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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Between the Ogiso and Oba Dynasties: An Interpretation of Interregnum in the Benin Kingdom
Authors:Bondarenko, Dmitri M.ISNI
Roese, Peter M.ISNI
Year:2004
Periodical:History in Africa
Volume:31
Pages:103-115
Language:English
Geographic term:Nigeria
Subjects:Benin polity
history
traditional polities
Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups)
History and Exploration
External link:https://www.jstor.org/stable/4128520
Abstract:The evidence for the period separating the two Benin dynasties, that of the 'ogiso' and that of the 'oba' (probably late 12th and early 13th century), is scanty and not very trustworthy. Based on information provided mainly by Bini oral tradition (particularly as provided by Jacob Egharevba (1960, 1965, 1970), a native historian and informant) and ethnography, the present paper attempts to reconstruct this period. It concludes that the first attempt to overcome the crisis that had resulted in and from the downfall of the 'ogiso' dynasty and to elaborate a new sociopolitical model of the supra-chiefdom society was a step backwards: the abolition of monarchy. But it was no longer possible to govern Benin as either a chiefdom or as a simple community. The 'republic', as Bini historians are wont to call it, was not a democratic alternative to the 'ogiso''s monarchy, but the temporary outcome of an explosion of political traditionalism in Benin City, combined with the titled chiefs' reaction throughout the country. Consequently another - and this time decisive - step forward occurred and the newly established 'oba' dynasty finally managed to establish effective supra-chiefdom authority in what was now the Benin kingdom. Bibliogr. [ASC Leiden abstract]
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