INTERGROUP RELATIONS BETWEEN THE BENIN AND THE WESTERN IBOS UP TO TWENTIETH CENTURY

ABSTRACT

The focus of this research project is on intergroup relations between the Benin People and the western Ibo up to the 20th century. The two peoples are located in proximity and in the tropical forest of the southern part of Nigeria. The research shows the settlement and geographical locations of the two groups and the implications on their relationship. The work also analyses the lineage, economic and social relations between the two groups. The findings of the work show that both the Benin people and the western Ibos have series of lineage and economic relations that date to the ancient times. The work also shows that the Igbo groups west of the Niger have lineage relationship and ties with the Benin kingdom right from early times to the colonial period. Lineage relationship between Benin and the various Igbo groups in the west of the Niger is strongly supported by the origins and evolutions of these kingdoms through migrations and by the homage paid to Benin Kingdom. These suggest conquest and imposition of political leaders or merely political domination at a point in the history of the various peoples of the region. The majority of these market goods were sold to the Aro down the route. They controlled the twin markets of Bende and Uzuakoli in south central Igbo land illustrate the convergence of traders from various parts of south eastern Nigeria during the close of the nineteenth century.