ABSTRACT
This study was set out to analyze the diplomatic relations of the Kingdom of Benin and her Deltan neighbors. The importance of this study navigates the evolution of contemporary Nigeria. Amidst its evolution, certain events dated between its regional localities and foreign peoples, these events that had occurred could somewhat be said to have shapened the region from the monachial system of rule to the contemporary system of state governance. In other words, a non centralised monarchical bereaucracy having evolved a contemporary society with a centralised system of state governance known today as Nigeria intrigues the interest of scholars and researchers for a quest through its history to its contemporary construct. However, having Nigeria a society that existed with different Ethnicities, communities, and as well kingdoms, its localities had encountered evolutionaries revolving to its contemporary construct, in ancient times, the Benin Kingdom was one powerful Kingdom in West Africa, having accounts of Egypt being the mastermind of African Civilization, the Benin Kingdom was famous in West Africa for its prominence in agriculture, trade, arts, and its cultural heritage. Continuing with the attraction of foreign navigations to its geographical polity, it spurs that certain ceremonies had evented during these encounters with foreign bodies, including her European Contact, England Interaction, The 1897 conflict, The Galway Treaty, etc. Amidst these occurrences, it is important to note that the region had been under siege of colonial powers since It's encounter with England leading Great Britain to the conquest for colonial control over its peoples and natural heritage (natural resources, artifacts & culture). In limelight, this study introduces a scope encompassing possible navigations through the formation of the contemporary state formally known as Nigeria. Having had that the Benin Kingdom and the Niger Delta region done played important roles in it's break from colonial rule thence the formation of the evolutionary Nigeria. It is important to note that in 1953 Anthony Enahoro a prominent leader from the Benin Kingdom led the movement for the long run for the peoples freedom till it's eventual attain of Independence in 1960 heading the evolution of the modern day Nigeria. It therefore confisticates necessities on researchers and scholars of the discipline to the study of its peoples culture, it's historical antecedents and its precolonial ties to its colonial siege by great powers and its eventful break to independence. Furthermore, this study populates the analysis of the peoples of the Benin Kingdom and the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria, its relations with neighboring countries and well as well its localities. Rituals of kingship in some parts of Nigeria represent the main social reality for many people, providing meaning amidst clashing and ineffectual ideologies, and promising security in a politically unstable time. In the Benin kingdom the Oba’s power is less than in centuries past. But the ideas underling kingship persist, through myth and ritual, as a general cognitive model. By exploring the meanings of Benin Kingdom and the contemporary contexts of royal ceremonies this paper shows how court performances and other legitimating icons such as cement statuary give the Bini a sense of stability to the days Nigeria. Data collected were analyzed with qualitative methods of content analysis and expository essays. The study was an empirical literature review on the Benin Kingdom and her Deltan neighbours.
