Historial grave sites in Benin Kingdom
Benin City, former capital of the ancient Benin Kingdom and present capital of Edo State, is home to many sacred places, historical monuments and things that will pass as folkores
Benin City, former capital of the ancient Benin Kingdom and present capital of Edo State, is home to many sacred places, historical monuments and things that will pass as folkores and fairy tales. Across the ancient kingdom lie relics that tell stories of love, betrayal, intimidation among others.
Not many young generations, including tourists, are aware of places to visit except the popular Igun Street, home of the guild of bronze casters. The wood carvers in Igbesamwan are gradually going into extinction.
However, there are some graves in the kingdom that formed part of the history of the kingdom at certain particular times.
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Many persons have heard or read about the stories but not many Edo residents are aware where the graves are located.
1. Grave of Queen Iden
It s located somewhere near the Oba Market. It is well barricaded to prevent anybody stepping on the grave in line with instructions of Queen Iden before her death. She decreed that anybody that stepped on her grave be put to death. Queen Iden sacrificed her life because of the love she has for her husband, Oba Ewuakpe. She was the only living soul staying with Oba Ewuakpe after the kingdom abandoned him. Trouble began for Oba Ewuakpe after he declared a fierce decree after the death of his mother. Notable warlords rebelled against Oba Ewuakpe and his palace became desolate. There was hunger in the palace as the subjects abadoned the king. His wives amd slaves were forced to leave the palace. The refusal to pay homage to the king led to hunger. Queen Iden refused to leave the Palace. She insisted om remaining with her husband.
Oba Ewuakpe consulted the oracle and among things he was ask to do to bring peace to the king was a human sacrifice. Queen Iden was the only love close to him. She offered herself to be sacrificed. Shortly after, the nobles returned to pledge allegiance to the king. The grave of Queen Iden is well barricaded to prevent anybody stepping on it.
The European Graves
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Tagged the European Graves, it is a placed locked away within the heart of Benin Kingdom because it is considered sacrilegious. There is a saying "Aiguoba vbi' Ogbe" which means no one is buried in Ogbe alongside the Oba. The graves housed remains of British soldiers who were killed as they neared the kingdom through the Sokponba axis. Corruptly called Sakponba road, the Sokponba road was defended by Chief Asoro, a Benin Warrior. He killed several British soldiers until he was felled. The British defied the customs and tradition and buried their fallen soldiers in Ogbe, an area where the destroyed Palace extended to. It was a difficult task locating the European grave. Tombstones indicating names of the dead are erected on the grave.
Read Also: Excitement in Benin Kingdom over mass return of looted artefacts
Grave of James Philip
The grave of Captain James Philip is located at Ugbineh. He was the Briton that defied request of Oba Ovoranmwen to remain in Ughoton until the end of Igue festival so that he could be welcome to the city. Captain Philip and his team were killed and buried at Ugbineh by some Benin Chiefs led by Chief Ologbosere. Some members of Captain Philip team narrowly escaped. A monument is built where they are buried but most times it is overgrown with weed.
