The history of Nigeria goes way back to long before the arrival of colonial powers. As far back as 900 AD, some kingdoms already existed—some of which still survive today. In this article, we’ll explore the early history of Nigeria and find out which is the oldest kingdom in the country.
A Look at Nigeria’s Early Kingdoms
Long before Nigeria became a country, many powerful kingdoms and empires had already been established. This was even before British colonial rule began in the late 1800s. At that time, many local governments and traditional states were already functioning across the land.
In the north, one of the most powerful empires was the Hausa Kingdom, which included areas like Kano, Katsina, Zaria, and Gombe. There was also the Kanem-Borno Empire around what is now Borno and Adamawa States. Smaller kingdoms like Kwararafa, Kona, Pinduga, and Wukari were also located in the north, along with others such as the Igala, Nupe, and Ebira.
In the south, the Yoruba kingdoms of Ife and Oyo ruled the southwest. The famous Benin Kingdom, also called the Edo Kingdom, was located in what is now Edo State. In the southeast, there were the Ibibio-Efik kingdoms in today’s Akwa Ibom and Cross River States. In the Niger Delta, the Itsekiri Kingdom of Warri, the Ijaw city-states of Nembe, Bonny, Okrika, and others were already well-established.
Let’s now find out which of these was the oldest kingdom in Nigeria.
The Oldest Kingdom: The Benin Kingdom
The Benin Kingdom is considered the oldest kingdom in Nigeria. Its history dates back over a thousand years, beginning in the 900s. It started when the Edo people settled in the rainforests of what is now Edo State.
By the 1400s, Benin had become a wealthy and powerful kingdom. The rulers were called Obas, and they were highly respected. They lived in grand palaces decorated with beautiful brass artworks.
The Benin Kingdom was originally known as Igodomigodo, and it was ruled by kings known as Ogisos (meaning “rulers of the sky”). But in the 1100s, political struggles caused the Ogisos to lose control. The Edo people then asked for help from their neighbors—the Yoruba people.
The Ooni of Ife, a powerful Yoruba king, sent his son Prince Oranmiyan to help. Later, his son Eweka became the first Oba of Benin. From then on, a long line of Obas ruled the kingdom, with its power reaching its peak in the 1500s. Even today, the Benin Kingdom still exists and has a respected Oba.
At its height, Benin covered parts of what is now southwestern Nigeria and the western Delta region. Today, the ancient kingdom’s traditions continue, mostly in Edo State.
Other Ancient Kingdoms in Nigeria
Here are some other early kingdoms that existed in Nigeria:
Kanem-Borno Empire
This kingdom existed as early as the 9th century. It was located east of Lake Chad. The rulers came from a group known as the Kanuri, and they took over smaller groups in the area. By the 12th century, attacks from enemies forced the capital to move west of Lake Chad. This empire covered areas now known as Borno and Adamawa States.
Hausa Kingdoms
The Hausa people came from the region of Mali and settled in northern Nigeria. Their kingdom stretched across places like Daura, Katsina, Kano, Zaria, Gobir, and later Kebbi. These cities were often surrounded by walls and ruled by local kings. The Hausa were known for their strong military, and they even fought with the Kanem-Borno empire at times.
Yoruba Kingdoms: Ife and Oyo
The Yoruba people also built strong kingdoms. The Ife Kingdom, located in what is now Osun State, dates back to between the 11th and 15th centuries. Ife is known as the spiritual heart of the Yoruba people and is believed to be the home of their legendary ancestor, Oduduwa.
The Oyo Empire, another major Yoruba kingdom, rose in the 14th century. It was located in the savannah areas north of the forest. The Oyo Empire became very powerful and played a major role in West African trade and politics.
Conclusion
So there you have it—the Benin Kingdom holds the title as the oldest kingdom in Nigeria, with its roots going back over a thousand years. But it wasn’t the only ancient kingdom. Others like Kanem-Borno, the Hausa states, Ife, and Oyo also played huge roles in shaping the early history of Nigeria.
These kingdoms were rich in culture, powerful in politics, and left legacies that still influence parts of Nigeria today.