Growing up in this ancient city meant you were surrounded by different stories been told. while it might not be rated as one of the oldest monarchies in the world, the Benin kingdom has a significant influence in West Africa. I believe the Benin empire should be rated as one of world’s oldest empire given that the institution of kingship is over 10 centuries old.
As you all know, Benin kingdom was and is still famous for its bronze sculptures and artwork which shocked the colonialists on arriving to the kingdom. These Arts and sculptures are not just pretty to look at, they have some interesting stories attached to it too.
Now let me take you through some amazing stories about the Benin Empire.
THE WEIRD CHURCH.
The Benin Kingdom has the oldest church in West Africa and the oldest worship center across the continent, established by the Portuguese . Here’s why I call it the “weird church”, it’s not like our usual traditional churches. It’s an unusual worship center, where both tradition and religion is practiced. The holy Bible is not used as the preaching is centered around reminding the congregation that the king is god representative on earth. The church is called holy Aruosa Cathedral and it’s still in existence to date.
QUEEN MOTHER RITUAL
In Benin Kingdom, queen mothers hold esteemed status as powerful protectors of their sons. They are particularly respected as the mothers of the crown prince, exercising great power in the Benin Empire.
According to the tradition, there existed a belief that if a king ascended to the throne, his mother must be eliminated as she’s considered a threat to the future king. Queen Idia broke the tradition by becoming the first queen mother to witness her son’s become king (Oba).
LOVE LIKE NO OTHER 
Love stories often suggests the tale of Romeo and Juliet, but within the vibrant history of the Benin kingdom in the 1700s, a love story with great impact occurred. As a first time visitor to Benin city in this present age, you are warned about going to a certain statue with a grave in it, well here’s how the story unfolded.
A certain group of people celebrates a Queen who died for the love of her husband. Her name was Queen Iden. She embodied beauty, courage, love, and loyalty. She was one of the wives of Prince Idova who has crowned Oba (king), the 26th Oba of Benin who reigned for 12 years from 1700 to 1712. She offered herself out of love for her husband and the people for peace to reign in Benin. Despite their brief four year marriage and childlessness, Queen Iden’s devotion remained unwavering
Trouble emerged for the king immediately after he was coroneted. All the subjects of the kingdom revolted against him. His chiefs, wives, maids and guards deserted him, leaving his palace desolate and his properties seized. In this dire moment only Queen Iden remained loyal to the king and stood by him. Seeking guidance from an oracle, they learned that only a human sacrifice could appease the gods and restore peace. Yet, no one dared to offer themselves except Queen Iden.
With unequal devotion, Queen Iden volunteered for the sacrifice, choosing to be buried alive. Before her death, she put in a promise from her husband: to keep her grave untouched, and to kill anyone who dared to defile it. After the ritual, the adversaries called for a truce.
To this day, Queen Iden’s grave stands as a testament to her sacrifice and the enduring legacy of love and peace in the Benin Kingdom.
THE WOMAN KING
In a world where women are sometimes estimated as the weaker vessels, in Benin kingdom there existed extraordinary women who left a mark. They epitomized African beauty and femininity, challenging stereotype with their strength and courage. Among them was Queen Idia. The Queen Idia sculpture is one that’s popular in museums across Europe. The woman king as I call her, Queen Idia, was the first female warrior that ever lived in the land of Benin.
Tradition in the Benin kingdom dictates first son succession. However, fate took an unexpected turn when the heir apparent departed for Portugal in his youth leaving the throne unclaimed. Queen Idia with maternal determination, took upon herself to groom her son to take over the throne. When the heir apparent arrived, he was hardly recognized by his people cause of westernization. The palace was divided, while some wanted the heir apparent as king, others wanted Queen Idia’s son who was groomed as their king.
Queen Idia led an army to confront her stepson in a fierce battle for the throne. She emerged victorious, securing her son’s ascension to the throne. Her valor and strategic prowess earned her a title of a renowned female warrior in Benin history.
Stay glued for More Interesting Culture Stories.
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Article By Mercy Omoh
Content writer
(Nigeria)