Let me start by introducing my self, I am a musician who started playing in school with Chris okotie as a drummer. I also inspired majek fashek with my jimi Hendrix guitar playing. My last album osawonder is on I tunes and other internet based sales agents. I am also a member of NARAS (National Academy of the recording arts and sciences) New York chapter. We (12,000 members) organize the Grammy awards.
My contribution to this debate is more solution based that that of a critic. I respect all forms of arts (my company organizes a yearly bronze festival in Benin City where I am based, and I am backed by GTBank, NPDC, Partnership investment).
Let’s start from the role of government in charting a course for his artist. Should radio stations not have a weekly playlist where the artists are graduated from 20 times play to one? This is the only way royalties can be computed and payed to artist. It is an issue that is not being addressed by all stake holders.
Diana Ross was largely instrumental to th¬e Michael Jackson success. The musician in this environment is on his own. Fela nurtured his children, who else¬?i lived in kalakuta before dede ever went there. The invasion of kalakuta happened a few minutes after my departure to Benin at the closure of Festac 1977. Name them, Sunny ade, Rex Lawson, Ebenezer Obey, Victor uwaifo, oliver d coque, Sunny okosun, where are the artist they helped?thoseo f them alive should please let us know
.I have trained about 400 students, one of them, franchise currently enjoys success in Benin, Silver can testify to this. Where are the EMI, afrodisia, the odion iruojes, laolu akins lemy Jackson, Jake solo, please stand up and be counted. These institutions and individuals set the pace that evolved into legends like fela, okotie, shina peters, majek. When they see something in you, they look for you and do something about it. The media must rejuvenate itself collectively and individually. He who lives in a glass house must not throw stones. A star is made by the media. who ever they project is the bitter bill the public will swallow. Do they do this without compromise? The article by the great writer Abati, might as well open a can of worms.
The evolution of music is a natural phenomenon, no one can shape it. When fela was cultivating the afro beat seeds, he was ignored. He played free at empty venues, while the gate paying venues of the Hikkers (pat fin, Jake solo) were packed full. Felas association with the Black Panther made him sing about the masses, “jeun ku o ku” was a product of that association. The rest now is history. Bob Marley heard the music of the Beatles and started personalizing all his songs. My cousin Ola sapara (majeks senior brother) is a dean of a department in a New York college. I once resided in his abode on king’s highway, Brooklyn, New York. He woke up one morning and as usual, had coffee and went straight to his books. He said “do Nigerian musicians go to their instruments and practice daily and write thought provoking songs?” I only starred at him in dismay. On my way back from a show two nights ago, Michael Jacksons first solo hit “Ben” was played don radio, I broke down and wept. the song Ben was dedicated to a rat. The clash, the British punk rock group did not know the name of their prime minister, because they are in the studios or shows at night and sleep all day. Please abati, we need a body headed by you to set a code of conduct of playability for radio stations playlist. The body will decide how much artist will get each time his\ her music will be played. Decide what format each station must adopt e.g., High live, hip hop, Afro beat, reggae etc. Please abati, it is time for action. If we complain about watery lyrics, Lets have song writing workshops. If we complain about lack of artists, Lets approach the embassies to help us set up music schools. I have one of such proposals lying on my shelf, directed to the French cultural centre. I can forward it to you. The fact that you used your writing skills to expose a much neglected pact of our economy, which employees more people than the federal government, is commendable. The same body headed by you will also organize a conference to tackle piracy. We must hear from the so called pirates. After all, do the real record companies ever declare the real sales to artists? Abati, please please please.
Eno Louis Enobakhare
Afro Jazz rock master
08033888864
Saturday, May 21, 2011
WORLDS GREATEST ARCHEOLOGICAL WORK GOES EXTINCT
WORLDS GREATEST ARCHEOLOGICAL WORK GOES EXTINCT BY ENO LOUIS ENOBAKHARE
The Benin moat, the largest archeological single feature on the planet, 4 or 5 times longer than the wall of China, 100 times more materially intensive than the pyramids of Egypt is going extinct. The united Nations who naturally should be in the forefront of the preservation of such a world class relic is looking the other way and placing hurdles on the path of its classification as a world heritage site and thus attract some funds.
The level of poverty in Nigeria, a country too rich to be poor and too poor to be rich, has put museums and monuments at the bottom of its priority list. But when you consider the fact that 70per cent of world tourists world heritage sights , the money that Nigerian people will make with the influx of tourists must make government divert funds put into events that put little or nothing back into the its coffers like the 600,000million naira on the Abuja carnival. This carnival should be handed over to the private sector solely. Every year we hear sermons about diversification of the economy through tourism, but according to house of reps, billions have gone down the drain with not even a one per cent result.
Various seminars have been held to rub minds and draw a road map. Recently, an agenda for stake holders meeting was held at the Benin museum. A presentation (Preparation of Benin walls and moat for nomination into world heritage list) by the director, heritage sights, national commission of museums and monuments. Discussions now followed. I was asked to speak first.
The walls and moat was first constructed before the year 1274.Oba oguola, ewuare, ozolua, esigie all added value to this relic. Thus, been a tradional initiative, the traditional institution must first, with traditional instruments stop any further encroachments. The first thing the British did during the 1897 expedition was to burn the shrines in Benin kingdom. This means that their effectiveness has never been in doubt. A 100 year plan can then be put in place. A monument almost a thousand years cannot be restored in 10 years. A concise map of this monument should be put together. This will necessitate a visit to Europe, who by the way know more about us than we know about our selves. This
committee must comprise of men and women of integrity. Traditional means must be embraced in the swearing in of the members.
