Benin-City

Overview

Benin City was one of the most important cities of West Africa until the British came along. They looted the town and took 2000 bronze statues back to Britain.

Today Benin City is still a very pretty city. It is still an important center for traditional art, see for example the statues in the Okada House. The National Museum in the centre still has a few good pieces of the traditional statues but they are not as good as those in the British Museum. Furthermore there is an Oba Palace and a few good art galleries.

The spectacular beauty about the city is that it is surrounded by moats which are as historical as the walls of china. It was used as a form of defence against enemies of the city. The moat is said  to have taken over three years to complete. Also, Benin City has always been known as the town of the best bronze casters in West Africa.

The museum near circular road is totally obsolete and the presentation of the pieces is dramatically  insufficient.

History

Benin City is one of the oldest cities in Nigeria, dating back to pre-colonial times. It boasts one of the most advanced and organised kingdoms before the arrival of the British. The city used to be the capital of the old Bendel state until this was divided into Edo and Delta. Currently Benin City is the capital of Edo.