13 Interesting Facts About the People of Bini (Edo) Ethnic Group in Nigeria

Ever wondered to see lots of interesting facts about the Bini people? The Bini people are better known as the “Benin” or “Edo” people. And, they are a group of people mainly in Edo state Nigeria. Although, there are some of them in Delta state, Rivers state, and Ondo state.

13 Interesting Facts About the People of Bini (Edo) Ethnic Group

However, the words Benin and Bini are actually Portuguese versions of the word Ubini. In this article, we will explore how this word came about, the language and so much more.

13 Interesting Facts About the People of Bini (Edo) Ethnic Group in Nigeria

The people of the Bini (Edo) Ethnic Group have some interesting facts about them and these facts would be shared with you in this post.

1. Population

Based on information from the last Nigerian census, (the last census in Nigeria took place in 2006), there are over 3.8 million Edo people. It is certainly a mind-boggling amount.

2. Religion

The Edo people are mainly Christians. Although we have bits of other religions, especially their traditional religion, they hold it with very high regard.

3. Ethnic Belief is on the List of Interesting Facts About the People of Bini(Edo) Ethnic Group

They believe that other than the human/physical world, there is another world of spirits and Gods. However, even among the Gods, there is still one above all, he is Osanobua. Osanobua is omnipresent, omniscient and omnipotent.

Another God is Olokun, an offspring of Osanobua, he is in charge of fertility. And, Ogun, God of metalworks.

4. Art

A large portion of the popularity of the Benin people comes from their amazing artworks. They were made known to the western world in 1897. However, they have existed since the 13th century. Furthermore, their art pieces were made of bronze and were mainly the faces of people.

5. Popular/Notable People from Benin

In this aspect, you will get to see some notable individuals from the Bini ethnic group. In addition, you will see what made them as known as they are now:

  • Victor Ikpeba – Professional Footballer
  • Ewuare II – 40th Oba of Benin Kingdom
  • Benson Idahosa – Evangelist and Founder of Church of God Mission International
  • Mercy Aigbe – A Nigerian actor and filmmaker
  • Kamaru Usman – Mixed Martial Artist

6. Dressing: Interesting Facts About the People of Bini(Edo) Ethnic Group in Nigeria

Edo people have very unique dresses even amongst the nearby tribes. And, they often wear red beads, red anklets, and raffia.

7. Related Ethnic Groups

These ethnic groups are seen as similar based on their language, they all speak Edoic languages. For instance, we have the Isoko, Urhobo, Afemai, and Esan.

8. Language

The Edo people speak the Edo language. And, here are some words in the Edo language, translation included. Also, names will be on the list

  • Ób’ókhían = Welcome
  • Ób’ówa = Greetings to you at home
  • Kóyo = Hello
  • Eve = Cry
  • Ubvi = Pretty young lady
  • Adesusu =Young man/ handsome young man

9. How the name “Benin” and “Bini” came about is Among the  Interesting Facts About the People of the Bini(Edo) Ethnic Group

The words Benin and Bini are the Portuguese version of the word Ubini. However, Ubini means vexation, which properly describes the feelings of Prince Oranmiyan. Moreover, he used this to describe his frustration when he was asked to rule Benin.

And, in the long run, Ubini changed to Bini, and Bini changed to Benin. It’s been like that ever since.

10. Change to Benin

The name changed from Bini to Benin in 1485. And, this was also when the Portuguese began to trade with Oba Ewuare, he gave them coral beads.

11. Livelihood

The main source of livelihood for the Edo people is farming. They have very fertile soil and lots of land. Consequently, they produce lots of crops such as maize, yam, and cassava.

12. Food is One of  the Interesting Facts About the People of the Bini(Edo) Ethnic Group

The traditional food of the Edo people is pounded yam or eba which they eat with melon, okra, or vegetable soup. And, the soup is cooked with Bush meat, beef, or fish.

13. Rulership 

The king is in charge of the political, economic, and ritual-based doings of the Edo state. And, the king is very respected in the midst of his people, he is a very powerful individual.

Conclusion

In conclusion, knowledge is power, the more of it we have, the better. Edo is a very beautiful culture that is full of many wonders, we hope you enjoyed reading this article and endeavour to read more.

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