My interaction with certain embassies revealed they have funds that can, to a large extent move us from point A to point B. The Germans have the cultural funds which must pass through parliament. Consent from a world power like Germany, will rub off on other decisions in the United Nations.
T he role of the local communities cannot be ignored. The councilors of the affected wards must be carried along. Owners of property that might have to be pulled down must have their frayed nerves calmed.
The moat apart from being for protection and prevention took care of the flood problems .Today flooded areas in Benin are areas that the moat was tempered with. The comrade governor while searching for a solution to perennial flooding in the city must go back in history. In this great future you cannot forget the past. The moat must be allowed to perform its traditional role, commercial role, through tourism, security role, in case of robbery of kidnapping, the bridges to be built over the excavated portions could be shut.
The financial gains cannot be calculated.1000 tourists spending $1000 every month gives us $12,000,000 per annum. This is 1.8billion naira. This eye popping figure should wake us up from our slumber once and for all. Finally, we might be getting our tourism potentials on the move.
The Benin moat, the largest archeological single feature on the planet, 4 or 5 times longer than the wall of China, 100 times more materially intensive than the pyramids of Egypt is going extinct. The united Nations who naturally should be in the forefront of the preservation of such a world class relic is looking the other way and placing hurdles on the path of its classification as a world heritage site and thus attract some funds.
The level of poverty in Nigeria, a country too rich to be poor and too poor to be rich, has put museums and monuments at the bottom of its priority list. But when you consider the fact that 70per cent of world tourists world heritage sights , the money that Nigerian people will make with the influx of tourists must make government divert funds put into events that put little or nothing back into the its coffers like the 600,000million naira on the Abuja carnival. This carnival should be handed over to the private sector solely. Every year we hear sermons about diversification of the economy through tourism, but according to house of reps, billions have gone down the drain with not even a one per cent result.
Various seminars have been held to rub minds and draw a road map. Recently, an agenda for stake holders meeting was held at the Benin museum. A presentation (Preparation of Benin walls and moat for nomination into world heritage list) by the director, heritage sights, national commission of museums and monuments. Discussions now followed. I was asked to speak first.
The walls and moat was first constructed before the year 1274.Oba oguola, ewuare, ozolua, esigie all added value to this relic. Thus, been a tradional initiative, the traditional institution must first, with traditional instruments stop any further encroachments. The first thing the British did during the 1897 expedition was to burn the shrines in Benin kingdom. This means that their effectiveness has never been in doubt. A 100 year plan can then be put in place. A monument almost a thousand years cannot be restored in 10 years. A concise map of this monument should be put together. This will necessitate a visit to Europe, who by the way know more about us than we know about our selves. This
committee must comprise of men and women of integrity. Traditional means must be embraced in the swearing in of the members.
My interaction with certain embassies revealed they have funds that can, to a large extent move us from point A to point B. The Germans have the cultural funds which must pass through parliament. Consent from a world power like Germany, will rub off on other decisions in the United Nations.
T he role of the local communities cannot be ignored. The councilors of the affected wards must be carried along. Owners of property that might have to be pulled down must have their frayed nerves calmed.
The moat apart from being for protection and prevention took care of the flood problems .Today flooded areas in Benin are areas that the moat was tempered with. The comrade governor while searching for a solution to perennial flooding in the city must go back in history. In this great future you cannot forget the past. The moat must be allowed to perform its traditional role, commercial role, through tourism, security role, in case of robbery of kidnapping, the bridges to be built over the excavated portions could be shut.
The financial gains cannot be calculated.1000 tourists spending $1000 every month gives us $12,000,000 per annum. This is 1.8billion naira. This eye popping figure should wake us up from our slumber once and for all. Finally, we might be getting our tourism potentials on the move.
Ugie ewere
Ugie ewere
The Igue festival has for many centuries been the spiritual cleansing end of year event of the Benin kingdom. Unlike in most other places where specific dates or periods are set for their festivals, e.g. Christmas, the igue festival can only commence after the argue festivals during which the ancestors after accepting the sacrifice of the oba now permits the igue festival to start.
All activities of the festival take place within the precincts of the palace except the ewere day. The night before the ewere day, all Benin people have a kind of Passover ceremony by breaking kola nuts, coconuts and marking their heads with the blood of a guinea fowl, the ceremony lasts till dawn and the youths go to the forest to pluck the ewere leave. Ewere was the daughter of a chief that had a very pleasant behavior and thus all good things became associated with her name. These leaves are now brought into the various house holds and placed on the foreheads to herald the Benin year. This is the climax of the igue festival and is been threatened today because since there are no incentives, youths are no more keen to go into the forests which have in turn receded due to development and land speculation.
There is an urgent need to support the ewere day by doing the following
1. Encourage about 140 youths to converge at a venue the night preceding the ewere day.
2. Provide resources for their Passover ceremony with cultural music.
3. The following morning provide transportation for their movement to where ewere leaves can be plucked and they break up into various groups of five. Each group parades the wards of the 7 Benin speaking local governments.
The sponsor will brand the venue of the Passover, the cultural troupes, the vehicles to transport the ewere groups.
Budget
150 boys X 3000 450,000
15 vehicles at 20,000 300,000
Resources for Passover 300,000
Venue 150,000
Canopies and light 150,000
Cultural troupe (5) 500,000
Total 1,850,000
Misc 185,000
Total 2,045,000
Eno Louis Enobakhare
The Igue festival has for many centuries been the spiritual cleansing end of year event of the Benin kingdom. Unlike in most other places where specific dates or periods are set for their festivals, e.g. Christmas, the igue festival can only commence after the argue festivals during which the ancestors after accepting the sacrifice of the oba now permits the igue festival to start.
