Edo people#Traditional beliefs
{{Short description|Nigerian ethnic group}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2022}}
{{Infobox ethnic group
| group = Edo people
| native_name =
| native_name_lang =
| religions = Predominantly Christianity
| related_groups = Afemai, Esan, Isoko, Urhobo
| total_ref = {{Cite web|last=Sare|first=Watimagbo|date=2024|title=Total population of the Edo people|url=https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/11714/NI|access-date=30 September 2024|website=Joshuaproject.net}}{{Cite book |last=Shoup III |first=John A. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GN5yv3-U6goC&q=Edo+10million&pg=PA130 |title=Ethnic Groups of Africa and the Middle East: An Encyclopedia: An Encyclopedia |date=2011 |publisher=ABC-CLIO |isbn=9781598843637 |pages=130}}
| genealogy =
| total_source =
| regions = Edo State
| population = 10,000,000
| image = The Edo Cultural Group.jpg
| rawimage =
| image_caption = An Edo children's cultural assembly
}}
The Edo people, also referred to as the Benin people,{{Cite web |title=Edo {{!}} Benin City, Igarra, Uzebba {{!}} Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Edo-state-Nigeria |access-date=2024-07-04 |website=www.britannica.com |language=en}} are an Edoid-speaking ethnic group.{{Cite web |title=Who are the Edo people? |url=https://www.edoworld.net/Edo_people.html |access-date=2024-07-04 |website=www.edoworld.net}} They are prominently native to seven southern local government areas of Edo State, Nigeria. They are speakers of the Edo language and are the descendants of the founders of the Benin Kingdom, Ogiso Igodo.{{Cite web |last=History |first=Benin |title=The Ogiso Era |url=https://beninhistory.org/the-ogiso-era |access-date=2024-06-17 |website=Benin History |language=en-CA}} They are closely related to other Edoid ethnic groups, such as the Esan, the Etsakọ, the Isoko and Urhobo as well as other southern ethnic groups.
The names Benin and Bini are Portuguese corruptions, ultimately from the word Ubini, which came into use during the reign of Oba (ruler) Ewuare, c. 1440. Ubini is an Edo word meaning 'livable', used by Pa Idu, the progenitor of the Edo state people, to describe the area found as a livable locale during their sojourn from lower Egypt. Ubini was later corrupted to Bini by the mixed ethnicities living together at the centre; and further corrupted to Benin around 1485, when the Portuguese began trade relations with Oba Ewuare giving them coral beads,{{Cite web|date=2019-10-26|title=Yoruba leaders disagree over origin, meaning of their name|url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/10/yoruba-leaders-disagree-over-origin-meaning-of-their-name/|access-date=2021-02-03|website=Vanguard News|language=en-US}} which the Edo people call 'Ivie'.{{Cite web |last=Okpame |first=Oronsaye |date=August 25, 2024 |title=Edo Symbols of Power and Authority (Part 2): Ivie Coral Beads |url=https://beninhistory.org/origins/f/edo-symbols-of-power-and-authority-part-2-coral-beads |website=Benin History Project}}
History
{{main|Kingdom of Benin#History}}
Administrative region
{{Main|Edo State}}
Edo people can be found in Nigeria's Edo State, which got its name from the primary inhabitants of the region's most notable historical conglomeration, Benin City, which is also the central capital homeland of the Edo people. Edo people also have many related groups in their immediate surroundings also encompassed by the political and administrative borders of Edo state.{{Cite web|title=Edo {{!}} people|url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Edo-people|access-date=2021-07-09|website=Encyclopedia Britannica|language=en}} Most of these groups have traced their history back to the historical city center of the Benin people, Benin City. Examples of such adjacent groups include various Afemai sub-groups, the Esan people of Edo state and the Akoko Edo people situated on the state's northern borders.{{Cite web|last=Koutonin|first=Mawuna|date=2016-03-18|title=Story of cities #5: Benin City, the mighty medieval capital now lost without trace|url=http://www.theguardian.com/cities/2016/mar/18/story-of-cities-5-benin-city-edo-nigeria-mighty-medieval-capital-lost-without-trace|access-date=2021-07-09|website=The Guardian|language=en}}
Edo state was formerly part of the old Bendel state of early post-colonial Nigeria, also known as the Mid-Western Region, Nigeria. This region's influence and culture reflect those of the Edo, Urhobo, Esan and other Edo related peoples.{{Cite news|title=Edo {{!}} state, Nigeria|language=en|work=Encyclopedia Britannica|url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Edo-state-Nigeria|access-date=2021-07-09}} There are also 18 local government areas in Edo. These are: Akoko Edo, Egor, Esan central, Esan west, Esan south-east, Esan north-east, Igueben, Ikpoba oka, Estako east, Estako west, Estako central, Oredo, Owan East, Owan west, Ovia north-east, Ovia south-west, uhunmwode, Orhionmwon
File:Nigeria-karte-politisch-edo.png
Fashion
The Edo people have a very rich and flamboyant traditional fashion style. This is usually prominent during ceremonies such as weddings, coronation and the like. When it comes to cultural attire, the Edo people maintain a unique way of dressing. Coral bead accessories are a true passion for Edo women and men. Common attire includes coral beads, anklets, raffia work and so on.{{cite journal|title=Benin dressing in contemporary Nigeria: social change and the crisis of cultural identity|journal=African Identities|date=2005|volume= 3|issue= 2|pages=155–170|doi=10.1080/14725840500235506|last1=Okpokunu|first1=Edoja|last2=Agbontaen-Eghafona|first2=Kokunre A.|last3=Ojo|first3=Pat O.|s2cid=143668454}} The men usually wear a white T-shirt or shirt and above it, a multicolored striped fabric. There are options with other patterns. The choice of headdress depends on the preferences of a man. Some men even prefer to wear black hats as part of their traditional attire.
