Nigeria: Mid West Affairs: Oba of Benin
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- Creator
- Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria, Colonial Office, Resident Minister's Office
TitleNigeria: Mid West Affairs: Oba of Benin
Reference codeICS92
Date1926-1946
Scope and ContentDocuments from the Nigerian Government, concerning Oba of Benin, including correspondence with the Governor on the revision of the Benin-Warri boundary, 1926; correspondence and papers on links between Eweka II, Oba of Benin and Fio Agbano II, King of Glidji, Togo, 1934; correspondence on request from the Oba for the use of armed Nigerian police during burial ceremony for his mother, 1935; correspondence and papers on alleged libel of Akenzua II, Oba of Benin by H O Davies in article 'My Impressions on Nigeria' in the 'Daily Service', 1940; correspondence on award of CMG to Akenzua II, 1946.
NotesThe former Kingdom of Benin is situated in south western Nigeria. Ruled by the Oba and by a sophisticated bureaucracy, the African state flourished (14th-17th cent.). Benin sold slaves as well as ivory, pepper, and cloth to Europeans. After a period of decline, it revived in the 19th century with a trade in palm products. The modern Nigerian city of Benin City (1987 estimated population 183,000) served as the capital and was conquered and burned by the British in 1898. Iron work, carved ivory, and bronze busts made in Benin rank with the finest art of Africa. The Kingdom should not be confused with the present-day Republic of Benin (formerly known as Dahomey).
Conditions governing accessOpen for research although at least 24 hours notice before a research visit.
Extent1 file
System of ArrangementChronological
Finding aidsHandlist available in the Special Collections reading room. A pdf version is also attached to this description.
Level of descriptionfonds