All activities of the festival take place within the precincts of the palace except the ewere day. The night before the ewere day, all Benin people have a kind of Passover ceremony by breaking kola nuts, coconuts and marking their heads with the blood of a guinea fowl, the ceremony lasts till dawn and the youths go to the forest to pluck the ewere leave. Ewere was the daughter of a chief that had a very pleasant behavior and thus all good things became associated with her name. These leaves are now brought into the various house holds and placed on the foreheads to herald the Benin year. This is the climax of the igue festival and is been threatened today because since there are no incentives, youths are no more keen to go into the forests which have in turn receded due to development and land speculation.
There is an urgent need to support the ewere day by doing the following
1. Encourage about 140 youths to converge at a venue the night preceding the ewere day.
2. Provide resources for their Passover ceremony with cultural music.
3. The following morning provide transportation for their movement to where ewere leaves can be plucked and they break up into various groups of five. Each group parades the wards of the 7 Benin speaking local governments.
The sponsor will brand the venue of the Passover, the cultural troupes, the vehicles to transport the ewere groups.
Budget
150 boys X 3000 450,000
15 vehicles at 20,000 300,000
Resources for Passover 300,000
Venue 150,000
Canopies and light 150,000
Cultural troupe (5) 500,000
Total 1,850,000
Misc 185,000
Total 2,045,000
Eno Louis Enobakhare
The grass root initiative for development of a nation
The grass root initiative for development of a nation
There are 8,800 wards in Nigeria. If emphasis is shifted to the development of these small units; the whole country will benefit. The bane of our development has been lack of data. Does the chairman of a local government know how many roads in his domain that are bad and how much it will cost¬¬¬-the schools, the health facilities etc.
The grass root initiative is the solution to this lack of cohesive appropriation of resources that is becoming scarce by the day. no continuity in governance due to lack of a road map. the councilors are closest to the people.they should know what is happening in the wards .we should collate this data using their knowledge.
All wards should have two representatives to compile data on the oads,schools,health centres,transformers ,banks and businesses included.
The 25 banks have about 10 branches in the 36 states giving us 9000 branches .if we match a branch with each ward to take up a project that will be identified with its name,about 90,000 jobs will be created and once a year this can be reviewed.our hosting of international conferences never rob off on the 70percent of our population in rural areas.more effort should henceforth be put into localized networking.
Hosting 20,000 people might be cumbersome.when we have the data required,there can be 100 groups of 200 people for the sake of intimacy during sessions.
The very first event now is to intimate our councilors on the need to get these information from their wards.176,000,000naira is needed to mobilize the representatives to collate the data at the grass roots.this divided by 25 gives us 7.04million .this will be the initial fund each bank will part with. This is not to much considering the goodwill that will be generated and the realistic impact on the whole economy.
The world bank can even come up with this amount.the undp for instance should show interest in a grassroot initiative such as this.
The communication sector can also be approached to chip in .this document will be beneficial to all.the corporate social responsibility of the private sector might as well take root from here.
The nitty gritty of this project will require an initial committee of 10 people.two each from federal government,forum of governors,algon,grass initiative.
There are 8,800 wards in Nigeria. If emphasis is shifted to the development of these small units; the whole country will benefit. The bane of our development has been lack of data. Does the chairman of a local government know how many roads in his domain that are bad and how much it will cost¬¬¬-the schools, the health facilities etc.
The grass root initiative is the solution to this lack of cohesive appropriation of resources that is becoming scarce by the day. no continuity in governance due to lack of a road map. the councilors are closest to the people.they should know what is happening in the wards .we should collate this data using their knowledge.
All wards should have two representatives to compile data on the oads,schools,health centres,transformers ,banks and businesses included.
The 25 banks have about 10 branches in the 36 states giving us 9000 branches .if we match a branch with each ward to take up a project that will be identified with its name,about 90,000 jobs will be created and once a year this can be reviewed.our hosting of international conferences never rob off on the 70percent of our population in rural areas.more effort should henceforth be put into localized networking.
Hosting 20,000 people might be cumbersome.when we have the data required,there can be 100 groups of 200 people for the sake of intimacy during sessions.
The very first event now is to intimate our councilors on the need to get these information from their wards.176,000,000naira is needed to mobilize the representatives to collate the data at the grass roots.this divided by 25 gives us 7.04million .this will be the initial fund each bank will part with. This is not to much considering the goodwill that will be generated and the realistic impact on the whole economy.
The world bank can even come up with this amount.the undp for instance should show interest in a grassroot initiative such as this.
The communication sector can also be approached to chip in .this document will be beneficial to all.the corporate social responsibility of the private sector might as well take root from here.
The nitty gritty of this project will require an initial committee of 10 people.two each from federal government,forum of governors,algon,grass initiative.
The Benin Throne and their challenges
Title: The Benin Throne and their challenges
The benin throne was established in 475 A.D. For 713 years, the Ogisos ruled over the Kingdom and created 100 enigies (dukes). As the oba Erediauwa CFR marks his 30th anniversary on the throne, this article will dwell more on the challenges faced by the 38 Kings that have ruled over this great kingdom.
One major challenge Oba Erediauwa faced was his suspension by the former military Administration of Edo State, Commodore Onyeregbulum of blessed memory. I was invited to play at the obas anniversary during the period of his suspension. As my band played " congratulations.." to usher the king into the arena, the oba of benin, revered and respected by all because of his strict adherence to the traditions of his ancestors apparently broke one of the tenets by busting into a dance - half waltz (as he is oxford trained) and half esakpade - a benin traditional dance. The arena went into immediate excitement and celebration. A suspended king who all expected to look sad and pensive dancing to the music of a commoner?
The press men sighed and waited impatiently for the question and answer session.
