Benin Massacre 1896-1996/7 part 5

[ademola Iyi-Eweka]

EKALADERHAN/IDODUWA/IZODUWA
The immediate areas of Benin was called IGODOMIGODO OR OGODOMIGODO during
the OGISO ERA of Benin history, which dates from anytime in BC-1000AD.
ERE was one of the OGISOS.Please note the relationship of this name to
the present name of the present OBA EREDIAUWA and the late OLU OF WARRI
==EREJUWA. I often write Oba Erediuwa as the second ERE[ affectionately] in
Benin history. The first OGISO-THE KING FROM THE SKY was IGODO, and the land
was probably named after him. The last of the ogisos was OWODO who died
about between 900ad-1000ad.I have already intimated everybody about the
problem we confront in trying to reconstruct this period of Edo History
as a result of the events of 1896/7 and the subsequent looting of artifacts
relating to Benin HISTORY by the British. I hope some of us can still
remember the famous FESTAC that was held in NIGERIA in the mid 1970's.
There was a a bronze artifact from Benin found in a British musuem and the
organisers of Festac wanted it as a mascot for the festival.Britain agreed to
release it if the Nigerian Gov. was willing to pay many millions of dollars
a day. The Nigerin Fed Gov. was annoyed and the Oba of Benin was informed of
their find. He requested for a photograph of their find and asked the
traditonal historiographers-THE IGUN BRONZE SMITHERS[The Edo people record
their history in Bronzes] to identify it. It turned out tO be that of Queen
IDIA -THE MOTHER OF OBA ESIGIE OF 15TH CENTURY A.D.It was taken away in
1897. The OBa of Benin gave the Igun bronze makers 14 days to reproduce it.
The men did in less than 7 days with the same dimension and size like the
one in the British museum with out taking any measurement of the original.
Now back to our history;
Ogiso Owodo was reported to have died childless because of the
intrigue of one of his wives in harem-infact head of the harem. Ogiso Owodo
had a son called EKALADERHAN. When for many years other women could not have
other children for Owodo, they decided to consult an oracle to find out what
has gone wrong. The Oracle found the head of the harem ,the most senior
wife ESAGHO responsible and ordered her to be destroyed. But on the way home
through bribery and out right threat to the lives of those who had
accompanied her to the oraculist,the story was given to OGISO OWODO that
his son EKALADERHAN must be destroyed so that other women can have children.
Ogiso Owodo reluctantly agreed to supposed oraculist injuction.
Ekaladerhan was accordingly taken out to the jungle by the same men who had
accompanied ESAGHO to the oraculist to be killed. Once in the jungle, they
immediately set him free to run and asked him to run away as fast as his
legs could carry him. They also asked him to be in contact with them
whereever he settled. He ran towards the west in the direction of Odighi/Owo
on the old lagos Benin Road.
The executioners returned to Benin having smeared their cudgels with animal
blood. Tradition says IGODOMIGODO was thrown was into deep mourning as the
poor prince was being led out to be sacrificed. It was also a very a DULL
DAY. Up till this day any DULL DAY is called EKALADERHAN'S DAY IN Benin city.
Years passed and Ogiso Owodo did not have ANY other child.He later died and
the chiefs of Benin took over the reign of goverment. It ushered in a period
called in Benin History--THE REPUBLICAN PERIOD--BETWEEN 900 A.D TO 1200 A,D.
Meanwhile Ekaladerhan was firmly establishing himself at UHE now identified
as [ILE IFE]. He adopted a new name --IZODUWA/IDODUWA.
In the Bini variant of Edo language IZODUWA means I have walked the path of
progress and prosperity [ a name somebody happy with his new position will
adopt].
IDODUWA means I have missed the path of progress and prosperity[a name
somebody home sick may adopt]
In the ESAN variant of Edo langauge the two names and meanings could be
reversed.
THE NEXT SEGMENT THE EDO MONARCHY AND ODUDUWA

[Abi Olowe]

Ademola:

I must admit that I have enjoyed your historical essays up till now. Some of
your reasons sound logical and are similar to the Yoruba belief. For
example, that Oduduwa was a prince and escaped from somewhere. Actually
some historical carvings at Ile Ife are similar to those in Benin.
Could your story have been the reverse? That is, Benin is from Ife. Where
did you get your stories? I have never come across them. Are they written in
Edo historical books?

By the time you finish, I will be delighted to know where the Edos come
from. They should have a root, shouldn't they?

Keep it up. I am learning.

Abi