The political, social and economic organization of the of pre-colonial Benin Empire by 1855

Study question

Examine the political, social and economic organization of Benini Empire by 1855.

The political, social and economic organization of Benin Empire by 1855.

The pre-colonial Benin Empire, located in what is now southern Nigeria, had a well-structured political, social, and economic organization by 1855.

Political system of Benin Empire by 1855

The political organization of the pre-colonial Benin Empire by 1855 was highly structured and centralized, with the Oba (king) at the top of the hierarchy. Here are some key aspects:

Monarchical System:

• Oba: The Oba was the supreme ruler with absolute authority over the empire. He wielded legislative, executive, and judicial powers.
• Uzama Council: The Oba was advised by the Uzama, a council of high-ranking nobles who also had the responsibility of crowning a new king.

Administrative Officials:

• Ezomo: The military commander responsible for the empire’s defense and military campaigns.
• Ebohon: The head of the guilds and responsible for the empire’s craft industries.
• Unwagwe and Eribo: Officials in charge of trade and economic matters, monitoring the flow of goods and advising the Oba on economic policies.

Judicial System:

• Ologbosere: The chief priest who played a significant role in the judicial system and religious ceremonies.
• Iyasere: Another important official involved in the administration and governance of the empire.

Decentralized Administration:

• Enogie: Regional governors or dukes who administered different regions of the empire and reported to the Oba.
• Local Councils: Each village had its own council of elders that handled local governance and resolved disputes.

Social organization of Benin Empire by 1855

The social organization of the Benin Empire by 1855 was hierarchical and complex, reflecting the empire’s rich cultural and political structure. Here are some key aspects:

Hierarchical Structure:

• Oba: At the top of the social hierarchy was the Oba, the king, who held supreme authority and was considered semi-divine.
• The institution of the Oba was hereditary.
• Nobles: Below the Oba were the nobles, including the Uzama (a council of high-ranking nobles), who advised the Oba and played significant roles in governance.
• Warriors: Warriors held an important position in society, responsible for defending the empire and maintaining order.
• Commoners: The majority of the population was commoners, including farmers, traders, and artisans, who formed the backbone of the empire’s economy.

Social Groups:

• Age Grades: Age grades were groups of individuals of similar ages who performed specific communal duties and rites of passage.
• Clans: The society was organized into clans, each with its own leader and responsibilities within the larger community.

Gender Roles:

• Men: Men were primarily responsible for farming, hunting, and warfare. They also participated in political and social decision-making.
• Women: Women played crucial roles in agriculture, trade, and family life. They were also involved in social and religious activities.

Cultural Practices:

• Religion: Religion was central to social life, with the Oba performing important religious ceremonies and rituals. Ancestor worship and the veneration of deities were common practices.
• Festivals and Rituals: Various festivals and rituals were held to honor deities, mark important events, and strengthen social bonds.

Social Cohesion:

• Mutual Assistance: The society emphasized mutual assistance and communal living, with members helping each other in times of need.
• Intermarriages: Intermarriages between different clans and ethnic groups helped to strengthen social ties and alliances.

Economic Activities:

• Agriculture: Farming was the primary economic activity, with crops like yams, palm oil, and kola nuts being important.
• Trade: The Benin Empire engaged in extensive trade with neighboring regions and European traders, exporting goods such as ivory, pepper, and textiles.
• Oba controlled trade through chiefs. The chiefs, priests and other officers collected taxes.

Standing army

• The empire of Benin had only a small standing army to protect the palace because the economy could not support a big army. But a military could be organized from the young men in case of a war.

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Thanks

Dr. Bbosa Science