"Your majesty" one of the pressmen quipped (it was another case of Jesus healing on sabbath day) "you should not be dancing to the music of eno louis". The royal father said "I did not dance to the music of eno louis". The journalists either did not believe their ears or that their eyes did not see the oba dance. The oba continued, " I danced to the music of an ogbelaka man". There was a thick silence. My father from ogelaka was the head of the royal musicians and thus extended that right to me.
The continuous misunderstanding between the palace and some chiefs reminds one of ovio, a wealthy man who lived during the time of owodo, the last Ogiso, The peaceful nature of Oba Erediauwa and his solomonic wisdom made him deal with such matters in a fatherly, civilised way that stunned all other subjects Ovio was banished and eventually founded Obior in Delta state where the immediate past governor Elue of delta state hails. I was there , to play for honourable Elues homecoming too.
Erediauwas father, Oba Akenzua the second, faced a major challenge when Benin was over run by biafrian soldiers. Was he to remain loyal to the federal government or co operate with the biafrans to become a major catalyst in the Benin republic being suggested. The Obas ancestors quickly intervened and Benin was liberated averting a blood letting that many thought was inevitable.
Oba Akenzua was a founding father to mid west region with all the intrigues that followed. The western regions assets have not been shared till this present day.
Eweka the second became the Oba of benin in 1914. The fact that he ascended the throne of Ovonrawmen at all makes him a hero in the preservation of the Benin kingdoms aristocracy, second only to that of Japan in longevity. His challenges and that of his father are one and the same. He could have been banished along with his father but was much favoured by posterity.
His doggedness to reclaim his throne can only be compared to David and Goliath. Ovonramwen surrendered to the British to save his kingdom and beloved subjects from being razed from the surface of the earth.He was not at all a coward or self centered. He was ready to lay down his life for a kingdom he so much cherished.
Adolor mounted the benin throne in 1848. 'Dolor' in edo language means 'repair'.Adolor, his father Osemwende and grandfather Obanosa were together the bridge between the rapidly fading past and rapidly threatening future (iro eweka). Alan Ryder wrote - "the threat to the very existence of the kingdom posed by intervention came no nearer in Adolors lifetime.
It might even appear to have receded" Obanosa, bore the title Edaiken - heir apparent for a long time.He was said to have plucked white hairs and sent it to his father to show he was getting old only for his father to send back to him salt and native chalk, meaning life is sweet.
Akengbuda reigned for 55 years. The Obi of Obuluku had asked for, Adesuwa, chief
Ezomos daughter's hand in marriage, not knowing she was already betrothed to the Oba.
Adesuwas refusal and her subsequent murder by the obi led to a battle that ended with the obis head brought to the oba Akengbuda.
Eresoyen, Akengbudas father built a house of money. The walls and floors were paved with cowries. He subdued the Agbor rebellion and settled disputes in faraway Abor,
Akenzua the first was Ewuakpe's first son. His first challenge was the usurping of his throne by his younger brother Ozuere for one year. The re enactment.of primogeniture law triggered a civil war. Uzuere was supported by Iyase but was defeated. Akenzua the first was the richest king to ever ascend the throne of his ancestors. How he came about his wealth has not been properly addressed by historians.
"Benin is admired for its government, laws, tolerance and hospitality to visitors" so wrote dutch trader Van Nyendael in 1702 during the reign of Ewuakpe. His wife Iden sacrificed herself to fulfil the demand of the oracle for a human sacrifice. Ewuakpe was treated unkindly by his mother's people and he cursed them.
In 1692, pope innocent the 12th sent a personal letter to Oba oreoghene who was crowned three years earlier. Christainity had creeped into the kingdom already and the pope encouraged him to remain a catholic. One might ask at this point what will become of his ancestors. This departure from the norm must have created challenges. But not the type oba Ahenkpayes.His high handedness led to his dethronement in1684, the year Akengbedo was placed on the throne.
Ahenzae, Akenzua and Akengbo (1614 - 1669) all had peaceful reigns even when an oracle predicted the predicament of Ovoramwen about 200 years later, the kingdom fostered the relationship with the white men.
About 1606 A.D, Ohuan became Oba. Handsome and feminine in appearance, he had to walk naked across the kingdom when he was young to dispell rumours about his real gender, He quelled the rebellion of an unfriendly Iyase (senior chief).
Between the last ogiso and Uhuan, 17 kings reigned, prominent amongst these were esigie (1504), Ozolua (81), Ezoti (1473), Ewuare (1440), Oguola (1280), Eweka the first (1200).
Duarte pires wrote about Esigie "I am a true friend of the king.... He ordered his son to build a church and learnt to read and write". Oba Esigie introduced the use of guns and initiated the first king mother - Iyoba after his mother idia assisted in the Ida war.
Ozolua was a great warrior, enemies fled into the bush at the sound of his coming. he took the title uku-akpolokpolo (emperor of the big kingdom). Obulu uku, ise luku, Ugwashu uku etc, all fell to his sword. Ozolua was eventually poisoned by his wariors at Uzea.
Ewuare captured 201 towns and villages. He made walls and ditches around the city. Patrick Darling concludes 'what is arguably the largest single archaeological feature on this planet'- the benin moat.Ewuares challenge was different from all others. He lost his two sons on the same day. The tough laws made to mourn his sons made citizens of his kingdom to flee. To stop the depleting of his kingdom, tribal marks were introduced and neighboring kingdoms warned not to harbor Benin people on the run.Oguola, Ewuares son, introduced bronze casting. He also dug trenches around the city to prevent attacks from enemies.
