Top Seven Ancient Powerful Societies that Shaped Nigeria’s History

Compiled By Emeka Esogbue

There were several ancient societies that shaped today’s Nigerian history. Here are the top most powerful ancient societies in what became Nigeria:

1. Kanem-Bornu Empire – Located in present-day Chad, Nigeria, Cameroun and Libya, the Kanem-Bornu Empire was one of the most powerful kingdoms in Africa and perhaps, Nigeria’s most powerful and influential kingdom. The Empire was founded by the Kanuri people, a Saharan ethnic group. It had two capitals located in Kanem and Borno. At its peak, it controlled trade routes and built impressive cities. The Kanem-Bornu Empire was known for its powerful military with which it expanded and also protected its trade interest, an extensive trade networks it had already built.

2. Benin Empire – This is one of the most powerful and influential ancient societies in Africa. At its peak, it extended to Lagos and parts of Ondo State and also covering almost major parts of Anioma settlements in today’s Delta State. The influence of Benin on the people of Ondo is significantly noted in cultural exchange, transmitted to the people through trade and migration. The Benin Empire was a highly organized and centralized state that controlled a vast territory and population. It was also known for its advanced bronze casting and wood carving techniques that marveled even the Europeans. The kingdom existed from the 13th century to 1897.

3. The Oyo Empire was a major power in western Nigeria and was known for its sophisticated administrative system. At its peak, the influence of the empire extended to Benin Republic. It was the from people of Oyo that the name, “Yoruba,” which now covers the entire Southwest region was derived. The collapse of Oyo that gave birth to several Yoruba settlements that are in existence today such as Ibadan, founded by Lagelu, Abeokuta, founded by Sodeke, Ijaye, founded by Kurunmi and New Oyo Kingdom with its capita at Ago d’Oyo. The new settlements marked the beginning of a new era in Yoruba history. The Old Oyo Empire lasted from 14th to the 19th centuries.

4. The Hausa Kingdoms: The Hausa states were a group of city states that dominated trade and commerce in northern Nigeria. The kingdoms lasted from the 14th to the 19th centuries

5. The Aboh Kingdom – The Kingdom was one of the most powerful societies in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. The Aboh Kingdom is located in today’s Delta State. At its peak, the kingdom controlled the marine trade in Niger Delta and was a key-player in the transatlantic slave trade, trading with the European powers like the Portuguese and British. The Kingdom is best remembered for the capture of the Landers Brothers, one of the factors that led to the Ekumeku battles between the Anioma people and the Royal Niger Company. The Aboh Kingdom is also known for its military prowess that allowed it to expand its territories and protect its interests. The best-known monarch of the kingdom is Obi Ossai. The Aboh Kingdom existed from the 15th to the 19th centuries.

6. The Nok Culture – This ancient civilization is one of Nigeria’s earliest civilizations and also best known for its for its terracotta sculptures and advanced iron metallurgy. The civilization lasted from 1500BC to 1 BC.

7. Igbo-Ukwu also known as Igbo Ukekwu – The Igbo-Ukwu ancient society existed in southeastern Nigeria specifically the present-day Anambra State and is known for its impressive bronze and copper artifacts. Igbo Ukwu is considered one of the most important Bronze Age sites in West Africa. Significantly, Igbo-Ukwu traded with other Nigerian ancient societies such as the Nok and Benin. It is regarded as one of Nigeria’s most important archeological sites.

DIAMOND JUBILEE AGE: 20 THINGS THE WORLD DOES NOT KNOW ABOUT FRED AJUDUA

DIAMOND JUBILEE AGE: 20 THINGS THE WORLD DOES NOT KNOW ABOUT FRED AJUDUA On January 21 2020, Pen Master paid Chief Fred Ajudua a scheduled visit at his Lagos-VGC Marble Dome Home, a large and imposing house sitting on a hill from where it vigorously engages public views and attention. On entering the house, Pen Master freely walked in and around, in the spirit of the love that always binds the people of Igbuzo. The man, Chief Fred Ajudua often described as the “Architect of Modern Ibusa” is unarguably one of the biggest fish in history to have come out of Ibusa even as it is said that nearly every Ibusa family has benefited from him one way or the other. Beyond what you know about him, there seems many sides you do not know. As the Igbuzo Chief celebrates his 60 th Year birthday, your Pen Master brings you the things you do not know about the highly influential Igbuzo Chief. Pen Master also dug into the Ajudua family photo depository all for your knowledge. Happy reading! ...

A SHORT HISTORY OF OBOLLO CLAN IN ENUGU STATE, NIGERIA

A SHORT HISTORY OF OBOLLO CLAN IN ENUGU STATE, NIGERIA By Emeka Esogbue Introduction Not many historical literatures on the Obollo people exist for the usual reasons associated with our people who prefer to write the history of mighty and populous peoples already enriched with volumes of historical accounts and records. Thus while there are historical documents on other peoples of Igbo, for Obollo, it is the story of dearth of documents. However, it is within my historical concern that the rich history of this part of Igboland be adequately researched into, documented and preserved for the future generation. I do not hail from this part of Igboland but my historical background, interest and curiosity propelled me towards the acquisition of both oral and written information to put this material together. Geography The various Obollo communities comprising of Obollo Afor, Obollo Etiti, Obollo Eke, Obollo Orie and Obollo Nkwo are strategically situated at the regional bou...

SEE HOW ANIOMA PEOPLE DRESS ON THEIR TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE THE ERA OF USING OUR TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE TO PROMOTE ATTIRES OF OTHER GROUPS IN NIGERIA IS GONE

SEE HOW ANIOMA PEOPLE DRESS ON THEIR TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE THE ERA OF USING OUR TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE TO PROMOTE ATTIRES OF OTHER GROUPS IN NIGERIA IS GONE Today is Saturday, conventionally set aside for marriage ceremonies. Awareness on how our Anioma brides and grooms attire themselves during their traditional marriage has fast spread and entrenched. We no longer promote other group's cultural attires because we want them to promote our own instead. I say many thanks to our Anioma cultural advocates on this day because our labours to preserve as well as promote the good cultures of our Anioma society have never been in vain. Noticeable now is that in time of our traditional marriages, we costume ourselves in Akwa-Ocha which brings out our god-given beauty. A few moments after her traditional marriage in Umuodafe, Ibusa on December 28, inside the Agokei palatial home, I visited former Miss Amaka Thelma Agokei, the bride. I was rather late; but I met this beautiful bride t...

Emeka Esogbue

Search This Blog