Oba Market Explained

Oba Market
Location:Ring Road, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria
Coordinates:6.3406°N 5.6227°W
Type:Open-air market
Floor Area:Approximately 20 acres
Number Of Tenants:Over 5,000
Map Type:Nigeria

The Oba Market (also referred to as Bini; Edo: '''Eki-Oba'''|label=|italic=unset) is an open-air market situated at Ring Road in the center of Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.[1] Its roots date back to the 15th century, making it one of the most historically significant markets in the region.[2]

History

Establishment

The history of Oba Market reaches back to the 15th century when commerce thrived at this location.[3] Over centuries, it has served as a pivotal trading center within the Benin Kingdom, evolving in tandem with the city.[4] [5]

Role of Emotan

One prominent figure associated with Oba Market is Emotan, also known as Uwarraye.[6] In the 15th century, during the reigns of Oba Uwaifiokun and Oba Ewuare the Great, Emotan was a respected market woman celebrated for her humanitarian work and dedication to children.[7] [8] Importantly, she played a key role during Prince Ogun's (Oba Ewuare I) quest to reclaim his throne after a period of exile.[9]

Emotan and Prince Ogun conspired to overthrow the usurper, Oba Uwaifiokun. Emotan's astuteness played a crucial role in Prince Ogun's successful return to the throne.[10] She provided sanctuary for him within her modest dwelling in Oba Market, becoming his trusted informant as Uwaifiokun sought to eliminate him to retain power.[11]

Upon Emotan's passing, Oba Ewuare the Great decreed that she should be forever remembered.[12] To honor this decree, he deified her by planting a sacred Uruhe tree at her resting place, which was the same location where she had resided adjacent to Oba Market.[13] [14]

Features

Diverse range of goods

Oba Market is renowned for its extensive array of products, encompassing food items, clothing, fabrics, traditional beads, jewellery, and electronics.[15] The market serves as a comprehensive source for daily necessities and cultural artifacts.[16] [17]

Emotan statue and shrine

See main article: Emotan Statue. A prominent landmark at Oba Market is the Emotan statue and shrine, positioned directly opposite the market.[18] This statue commemorates Emotan's pivotal role in Benin Kingdom history.[19] [20] [21]

Preservation efforts

In recent years, concerted efforts have been made to preserve the historical and cultural heritage of Oba Market, particularly the Emotan shrine.[22] These initiatives aim to ensure that the market's significance is passed down to future generations and that Emotan's contributions are remembered and celebrated.[23] [24]

2020 fire incident

In 2020, Oba Market encountered a formidable challenge as a fierce fire engulfed the market, resulting in extensive destruction.[25] [26] The incident, which took place on 22 June 2020, generated considerable concern and brought into focus the market's susceptibility due to its historical significance.[27] [28]

Notes and References

  1. Book: Egharevba, Jacob U. . The Origin of Benin . 1953 . B.D.N.A. Museum . en.
  2. Book: Eguavoen, Festus . Emotan . 2019-08-10 . 978-1-0993-6964-3 .
  3. Ogbeifun . Nowamagbe P. R. I. N. C. E. . 2021-01-01 . Assessment of Noise Pollution in Oba Market, New Benin Market & Oregbeni Market, Benin City, Edo State Ogbeifun, Nowamagbe Prince 1 and Njokede, Fortune .O. 2 . Nigerian Institution of Professional Engineers and Scientist.
  4. Web site: Zeijl . Femke van . The Oba of Benin Kingdom: A history of the monarchy . 2023-09-05 . . en.
  5. Book: Edo State of Nigeria: A Guide : Inside One Year of Edo State Pictorial : Special Attractions . 1997 . Eribo . en.
  6. Web site: 2021-03-06 . Nigerian women across various tribes have been recognized . 2023-09-05 . RefinedNG . en-US.
  7. Web site: THE BENIN MONARCHY: An Anthology of Benin History(CASED) . 2023-09-05 . Quintessence . en.
  8. Web site: EMOTAN: QUEEN OF EKIOBA . 2023-09-05 . www.edoworld.net.
  9. Book: Board, Benin Traditional Council Editorial . The Benin Monarchy: An Anthology of Benin History . 2018 . WELLS CRIMSON . 978-978-54734-1-4 . en.
  10. Book: Aisien, Ekhaguosa . The Benin City Pilgrimage Stations . 2001 . Aisien Publishers . 978-978-31533-5-6 . en.
  11. Igbafe . Philip A. . July 1970 . The fall of benin: A Reassessment . The Journal of African History . en . 11 . 3 . 385–400 . 10.1017/S0021853700010215 . 1469-5138.
  12. Web site: Head of an Oba Edo peoples . 2023-09-05 . The Metropolitan Museum of Art . en.
  13. Web site: The Kingdom of Benin (article) Nigeria . 2023-09-05 . Khan Academy . en.
  14. Book: The Calgary Herald . The Calgary Herald . en.
  15. Book: Mason, Paul . Daily Life in Ancient Benin . 2015-09-10 . Raintree Publishers . 978-1-4062-9849-9 . en.
  16. Web site: Traders Seek Oba of Benin's Intervention in Planned Markets' Demolition by State Govt - THISDAYLIVE . 2023-09-05 . www.thisdaylive.com.
  17. Book: Egharevba, Jacob U. . Benin Law and Custom . 1949 . Niger Press . en.
  18. Web site: Onakoya . Tolu . 2021-03-25 . 10 great markets to explore in Edo . 2023-09-05 . Culture Intelligence from RED . en-GB.
  19. Book: Ezedinma . Chuma . Socioeconomic Studies on Selected Cassava Markets in Nigeria . Sanni . L. O. . Okechukwu . Richardson U. . 2007 . IITA . 978-978-131-276-2 . en.
  20. Web site: The Kingdom of Benin . 2023-09-05 . education.nationalgeographic.org . en.
  21. Book: Omoregie, S. B. . Emotan and the Kings of Benin . 1972 . Longman . 978-0-582-60925-9 . en.
  22. Book: Salami-Agunloye, Irene Isoken . Emotan (a Benin Heroine) . 2001 . Mazlink Nigeria Limited . 978-978-35644-3-5 . en.
  23. Book: Meriden Journal . Meriden Journal . en.
  24. Book: Lawrence Journal-World . Lawrence Journal-World . en.
  25. Web site: Oba Market In Benin Gutted By Fire Sahara Reporters . 2023-09-05 . saharareporters.com.
  26. Web site: Nigeria . Guardian . 2020-06-22 . Early morning fire consumes part of Oba Market, Benin . 2023-10-10 . The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News . en-US.
  27. Web site: Momoh . Idris Umar . 2020-06-24 . We lost all in Oba Market fire, traders lament . 2023-09-05 . Businessday NG . en-US.
  28. Web site: Ajibola . Akinola . 22 June 2020 . Fire Guts Section Of Oba Market In Edo . 5 September 2023 . Channels Television.

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