Eweka the first was dumb during his early years. Some charmed seeds sent to him by his father helped him make his first utterance ''ówomika'' meaning I have succeded in winning my game of pebbles. The fact that he was such a young king controlled by his grand father led to great jealousy. The trick to kill his grandfather by asking the king to advising him to tie egbela (suicide robe) succeeded and the elders finally got rid of his adviser.
The different Benin kings faced different challenges. The future kings have a lot to learn from as Benin history is well documented. I wish omo no oba ne do, uku akpolokpolo long life and good health.
Oba gha to okpere, Ise
The benin throne was established in 475 A.D. For 713 years, the Ogisos ruled over the Kingdom and created 100 enigies (dukes). As the oba Erediauwa CFR marks his 30th anniversary on the throne, this article will dwell more on the challenges faced by the 38 Kings that have ruled over this great kingdom.
One major challenge Oba Erediauwa faced was his suspension by the former military Administration of Edo State, Commodore Onyeregbulum of blessed memory. I was invited to play at the obas anniversary during the period of his suspension. As my band played " congratulations.." to usher the king into the arena, the oba of benin, revered and respected by all because of his strict adherence to the traditions of his ancestors apparently broke one of the tenets by busting into a dance - half waltz (as he is oxford trained) and half esakpade - a benin traditional dance. The arena went into immediate excitement and celebration. A suspended king who all expected to look sad and pensive dancing to the music of a commoner?
The press men sighed and waited impatiently for the question and answer session.
"Your majesty" one of the pressmen quipped (it was another case of Jesus healing on sabbath day) "you should not be dancing to the music of eno louis". The royal father said "I did not dance to the music of eno louis". The journalists either did not believe their ears or that their eyes did not see the oba dance. The oba continued, " I danced to the music of an ogbelaka man". There was a thick silence. My father from ogelaka was the head of the royal musicians and thus extended that right to me.
The continuous misunderstanding between the palace and some chiefs reminds one of ovio, a wealthy man who lived during the time of owodo, the last Ogiso, The peaceful nature of Oba Erediauwa and his solomonic wisdom made him deal with such matters in a fatherly, civilised way that stunned all other subjects Ovio was banished and eventually founded Obior in Delta state where the immediate past governor Elue of delta state hails. I was there , to play for honourable Elues homecoming too.
Erediauwas father, Oba Akenzua the second, faced a major challenge when Benin was over run by biafrian soldiers. Was he to remain loyal to the federal government or co operate with the biafrans to become a major catalyst in the Benin republic being suggested. The Obas ancestors quickly intervened and Benin was liberated averting a blood letting that many thought was inevitable.
Oba Akenzua was a founding father to mid west region with all the intrigues that followed. The western regions assets have not been shared till this present day.
Eweka the second became the Oba of benin in 1914. The fact that he ascended the throne of Ovonrawmen at all makes him a hero in the preservation of the Benin kingdoms aristocracy, second only to that of Japan in longevity. His challenges and that of his father are one and the same. He could have been banished along with his father but was much favoured by posterity.
His doggedness to reclaim his throne can only be compared to David and Goliath. Ovonramwen surrendered to the British to save his kingdom and beloved subjects from being razed from the surface of the earth.He was not at all a coward or self centered. He was ready to lay down his life for a kingdom he so much cherished.
Adolor mounted the benin throne in 1848. 'Dolor' in edo language means 'repair'.Adolor, his father Osemwende and grandfather Obanosa were together the bridge between the rapidly fading past and rapidly threatening future (iro eweka). Alan Ryder wrote - "the threat to the very existence of the kingdom posed by intervention came no nearer in Adolors lifetime.
It might even appear to have receded" Obanosa, bore the title Edaiken - heir apparent for a long time.He was said to have plucked white hairs and sent it to his father to show he was getting old only for his father to send back to him salt and native chalk, meaning life is sweet.
Akengbuda reigned for 55 years. The Obi of Obuluku had asked for, Adesuwa, chief
Ezomos daughter's hand in marriage, not knowing she was already betrothed to the Oba.
Adesuwas refusal and her subsequent murder by the obi led to a battle that ended with the obis head brought to the oba Akengbuda.
Eresoyen, Akengbudas father built a house of money. The walls and floors were paved with cowries. He subdued the Agbor rebellion and settled disputes in faraway Abor,
Akenzua the first was Ewuakpe's first son. His first challenge was the usurping of his throne by his younger brother Ozuere for one year. The re enactment.of primogeniture law triggered a civil war. Uzuere was supported by Iyase but was defeated. Akenzua the first was the richest king to ever ascend the throne of his ancestors. How he came about his wealth has not been properly addressed by historians.
"Benin is admired for its government, laws, tolerance and hospitality to visitors" so wrote dutch trader Van Nyendael in 1702 during the reign of Ewuakpe. His wife Iden sacrificed herself to fulfil the demand of the oracle for a human sacrifice. Ewuakpe was treated unkindly by his mother's people and he cursed them.
In 1692, pope innocent the 12th sent a personal letter to Oba oreoghene who was crowned three years earlier. Christainity had creeped into the kingdom already and the pope encouraged him to remain a catholic. One might ask at this point what will become of his ancestors. This departure from the norm must have created challenges. But not the type oba Ahenkpayes.His high handedness led to his dethronement in1684, the year Akengbedo was placed on the throne.
Ahenzae, Akenzua and Akengbo (1614 - 1669) all had peaceful reigns even when an oracle predicted the predicament of Ovoramwen about 200 years later, the kingdom fostered the relationship with the white men.
About 1606 A.D, Ohuan became Oba. Handsome and feminine in appearance, he had to walk naked across the kingdom when he was young to dispell rumours about his real gender, He quelled the rebellion of an unfriendly Iyase (senior chief).