It is also popular to choose a carved walking stick that makes a groom look like a true gentleman. Wearing a wrapper around the waist is also a tradition for many men.
The cultural attire is usually accompanied by a cap or hat. The caps are often called headdress and are made either of a mesh of coral beads or of fabric.
The women tie beautiful wrappers made from a variety of fabrics including Velvet, lace and george. They also wear the Ewu-ivie, a beaded cape or blouse. Women adorn their necks with coral beads known as Ivie-uru and wear the Ivie-obo on their hands and beaded earrings. Their handbag is made out of coral beads as well the Ekpa-ivie.{{Cite web |title=Edo Cultural Attire |url=https://powerofafrica.com/tpost/vkjr585o71-edo-cultural-attire-from-nigeria |access-date=2024-07-07 |website=Power of Africa}}
Traditional beliefs
{{See also|Osanobua}}
In the traditional religion of the Edo, there exists, besides the human world, an invisible world of supernatural beings acting as interceders for the human world. Offerings are made to them in their respective shrines. Osanobua is the creator and Supreme God. His son/daughter Olokun is ruler of all bodies of water and is responsible for the prosperity and fertility of his/her human followers. Another son Ogun, is the patron god of metalworkers. The epithet Osanobua Noghodua means God Almighty. The word Osanobua encompasses a large number of divine principles - including the divine state of being merciful, timeless, goodness, justice, sublimity, and supreme. In the Edo belief system, Osanobua has the divine attributes of omnipresence ({{Transliteration|bin|orhiole}}), omniscience ({{Transliteration|bin|ajoana}}), and omnipotence ({{Transliteration|bin|udazi}}). The Supreme Deity is believed to be present everywhere and at all times.Peavy, Daryl, Kings, Magic, and Medicine, p. 5, {{ISBN|9780557183708}} [https://books.google.com/books?id=EgqwAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA5]Paula Ben-Amos, Flora Edouwaye S. Kaplan: Edo Religion. In: Lindsay Jones: Encyclopedia of Religion. Thomson-Gale, 2005. {{ISBN|002865997X}}
Art and architecture
{{Main|Art of the Kingdom of Benin}}
File:Oba Oguola - MCN 4179 (cropped).jpg, an Edo king|alt=]]
Traditional Edo art consists of widely identifiable sculptures, plaques and masks which reflect various spiritual and historical aspects of their cultural traditions. Some of the notable Edo art pieces include the mask of the Queen Mother Idia and a vast collection of historical Edo art pieces called the Benin Bronzes which can be found not only in Nigeria but further dispersed around the world, including in museums such as New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art.{{Cite web |title=Queen Mother Pendant Mask: Iyoba |url=https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/318622 |access-date=2023-01-25 |website=www.metmuseum.org}}
Notable Edo people
- Ewuare II,{{Cite web|date=2019-10-18|title=Oba Ewuare II: A quintessential monarch at 66|url=https://guardian.ng/opinion/oba-ewuare-ii-a-quintessential-monarch-at-66/|access-date=2021-07-12|website=The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|date=2021-07-10|title=No going back on return of artefacts to the palace — Oba Ewuare II|url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/07/no-going-back-on-return-of-artefacts-to-the-palace-oba-ewuare-ii/|access-date=2021-07-12|website=Vanguard News|language=en-US}} the 40th Oba of Benin Kingdom from 2016–present.
