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General News of Friday, 19 February 2021

Source: www.mynigeria.com

FLASHBACK: Sir Harry Lawson’s troops put an end to the kingdom of Benin

Ancient Benin city Ancient Benin city

Today marks exactly 24 years when a British force of 1,200 men under Admiral Sir Harry Rawson went on a punitive expedition in response to the ambush of a previous British-led party under Acting Consul General James Phillips.

Two men were dead after the ambush.

Sir Harry Lawson’s troops burnt the Benin City after capturing it, and this brought to an end the Kingdom of Benin.

About the Benin city

The West African kingdom of Benin had managed to be independent with the Oba having full control over trade, which annoyed the British.

History tells that the Edo people of southern Nigeria founded Benin.

They no longer wanted to be ruled by their kings, known as the ogisos. They asked a prince from Ife, an important West African kingdom, to take control.

The first oba, or king, in Benin, was Eweka. He was the son of the prince from Ife.

The kingdom reached a great level of power and size. The city was defined by massive walls.

The height of power for Benin’s monarchs began during this period. To honour the powerful obas, the people of Benin participated in many rituals that expressed their devotion and loyalty, including human sacrifices.