History Of Edo People (Benin)

[Naijafans]

Short history of the Great Benin people (Edo)

The Edo or Benin people are an Edoid ethnic group primarily found in Ẹdo State southern part of Nigeria, They speak the Edoid language and are the descendants of Pa Idu, Igodomigodo, which evolved to become the Benin Empire .

They are closely related to other ethnic groups that speak Edoid languages such as the Esan, the Afemai, the Isoko, and the Urhobo.

The name "Benin" (and "Bini") is a Portuguese corrupted word, ultimately from the word "Ubini", which came into use during the reign of Oba Ewuare the Great, c. 1440. "Ubini", an ancient Edo word meaning beautiful people, was used to describe the royal administrative centre or city or capital proper of the kingdom, Edo.

Ubini was later corrupted to Benin around 1485 when the Portuguese began trade relations with Oba Ewuare.