Edo

The Edo, or Bini, are the Edoid-speaking people of the forest kingdom centered on Benin City in southern Nigeria. Their first state, Igodomigodo, was ruled by Ogiso kings from around the ninth century; after a succession crisis chiefs invited Oranmiyan, a prince of Yoruba Ile-Ife, whose son Eweka founded the oba line.

By 1300 Benin City was a walled town; under Oba Ewuare from 1440 the kingdom expanded beyond the Edo heartland and girded its capital with moats and ramparts. Portuguese visitors came in 1485 and launched a trade in ivory, pepper and slaves, enriching the court and supplying its brass guilds; the naturalistic Benin Bronzes of obas and queen mothers rank among Africa's foremost art.

At its height in the sixteenth century Benin held sway over Niger Delta communities. After civil war around 1689 and succession strife settled in 1721, Oba Akenzua restored stability and drew new wealth from European trade.