Nigeria: Mid West Affairs: Oba of Benin

Copies of documents from the Nigerian Government, concerning Oba of Benin, 1926-1946, 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.

The former Kingdom of Benin is situated in SW Nigeria. Ruled by the Oba and by a sophisticated bureaucracy, the African state flourished (14th-17th centuries). 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 (1987 est. pop. 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.

Chronological

Open although advance notice should be given. Access to individual items may be restricted under the Data Protection Act or the Freedom of Information Act.

The source of acquisition by ICS is not known.

Catalogued to item level (see link to repository catalogue).

Compiled by Alan Kucia as part of the RSLP AIM25 Project.

A photocopying service is available, at the discretion of the Library staff. Copies are supplied solely for research or private study. Requests to publish, or to quote from, original material should be submitted to the Information Resources Manager.

ICS hold copies of papers relating to the demand for a separate Mid-West State in Nigeria (ICS 93).

Not known