Between the last ogiso and Uhuan, 17 kings reigned, prominent amongst these were esigie (1504), Ozolua (81), Ezoti (1473), Ewuare (1440), Oguola (1280), Eweka the first (1200).
Duarte pires wrote about Esigie "I am a true friend of the king.... He ordered his son to build a church and learnt to read and write". Oba Esigie introduced the use of guns and initiated the first king mother - Iyoba after his mother idia assisted in the Ida war.
Ozolua was a great warrior, enemies fled into the bush at the sound of his coming. he took the title uku-akpolokpolo (emperor of the big kingdom). Obulu uku, ise luku, Ugwashu uku etc, all fell to his sword. Ozolua was eventually poisoned by his wariors at Uzea.
Ewuare captured 201 towns and villages. He made walls and ditches around the city. Patrick Darling concludes 'what is arguably the largest single archaeological feature on this planet'- the benin moat.Ewuares challenge was different from all others. He lost his two sons on the same day. The tough laws made to mourn his sons made citizens of his kingdom to flee. To stop the depleting of his kingdom, tribal marks were introduced and neighboring kingdoms warned not to harbor Benin people on the run.Oguola, Ewuares son, introduced bronze casting. He also dug trenches around the city to prevent attacks from enemies.
Eweka the first was dumb during his early years. Some charmed seeds sent to him by his father helped him make his first utterance ''ówomika'' meaning I have succeded in winning my game of pebbles. The fact that he was such a young king controlled by his grand father led to great jealousy. The trick to kill his grandfather by asking the king to advising him to tie egbela (suicide robe) succeeded and the elders finally got rid of his adviser.
The different Benin kings faced different challenges. The future kings have a lot to learn from as Benin history is well documented. I wish omo no oba ne do, uku akpolokpolo long life and good health.
Oba gha to okpere, Ise
The Benin and Itsekiri kingdoms
The Benin and Itsekiri kingdoms-oba olua, nana and okotie-eboh story by
Eno Louis Enobakhare
The Benin Empire was a fluid empire .covering most of present day Delta, Edo, and up to Lagos, was first ruled by ogisos. The first oba of Benin, Eweka the first was the son of oranmiyan-omonoyan, started a dynasty that has produced 38 kings including the present oba Erediauwa cfr.
In 1473, oba Olua held sway at the obas palace in Benin. He was described as generous almost to a fault. His lavish nature made him celebrate his mothers funeral against existing norms and traditions. He and his son, Iginua took decisions that were not agreeable with the general populace.
Disloyalty in the kingdom made him decide to send his son to found a kingdom on the seas so that no matter what, his lineage will not be aborted.
Iginua moved to ughoton without the knowledge of the citizens and pretended he was about to offer sacrifices to olokun, the goddess of the sea. He then sailed on towards ode-itsekiri. A new kingdom was founded.
0gie in Benin language means king while ame means water. Iginua became ogie ame-king of the water. He became king over the nupes and predominant Yoruba’s who had also settled there.An itsekiri lingua franca similar to Yoruba language evolved.
The history of the itsekiris cannot be chronicled without the mention of the triumphs and trials of Nana of itsekiri. Many observers will probably ascribe to Nana the position of a king. He was not. He was the son of a chief and an urhobo woman. His father a wealthy trader from Jakpa was governor of the Benin river. His fathers meticulous nature robbed off on him and with time took over from his father.
A brave and intelligent man, he defeated the Eku and Abraka people in battle. He ensured that British interests were protected. There was peaceful and undisrupted trade.
Along with success comes jealousy and bickering. There was a crack in the wall. The British and Nana had a disagreement that led to a battle in 1894, three years before the punitive expedition of the Benin Empire. Nana at 42 years old, battled the British warships, army and held them at bay for more than a month. As the British re enforced he escaped to Lagos-some reports said he vanished.
Nana surrendered to authorities in Lagos, was tried and exiled to calabar where Oba Ovoramwen was to go a few years later. His intelligence prevailed on him to petition the monarchy in England. This move paid off. He was allowed to return home in 1906. His return to his home land prompted a scare in Benin. It was expected that the same pardon will be granted to Oba ovonranwen. It could be postulated that the British pardon of Nana and refusal to pardon Ovoranwmen might have broken the Benin monarch’s spirit and led to his passing on in 1914.
Nana set out again and built koko which eventually became another hob of business activities. He passed on at 64.Though he was not as powerful as he was, he held his head up high as he was respected for foregoing affluence to fight for his rights.
In modern day Nigeria, Festus sam okotie eboh could be likened to Nana. Born to an itsekiri chief in warri, 18th of July 1912, he studied at Sapele Baptist School. He became a teacher and municipal clerk. After studying further privately, he became deputy manager at Bata Shoe Company. He was later sent to Czechoslovakia.
Okotie ebohs know how and influence propelled him to become a timber and rubber magnate. He also set up a chain of schools.
Wealth and enormous popularity moved okotie eboh naturally into politics. In 1954, three years after venturing into politics, he became secretary general of the itsekiri nation and member federal house of representatives. In 1955, he became minister of labour and 1957, minister of finance. All along, he was the leader f the NCNC in parliament. With this position, he influenced the creation of the mid western region-edo and delta states presently.
Coming from a minority, (Itsekiri population 1911 census was 35,000)all this was awesome. He died a hero in the 1966 coup. The present day crisis in the delta could have been avoided if a great leader like him was still around to present his case to the major ethnic groups. Warfare can also be won with detailed facts, scientific projections and ability to hold opponents spellbound with properly articulated logic. We must stop killing our leaders.
Eno Louis Enobakhare
The Benin Empire was a fluid empire .covering most of present day Delta, Edo, and up to Lagos, was first ruled by ogisos. The first oba of Benin, Eweka the first was the son of oranmiyan-omonoyan, started a dynasty that has produced 38 kings including the present oba Erediauwa cfr.
