Oba Market

The Oba Market also referred to as Eki-Oba 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]

Oba Market
LocationRing Road, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria
Coordinates6.3406°N 5.6227°E / 6.3406; 5.6227
Opening date15th century (15th century)
Number of tenantsOver 5,000
Total retail floor areaApproximately 20 acres
Oba Market is located in Nigeria
Oba Market
Oba Market
Location in Nigeria

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][8]

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.[8][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][8]

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
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] The shrine holds deep cultural and historical significance, attracting both local residents and tourists.[20][21]

Significance

Oba Market boasts profound cultural and historical importance, not only as a center of commerce but as a place intrinsically linked with the heritage of the Benin Kingdom.[22] It stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of the Benin people over the centuries.[23]

The market continues to play a vital role in the economic development of Benin City, providing livelihoods for thousands of traders and artisans.[24][25] It fosters a strong sense of community among its vendors and visitors, serving as a place where the past and present harmoniously coexist.[26][27]

Preservation efforts

In recent years, concerted efforts have been made to preserve the historical and cultural heritage of Oba Market, particularly the Emotan shrine.[28] 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.[29][30]

2020 fire incident

In 2020, Oba Market encountered a formidable challenge as a fierce fire engulfed the market, resulting in extensive destruction.[31][32] 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.[33][34]

References
  1. Egharevba, Jacob U. (1953). The Origin of Benin. B.D.N.A. Museum.
  2. Eguavoen, Festus (2019-08-10). Emotan. ISBN 1-0993-6964-9.
  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. Zeijl, Femke van. "The Oba of Benin Kingdom: A history of the monarchy". Aljazeera.com. Retrieved 2023-09-05.
  5. Edo State of Nigeria: A Guide : Inside One Year of Edo State Pictorial : Special Attractions. Eribo. 1997.
  6. "Nigerian women across various tribes have been recognized". RefinedNG. 2021-03-06. Retrieved 2023-09-05.
  7. "THE BENIN MONARCHY: An Anthology of Benin History(CASED)". Quintessence. Retrieved 2023-09-05.
  8. "EMOTAN: QUEEN OF EKIOBA". www.edoworld.net. Retrieved 2023-09-05.
  9. Board, Benin Traditional Council Editorial (2018). The Benin Monarchy: An Anthology of Benin History. WELLS CRIMSON. ISBN 978-978-54734-1-4.
  10. Aisien, Ekhaguosa (2001). The Benin City Pilgrimage Stations. Aisien Publishers. ISBN 978-978-31533-5-6.
  11. Igbafe, Philip A. (July 1970). "The fall of benin: A Reassessment". The Journal of African History. 11 (3): 385–400. doi:10.1017/S0021853700010215. ISSN 1469-5138.
  12. "Head of an Oba | Edo peoples". The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Retrieved 2023-09-05.
  13. "The Kingdom of Benin (article) | Nigeria". Khan Academy. Retrieved 2023-09-05.
  14. The Calgary Herald. The Calgary Herald.
  15. Mason, Paul (2015-09-10). Daily Life in Ancient Benin. Raintree Publishers. ISBN 978-1-4062-9849-9.
  16. "Traders Seek Oba of Benin's Intervention in Planned Markets' Demolition by State Govt - THISDAYLIVE". www.thisdaylive.com. Retrieved 2023-09-05.
  17. Egharevba, Jacob U. (1949). Benin Law and Custom. Niger Press.
  18. Onakoya, Tolu (2021-03-25). "10 great markets to explore in Edo". Culture Intelligence from RED. Retrieved 2023-09-05.
  19. Ezedinma, Chuma; Sanni, L. O.; Okechukwu, Richardson U. (2007). Socioeconomic Studies on Selected Cassava Markets in Nigeria. IITA. ISBN 978-978-131-276-2.
  20. "The Kingdom of Benin". education.nationalgeographic.org. Retrieved 2023-09-05.
  21. Omoregie, S. B. (1972). Emotan and the Kings of Benin. Longman. ISBN 978-0-582-60925-9.
  22. The Portsmouth Times. The Portsmouth Times.
  23. Okosun, Freeman Eseigbe (2000). A Short History of Ewossa. Freeman Productions.
  24. Igbafe, Philip Aigbona (1972). Obaseki of Benin. Heinemann Educational. ISBN 978-0-435-94469-8.
  25. Okosun, Freeman Eseigbe (2000). A Short History of Ugboha. Freeman Productions.
  26. Youngstown Vindicator. Youngstown Vindicator.
  27. Phillips, Barnaby (2021-04-01). Loot: Britain and the Benin Bronzes (Revised and Updated Edition). Simon and Schuster. ISBN 978-1-78607-936-7.
  28. Salami-Agunloye, Irene Isoken (2001). Emotan (a Benin Heroine). Mazlink Nigeria Limited. ISBN 978-978-35644-3-5.
  29. Meriden Journal. Meriden Journal.
  30. Lawrence Journal-World. Lawrence Journal-World.
  31. "Oba Market In Benin Gutted By Fire | Sahara Reporters". saharareporters.com. Retrieved 2023-09-05.
  32. Nigeria, Guardian (2020-06-22). "Early morning fire consumes part of Oba Market, Benin". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Retrieved 2023-10-10.
  33. Momoh, Idris Umar (2020-06-24). "We lost all in Oba Market fire, traders lament". Businessday NG. Retrieved 2023-09-05.
  34. Ajibola, Akinola (22 June 2020). "Fire Guts Section Of Oba Market In Edo". Channels Television. Retrieved 5 September 2023.
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