By Obiabin Onukwugha
Edo State, is a state in the South-South geopolitical zone of the federal republic of Nigeria. Created in 1991 from the former Bendel State, it is also known as the heart beat of the nation.[9] Edo State borders Kogi State to the north for 133 km and across the Niger River for 81 km to the northeast, Anambra State to the east for about four km across the Niger River, Delta State to the southeast and south for 350 km (218 miles), and Ondo State to the west.
Benn is rich in historical and cultural heritage because of its encounter with the white people. Here are some interesting sites for tourists and visitors alike.
The Statue of Asoro n’Iyokuo (the Great Benin Warrior)
This almost life-like statue was sculptured to the memory of Chief Asoro, a valiant brave man who died resisting the invading British forces during the expedition of 1897.
Asoro n’Iyokuo is a great Benin warrior whose story inspire patriotism. It is one of the only statues in Benin that depicts the history of the Benin invasion in 1897 by the British.
During the siege on Benin, it was said that chief Asoro ably defended the spot where the statue now stands. He said “no other person dare pass this road unless the Oba” (So kpon Oba).The present Sokponba village and Sakponba Road derive their names from Chief Asoro’s statement. This statue, which is a salute to Patriotism and loyalty is located on the king’s Square by the beginning of Sokponba Road, Benin City.
Gelegele Historical Port
Gelegele Historical Port is a historical monument where you can learn about the history of Benin Kingdom
The first contact with any European was made by Oba Ewuare the Great (About 1440AD)when Ruy De Sequeira visited Benin City In 1472. The Portuguese came via the Atlantic Ocean and they finally landed in Gele Gele Sea Port in Benin Nation. The Gele Gele Sea Port was from then onward used predominantly for their legitimate trade with Benin Nation.This historic Sea Port site is today part of Benin kingdom historical sites.
Egua-Iyoba Palace Of the Queen Mother
Egua-Iyoba(Iyoba Palace), is the official residence of the reigning Oba’s Mother. As it is customary in Benin kingdom, reigning monarch normally confers the Iyoba title on his mother. When this title is confirmed by the oba, the Iyoba moves to her residence at lower Uselu where Eguae-lyoba is established. Oba Esigie started this tradition probably to forestall the conflict that would have arisen between his mother and himself over the exercise of political power
Captain Phillip’s grave
The tombstone of Captain James Phillip located at Uruokhokho in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo state, attracts historians, students, researchers and visitors from across the world all year round. It marks the spot where Captain Phillip and his party on a trade mission to Benin in January 1897 were killed and buried.The event is generally referred to as the Benin massacre which led to the invasion of Benin in 1897 and the eventual deportation of the then oba of Benin, Oba Ovonramwen.
Ughoton Village
Ughoton village, about 42 kilometers from Benin City, historically very important. According to historians a Benin, Prince Ekaladerhan (Izoduwa) was banished with his mother from the City of Benin to Ughoton. One of the darkest event in the history of the Benin, from there he took the painful and joyful journey from the land of Benin that eventually took him to Ile-Ife. In the fifteenth century, Ughoton began to function as a port city for nearby Benin City.