- Esther Erediauwa, the first wife of the 39th Oba of Benin kingdom, Oba Erediauwa.
- Victor Uwaifo, musician,{{Cite web|date=2021-03-13|title=Sir Victor Uwaifo... My journey to stardom, greatness|url=https://guardian.ng/saturday-magazine/sir-victor-uwaifo-my-journey-to-stardom-greatness/|access-date=2021-07-12|website=The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|date=2021-04-04|title=I almost died of electrocution on stage in 1969 – Sir Victor Uwaifo|url=https://punchng.com/i-almost-died-of-electrocution-on-stage-in-1969-sir-victor-uwaifo/|access-date=2021-07-12|website=Punch Newspapers|language=en-US}} writer, sculptor, and musical instrument inventor.
- Peter Odemwingie,{{Cite web|title=Peter Odemwingie Profile, News & Stats {{!}} Premier League|url=https://www.premierleague.com/players/4204/Peter-Odemwingie/overview|access-date=2021-07-12|website=www.premierleague.com|language=en}} professional footballer.
- Charles Novia, film director,{{Cite web|date=2019-11-21|title=Nigerian filmmaker, Charles Novia, floats Teen TV channel|url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/entertainment/nollywood/364448-nigerian-filmmaker-charles-novia-floats-teen-tv-channel.html|access-date=2021-07-12|language=en-GB}} producer, screenwriter, actor and social commentator.african l
- Osayuki Godwin Oshodin,{{Cite web|date=2014-12-03|title=Oshodin formally hands over to new Uniben VC|url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/12/oshodin-formally-hands-new-uniben-vc/|access-date=2021-07-12|website=Vanguard News|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|date=2015-02-27|title=OSHODIN: A Study In University Administration|url=https://guardian.ng/saturday-magazine/c105-saturday-magazine/oshodin-a-study-in-university-administration/|access-date=2021-07-12|website=The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News|language=en-US}} former Vice-chancellor of University of Benin.
- Benson Idahosa,{{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=2021-07-12|website=Vanguard News|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|title=Amazon.com|url=https://www.amazon.com/Books-Benson-Idahosa/s?rh=n:283155,p_27:Benson+Idahosa|access-date=2021-07-12|website=www.amazon.com|language=en-us}} evangelist, and founder of the Church of God Mission International.
- Samuel Ogbemudia,{{Cite web|date=2020-11-02|title=Pinnick describes Samuel Ogbemudia stadium as 'world class'|url=https://guardian.ng/sport/pinnick-describes-samuel-ogbemudia-stadium-as-world-class/|access-date=2021-07-12|website=The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|date=2017-03-26|title=TRIBUTE: Samuel Ogbemudia: The man who gave his people swagger {{!}} Premium Times Nigeria|url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/features-and-interviews/227164-tribute-samuel-ogbemudia-the-man-who-gave-his-people-swagger.html|access-date=2021-07-12|language=en-GB}} politician and former military Governor of the Mid-West State
- John Odigie Oyegun,{{Cite web|date=2020-12-16|title=APC leaders appoint Oyegun chairman South-south 'reconciliation team'|url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/431591-apc-leaders-appoint-oyegun-chairman-south-south-reconciliation-team.html|access-date=2021-07-12|language=en-GB}} politician and first national chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nigeria
- Victor Ikpeba,{{Cite web|title=Ikpeba: Where does the Prince of Monaco belong among Nigeria's greats? {{!}} Goal.com|url=https://www.goal.com/en/news/african-legends-ranking-ikpeba-among-nigerias-greats/9d2xexl35cgk141cyigphto19|access-date=2021-07-12|website=www.goal.com}}{{Cite web|date=2021-06-12|title=Happy Birthday, Victor Ikpeba!|url=https://www.asmonaco.com/en/happy-birthday-victor-ikpeba/|access-date=2021-07-12|website=AS Monaco|language=en-US}} professional footballer.
- Godwin Obaseki,{{Cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/profile/person/2411727|access-date=2021-07-12|website=www.bloomberg.com|title=Godwin Obaseki, State of Edo Nigeria: Profile and Biography }} governor of Edo state (2015 to 2019 under APC, and from 2019 under PDP) and businessman
- Gabriel Igbinedion,{{Cite web|title=Chief Gabriel Igbinedion Archives|url=https://t.guardian.ng/tag/chief-gabriel-igbinedion/|access-date=2021-07-12|website=The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News|language=en-US|archive-date=12 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712191540/https://t.guardian.ng/tag/chief-gabriel-igbinedion/|url-status=dead}} Nigeria business man and esama of Benin kingdom.
