The Origin of Iyoba Title in Benin Kingdom: a Study in the Evolution of Political Institutions in Pre-Colonial Nigerian Empires

Student: Jennifer Oyiza Ozolua (Project, 2025)
Department of History and International Studies
Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State

Abstract

This long essay examined the origin of the lyoba title in Benin. The Iyoba title was not established in the kingdom of Benin until the end of the Fifteenth Century when a great conflict between two sons of the Oba over the ascension to the throne threatened to destroy the empire. Oba (king) Ozula died and left the throne open to his two sons, Arhuaran, who controlled the city of Udo, and Esigie, who controlled Benin City. Available evidence suggests that Esigie's mother, Idia, used her magical powers to help him win a war against his brother and also the neighbouring Igala people, who wished to take advantage of the Benin kingdom's state of weakness and attack them. Idia was honoured with the chieftaincy title of lyoba and given powers and prestige in the government of the kingdom. That was the beginning of the title and from then on the mothers of the Oba instead of being killed at the installationof their children were actually installed as lyoba, integrated into thecomplex system of government, honoured and respected.

Keywords
essay examined origin lyoba title benin iyoba established kingdom until
Filters
Institutions