In 1473, oba Olua held sway at the obas palace in Benin. He was described as generous almost to a fault. His lavish nature made him celebrate his mothers funeral against existing norms and traditions. He and his son, Iginua took decisions that were not agreeable with the general populace.
Disloyalty in the kingdom made him decide to send his son to found a kingdom on the seas so that no matter what, his lineage will not be aborted.
Iginua moved to ughoton without the knowledge of the citizens and pretended he was about to offer sacrifices to olokun, the goddess of the sea. He then sailed on towards ode-itsekiri. A new kingdom was founded.
0gie in Benin language means king while ame means water. Iginua became ogie ame-king of the water. He became king over the nupes and predominant Yoruba’s who had also settled there.An itsekiri lingua franca similar to Yoruba language evolved.
The history of the itsekiris cannot be chronicled without the mention of the triumphs and trials of Nana of itsekiri. Many observers will probably ascribe to Nana the position of a king. He was not. He was the son of a chief and an urhobo woman. His father a wealthy trader from Jakpa was governor of the Benin river. His fathers meticulous nature robbed off on him and with time took over from his father.
A brave and intelligent man, he defeated the Eku and Abraka people in battle. He ensured that British interests were protected. There was peaceful and undisrupted trade.
Along with success comes jealousy and bickering. There was a crack in the wall. The British and Nana had a disagreement that led to a battle in 1894, three years before the punitive expedition of the Benin Empire. Nana at 42 years old, battled the British warships, army and held them at bay for more than a month. As the British re enforced he escaped to Lagos-some reports said he vanished.
Nana surrendered to authorities in Lagos, was tried and exiled to calabar where Oba Ovoramwen was to go a few years later. His intelligence prevailed on him to petition the monarchy in England. This move paid off. He was allowed to return home in 1906. His return to his home land prompted a scare in Benin. It was expected that the same pardon will be granted to Oba ovonranwen. It could be postulated that the British pardon of Nana and refusal to pardon Ovoranwmen might have broken the Benin monarch’s spirit and led to his passing on in 1914.
Nana set out again and built koko which eventually became another hob of business activities. He passed on at 64.Though he was not as powerful as he was, he held his head up high as he was respected for foregoing affluence to fight for his rights.
In modern day Nigeria, Festus sam okotie eboh could be likened to Nana. Born to an itsekiri chief in warri, 18th of July 1912, he studied at Sapele Baptist School. He became a teacher and municipal clerk. After studying further privately, he became deputy manager at Bata Shoe Company. He was later sent to Czechoslovakia.
Okotie ebohs know how and influence propelled him to become a timber and rubber magnate. He also set up a chain of schools.
Wealth and enormous popularity moved okotie eboh naturally into politics. In 1954, three years after venturing into politics, he became secretary general of the itsekiri nation and member federal house of representatives. In 1955, he became minister of labour and 1957, minister of finance. All along, he was the leader f the NCNC in parliament. With this position, he influenced the creation of the mid western region-edo and delta states presently.
Coming from a minority, (Itsekiri population 1911 census was 35,000)all this was awesome. He died a hero in the 1966 coup. The present day crisis in the delta could have been avoided if a great leader like him was still around to present his case to the major ethnic groups. Warfare can also be won with detailed facts, scientific projections and ability to hold opponents spellbound with properly articulated logic. We must stop killing our leaders.
Library in flames
I read your article and had to call you even when you stated text only. Please pardon my excitement. I inherited a library from my late father G.N.I Enobakhare. He was the first indigenous principal of government college Ibadan. My attention was first drawn to the importance he attached to this priceless property when my wife bimbo said she dreamt my father asked her to please clean up the library. The following night. he appeared to her again thanking her for doing what he asked her to do.
Not being very well versed in library matters, I employed a librarian to put the books in proper order. I now started a project the Edo bronze festival. Every year, we have an exhibition of artworks in bronze, ivory and wood. The information from the library helped in convincing sponsors from the private and public sectors part with, till date, eight figure sums. Now properly hooked up, a major bank recently repackaged bronze heads and sent them to Switzerland. The Nigerian export promotion council has delivered papers at the bronze festival and co sponsored trips abroad. I could go on and on but the bottom line is that there is wealth in books but you have to read them.
The level of ignorance on all matters can only be reduced by burying our heads in books. I pronounce that any man without a personal library of at least a hundred books cannot call himself a real man. In the trains in New York, posters often project, read a book. The top ten books are as important as the top selling movies or cds. Now that we have an intellectual as our president, I mean a president who knows about the black hole certainly spends sometime reading, the reading culture must be taken very seriously. For instance, the state library in Benin City sits above a bank. I took a hard look at the set up and told a staff of the bank why don’t you encourage students to use the library and attach a stipend. After a while it will become part of their lifestyle to read. The who wants to be a millionaire show is an example of how knowlegdeability can be translated to wealth. We are listening and we are reading too.
Eno Louis Enobakhare
Edo Orodion Ventures,
Benin City.
Tel: 08033888864
Not being very well versed in library matters, I employed a librarian to put the books in proper order. I now started a project the Edo bronze festival. Every year, we have an exhibition of artworks in bronze, ivory and wood. The information from the library helped in convincing sponsors from the private and public sectors part with, till date, eight figure sums. Now properly hooked up, a major bank recently repackaged bronze heads and sent them to Switzerland. The Nigerian export promotion council has delivered papers at the bronze festival and co sponsored trips abroad. I could go on and on but the bottom line is that there is wealth in books but you have to read them.