- Erhabor Emokpae,{{Cite web|date=2020-01-05|title=Erhabor Ogieva Emokpae; Unforgettable master of African art|url=https://guardian.ng/art/erhabor-ogieva-emokpae-unforgettable-master-of-african-art/|access-date=2021-07-12|website=The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News|language=en-US}} artists, director
- Mercy Aigbe,{{Cite web|date=2021-06-21|title=I have no problem with Mercy Aigbe, says estranged husband|url=https://punchng.com/i-have-no-problem-with-mercy-aigbe-says-estranged-husband/|access-date=2021-07-12|website=Punch Newspapers|language=en-US}} is a Nigerian actress and filmmaker
- Guosa Alex Guosa Igbineweka, Guosa Language Evolutionist, Creator: a Nigerian and ECOWAS indigenous zonal lingua-franca
- Abel Guobadia,{{Cite web|date=2015-03-31|title=The 2014 National Conference: Looking back, looking forward|url=https://m.guardian.ng/features/the-2014-national-conference-looking-back-looking-forward/|access-date=2021-07-12|website=The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News|language=en-US}} former Chairman of Nigeria's Independent National Electoral Commission
- Jane Igharo,{{Cite web |date=2021-11-14 |title=Nigerian Canadian author Jane Igharo heads back home for her latest novel, about a family and a funeral. |url=https://www.thestar.com/life/together/people/2021/11/14/nigerian-canadian-author-jane-igharo-heads-back-home-for-her-latest-novel-about-a-family-and-a-funeral.html |access-date=2022-10-20 |website=thestar.com |language=en}} Nigerian-Canadian writer
- Professor Osasere Orumwense,{{Cite web|title=Prof Osasere Orumwense Archives|url=https://guardian.ng/tag/prof-osasere-orumwense/|access-date=2021-07-12|website=The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News|language=en-US|archive-date=12 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712193141/https://guardian.ng/tag/prof-osasere-orumwense/|url-status=dead}} Vice-Chancellor of University of Benin
- Suyi Davies Okungbowa,{{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=2021-07-12|website=www.amazon.com|language=en-us}} African fantasy and speculative fiction author
- Archbishop John Edokpolo, Honourable Minister of Trade and Founder of Edokpolor Grammar School
- Chief Jacob U. Egharevba,{{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|url-access=subscription}}{{Cite web|date=2012-12-12|title=Book Serial: Ile-Ife: City of 201 gods (2)|url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2012/12/book-serial-ile-ife-city-of-201-gods-2-2/|access-date=2021-07-12|website=Vanguard News|language=en-US}} a Bini historian and traditional chief
- Kamaru Usman, Nigerian mixed martial artist
- Gbadamasi Agbonjor Jonathan (MC Edo Pikin),{{Cite web |title=MC Edo Pikin Recounts Successes and Achievements as He Plans into the other Half of the Year – THISDAYLIVE |url=https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/07/05/comedian-recounts-successes-and-achievements-as-he-plans-into-the-other-half-of-the-year/ |access-date=2023-01-27 |website=www.thisdaylive.com}} Nigerian comedian
- Rema, music artist
- Johnny Drille, music artist
- Shallipopi, music artist
- Boy Spyce, music artist
- Zerrydl, music artist
- Ayo Edebiri, American actress and comedian
See also
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- [http://www.dawodu.com/aluko89.htm Cultural Wars and National Identity - The Saga of the Yoruba and the Bini-Edo]
- [http://www.edo-nation.net/bini1.htm Bini Names in Nigeria and Georgia]
- [http://www.edoworld.net/origin_of_the_Edo_people.html Edoworld -The origin of Edo/Bini people]
- [http://www.edoworld.net/Edo_people.html Who are the Edos/Binis?{source Edoworld}]
- [http://www.africanholocaust.net/news_ah/edo_religion.html Nature of God in Edo Religion] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210327230108/https://www.africanholocaust.net/news_ah/edo_religion.html |date=27 March 2021 }}
- [http://libmma.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/compoundobject/collection/p15324coll10/id/101010/rec/4 Royal Art of Benin: The Perls Collection], an exhibition catalog from The Metropolitan Museum of Art (fully available online as PDF), which contains material on the Edo people
{{Ethnic groups in Nigeria}}
{{Authority control}}