=The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News |language=en-US}}</ref> * [[Samuel Ogbemudia]], former governor of the Midwest region of Nigeria and later Bendel state<ref>{{Cite web|date=2017-03-10|title=Former Governor Samuel Ogbemudia is dead {{!}} Premium Times Nigeria|url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/225745-former-governor-samuel-ogbemudia-dead.html|access-date=2021-07-16|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-03-24 |title=Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia (1932 - 2017) |url=https://m.guardian.ng/opinion/samuel-osaigbovo-ogbemudia-1932-2017/ |access-date=2022-03-18 |website=The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News |language=en-US}}</ref> * [[Shallipopi]], singer and songwriter<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://edostate.gov.ng/edo-assures-support-for-creatives-as-shallipopi-arrives-benin-for-homecoming-concert/ |title=Edo assures support for creatives as Shallipopi arrives Benin for homecoming concert |date=2023-12-29 |access-date=2023-12-31 |last=Igiekhume |first=Donatus}}</ref> * [[Sonny Okosun]], musician<ref>{{Cite web|date=2015-05-26|title=The Death That Brings Life: Stella Okosun Saving Lives Through Sonny Okosun Colon Cancer Foundation By Bayo Oluwasanmi|url=http://saharareporters.com/2015/05/26/death-brings-life-stella-okosun-saving-lives-through-sonny-okosun-colon-cancer-foundation|access-date=2021-07-16|website=Sahara Reporters}}</ref> * [[Suyi Davies Okungbowa]], African fantasy and speculative fiction author<ref>{{Cite web|title=Suyi Davies Okungbowa|url=https://www.amazon.com/Suyi-Davies-Okungbowa/e/B07S7KFBGB?ref_=dbs_p_ebk_w0m_abau_000000|access-date=2021-07-16|website=www.amazon.com|language=en-us}}</ref> * [[Osasere Orumwense]], former Vice-Chancellor of University of Benin<ref>{{Cite web|date=2014-11-11|title=UNIBEN to graduate 19, 472 students as 118 bag First Class|url=https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2014/11/11/uniben-to-graduate-19-472-students-as-118-bag-first-class/|access-date=2021-07-16|website=P.M. News|language=en-US}}</ref> * [[Osayuki Godwin Oshodin]], former Vice-Chancellor of University of Benin<ref>{{Cite web|title=Business Service News {{!}} Guardian Newspaper|url=https://editor.guardian.ng/category/business-services/|access-date=2021-07-16|website=The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News|language=en-US|archive-date=26 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170126165711/https://editor.guardian.ng/category/business-services/|url-status=dead}}</ref> * [[Demi Isaac Oviawe]], Ireland-based actress<ref>{{Cite news|last=Brady|first=Tara|title=Demi Isaac Oviawe of Young Offenders: 'I naturally have a resting bitch face'|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/film/demi-isaac-oviawe-of-young-offenders-i-naturally-have-a-resting-bitch-face-1.4303344|access-date=2021-07-16|newspaper=The Irish Times|language=en}}</ref> * [[Chris Oyakhilome]], founder and president of Believers LoveWorld Incorporated, also known as [[Christ Embassy]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=Chris Oyakhilome|url=https://www.amazon.com/Chris-Oyakhilome/e/B00803JOGK?ref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share|access-date=2021-07-16|website=www.amazon.com|language=en-us}}</ref> * [[Modupe Ozolua]], cosmetic surgeon<ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-07-07|title=Modupe Ozolua|url=https://guardian.ng/guardian-woman/modupe-ozolua/|access-date=2021-07-16|website=The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News|language=en-US}}</ref> *[[Lilian Salami]], Vice-Chancellor of university of Benin<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-12-04 |title=UNIBEN VC Laments Over Ravaging Gully Erosion |url=https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/12/04/uniben-vc-laments-over-ravaging-gully-erosion/ |access-date=2022-03-08 |website=THISDAYLIVE |language=en-US}}</ref> * [[Victor Uwaifo]], musician<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-07-11|title=Victor Uwaifo and I were street hawkers in Benin, says Igbinedion|url=https://thenationonlineng.net/victor-uwaifo-and-i-were-street-hawkers-in-benin-says-igbinedion/|access-date=2021-07-16|website=Latest Nigeria News, Nigerian Newspapers, Politics|language=en-US}}</ref> {{div col end}} <!---♦♦♦ Only add a person to this list if they already have their own article on the English Wikipedia ♦♦♦---> <!---♦♦♦ Please keep the list in alphabetical order by LAST NAME ♦♦♦---> ==References== {{reflist}} ==Bibliography== * [[Dmitri Bondarenko|Bondarenko D. M.]] A Homoarchic Alternative to the Homoarchic State: Benin Kingdom of the Thirteenth - Nineteenth Centuries. ''[[Social Evolution & History]]''. 2005. vol. 4, no 2. pp. 18–88. ==External links== {{Commons category|Benin City}} {{portal|Traditional African religion}} *[http://www.worldstatesmen.org/Nigeria.htm#Republic%20of%20Benin WorldStatesmen- Nigeria] *[https://web.archive.org/web/20060814005827/http://blackhistorypages.net/pages/fallbenin.php] The Fall of Benin]{{Dead link|date=June 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} *[http://www.edoworld.net/Tourism.html Benin kingdom/Edo state tourism] *[https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2016/mar/18/story-of-cities-5-benin-city-edo-nigeria-mighty-medieval-capital-lost-without-trace?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other Story of cities #5: Benin City, the mighty medieval capital now lost without trace] {{Edo State}} {{Cities in Nigeria}} {{Authority control}} [[Category:Benin City| ]] [[Category:Populated places in Edo State]] [[Category:State capitals in Nigeria]] [[Category:Cities in Nigeria]] [[Category:Sacred sites in traditional African religions]] Summary: Please note that all contributions to Christianpedia may be edited, altered, or removed by other contributors. 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