In Benin Kingdom, The Oba Is The Foremost Custodian Of Culture
Culture is at the heart of Benin society. Benin culture has evolved over the ages impacted upon by the leading role of the King or Oba of Benin with the support of the Uzama, chiefs, priests, “sacred artisans” and other office holders. (The Uzama is the council of leaders of various “quarters” comprising the Oliha, Edohen, Ezomo, Ero, Eholo n’Ire and Oloton and was created by Oba Eweka 1 (circa A.D. 1200). Oba Ewuare (circa A.D. 1440) would later classify the Oba’s heir, known as the Edaiken among the Uzama, bringing the membership to seven).
Because of the pivotal role which the Oba plays in defining and helping to shape Benin culture, many symbols of Benin culture are reflective of the reigns of different Obas. Oba Oguola (circa A.D. 1280) is credited with entrenching the art of bronze casting especially as a means of chronicling and preserving events of historical significance. The Society of Benin Professional Bronze-casters, Iguneromwon, has always worked under the Royal Charter of the Oba and till this day, is quartered on Igun Street in Benin-City where its members continue to produce exceptional bronze-cast symbols and memorabilia that chronicle events and reinforce the Benin culture.
As the Oba of Benin is the ultimate symbol of Benin Culture, most Benin bronze cast symbols as well as wood carvings, ivory and coral beads produced by different societies of artisans under the Royal Charter, are documentary representations of the Oba’s activities.
Obas have always had a rich variety of royal regalia. Oba Akenzua II (1933 – 1979) designed and introduced many more spectacular forms of regalia for Obas apart from the famous and unique ceremonial coral and robe regalia. Akenzua II designed the elegant Oba’s white robe, a formal court regalia, as well as the iron dress, in 1933. The Oba incorporates the scarlet cloth (Ododo), first introduced by Oba Ewuare (about A.D. 1440) in his regalia, and sometimes wears a red regalia.
Whatever outfit he adorns, the Oba always wears an elaborate coral headgear or crown and multiple collars, necklaces and bracelets of the finest corals. Special chiefs and categories of title holders are permitted to wear versions of coral and other ceremonial headgear that are distinguished by their peculiar shapes.
The Oba’s ceremonial coral crowns are reputed to be the most elaborate in Africa, distinguished by the intricate decorations. The very unique winged coral crown owes its origin to Oba Osemwede (1816 – 1848). The combination of the Oba’s ceremonial coral crown with the coral robes and matching coral shoes is a distinguishing and exclusive regalia of the Oba. No other traditional ruler from within and outside the old Benin Empire is by tradition, entitled to wear similar regalia, though they typically have equally stunning coral-integrated regalia of their own.
The Oba also wears pendant bronze masks at the waist and in certain ceremonies, a great number of ivory ornaments on the forearm and wrists.
The high point of the display of Benin culture takes place during the elaborate coronation of a new Oba. Coronation events and ceremonies provide a rare opportunity for the world to witness the display of coveted cultural artifacts in coral beads, bronze, ivory, wood and cowries, ceremonial regalia, sacred objects as well as staff and other paraphernalia of religious, political and social office. This proud and dignified display is a celebratory community gesture and public statement to honor the deeds and achievements of past Obas of Benin Kingdom.
The Oba's coronation events also include visits to designated homes as well as traditional and sacred sites during which the Oba is typically accompanied by his large and well administered retinue of palace officials and attendants as well as the Uzama.
The current Oba of Benin ascended the ancient throne in 1979, in a typically elaborate and colorful coronation ceremony.
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