The level of ignorance on all matters can only be reduced by burying our heads in books. I pronounce that any man without a personal library of at least a hundred books cannot call himself a real man. In the trains in New York, posters often project, read a book. The top ten books are as important as the top selling movies or cds. Now that we have an intellectual as our president, I mean a president who knows about the black hole certainly spends sometime reading, the reading culture must be taken very seriously. For instance, the state library in Benin City sits above a bank. I took a hard look at the set up and told a staff of the bank why don’t you encourage students to use the library and attach a stipend. After a while it will become part of their lifestyle to read. The who wants to be a millionaire show is an example of how knowlegdeability can be translated to wealth. We are listening and we are reading too.
Eno Louis Enobakhare
Edo Orodion Ventures,
Benin City.
Tel: 08033888864
BENIN ART
Words are not adequate enough to express the ineffable qualities of Benin art. The motives for these works were religious, for documentation and many other purposes. Ritual sculptures over the centuries have played an extremely significant role in communication with ancestors. Spirits are localized in these sculptures and can be used to bless or curse.
Benin bronzes glorify the monarchy .Thus it is named royal court art. African art when exposed to the European artists released them from their rigid formalism. Because the Benin kings had associations with
animals, many animals were also cast in bronze. The leopard which is the symbol of the Oba represented the superiority of the king.
Cire Purdue, displaced wax method of bronze casting though complicated, is the accepted tradition. A mold is made with refractory material, molded with wax and liquid bronze is poured into intervening space to take the shape of wax. With the most numerous number of works
In bronze, wood and ivory in black Africa. Benin art was exposed to the world after the punitive expedition of 1897.Before the British came, the kingdom had well organized guilds of wood carvers, bead-makers, ivory carvers and bronze casters which was set up by Oba Oguola in 1440.Plaques, bells, alters and wide range of objects distinguished Benin arts. Its conventionalism had evidence of evolution.
Ninety percent of Benin arts are in bronze. Others are in wood, ivory. The Portuguese early visit to Benin led to plentiful supply of bronze. Memorial heads of kings, warriors, plaques, cult of the hand, (ikengobo, a mans hand signifies his power to do things and achieve success), ritual stools, queenmother and alter (The obas mother is allowed a particularly important place in the kingdom, with her own palace and special privileges), were all cast in bronze in large quantity.
In ivory, the famous mask made of a king still resides in the British museum. Gongs, leopards and pendants were also carved in ivory.
Wood carvers made the telepathic stool with which messages were sent to Oba ovoranmwen while in exile in calabar. Wooden chests are made for storing regalia.
There are different periods of Benin art. The archaic, A.D1140, early periodA.D1360, great age A.D 1550, late age 1690, modern age1820. Descendants of these great craftsmen now make a living by producing for tourists. The Obas ancestral shrines along with these craftsmen form the link between the past and future.
Arts and crafts guilds are affiliated to the iwebo palace society. The twenty one under the iwebo are, igun eronwon,igbesanmwan, igun ematon, owinan do, ogbelaka, ogbesasa,avbiogbe, aviogbe, efa, odiomwan, ikpema, ivbiosa,ivbiosun. Others are, emadase, isekpokin, igbuzebu, iwefemwen, iwoki, iwogun, ukhegie, iguisi, iviekpen and ivbekpen. For compliance, iwenekhua, iweribo, iwevien, iwosa, iwenegbon, iwezomo, iweinene are control centers.
Benin bronzes glorify the monarchy .Thus it is named royal court art. African art when exposed to the European artists released them from their rigid formalism. Because the Benin kings had associations with
animals, many animals were also cast in bronze. The leopard which is the symbol of the Oba represented the superiority of the king.
Cire Purdue, displaced wax method of bronze casting though complicated, is the accepted tradition. A mold is made with refractory material, molded with wax and liquid bronze is poured into intervening space to take the shape of wax. With the most numerous number of works
In bronze, wood and ivory in black Africa. Benin art was exposed to the world after the punitive expedition of 1897.Before the British came, the kingdom had well organized guilds of wood carvers, bead-makers, ivory carvers and bronze casters which was set up by Oba Oguola in 1440.Plaques, bells, alters and wide range of objects distinguished Benin arts. Its conventionalism had evidence of evolution.
Ninety percent of Benin arts are in bronze. Others are in wood, ivory. The Portuguese early visit to Benin led to plentiful supply of bronze. Memorial heads of kings, warriors, plaques, cult of the hand, (ikengobo, a mans hand signifies his power to do things and achieve success), ritual stools, queenmother and alter (The obas mother is allowed a particularly important place in the kingdom, with her own palace and special privileges), were all cast in bronze in large quantity.
In ivory, the famous mask made of a king still resides in the British museum. Gongs, leopards and pendants were also carved in ivory.
Wood carvers made the telepathic stool with which messages were sent to Oba ovoranmwen while in exile in calabar. Wooden chests are made for storing regalia.
There are different periods of Benin art. The archaic, A.D1140, early periodA.D1360, great age A.D 1550, late age 1690, modern age1820. Descendants of these great craftsmen now make a living by producing for tourists. The Obas ancestral shrines along with these craftsmen form the link between the past and future.
Arts and crafts guilds are affiliated to the iwebo palace society. The twenty one under the iwebo are, igun eronwon,igbesanmwan, igun ematon, owinan do, ogbelaka, ogbesasa,avbiogbe, aviogbe, efa, odiomwan, ikpema, ivbiosa,ivbiosun. Others are, emadase, isekpokin, igbuzebu, iwefemwen, iwoki, iwogun, ukhegie, iguisi, iviekpen and ivbekpen. For compliance, iwenekhua, iweribo, iwevien, iwosa, iwenegbon, iwezomo, iweinene are control centers.
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