Benin City
Benin City is one of the oldest cities in Nigeria, dating back to pre-colonial times. It was the capital of one of the most advanced and organised kingdoms in Africa before the arrival of the British. The city used to be the capital of the old Bendel state until this was divided into Edo and Delta states. Benin City is the capital of Edo State, and had a population of about 1.5 million people in 2015.
- Not to be confused with Benin.
This article also covers Ovia North-East which houses Igbinedion University.
Understand
The original people and founders of the Benin Empire, the Edo people, were ruled by the Ogiso (Kings of the Sky) dynasty from 40 BCE to 1100 CE, who called their land Igodomigodo. The rulers or kings were commonly known as Ogiso. Benin grew rich during the 16th and 17th centuries due to trade within southern Nigeria, as well as through trade with Europeans, mostly in pepper and ivory. In the early 16th century the Oba sent an ambassador to Lisbon, and the King of Portugal sent Christian missionaries to Benin. Many Portuguese loan words can still be found today in the languages of the area.
On 17 February 1897, Benin City fell to the British in the "Punitive Expedition", in which a 1,200-strong British force conquered and razed the city after all but two men from a previous British expeditionary force were killed. Until then, Benin City had been known for its impressive architecture, including its city walls that were said to be four times as long as the Great Wall of China, but these were all destroyed by the British in the 1897 expedition. The Benin Bronzes, portrait figures, busts and groups created in iron, carved ivory, and especially in brass, were taken from the city by the British and are displayed in various British museums. Some of the bronzes were auctioned off to compensate for the expenses incurred during the invasion of the city. Various appeals have been made to the British government to return such artifacts. The capture of Benin paved the way for British military occupation and the merging of later regional British conquests into the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria.
In Benin City, there is a notable house/building known as Palm House which according to records was built by the Military Government of Late Retired General Samuel Ogbemudia, to accommodate ministries and agencies in the 1970s. The name came about as a result of the two or three Palm Trees in front of the buildings. The palm house was then an ultra-modern 12-storey building complex, furnished with elevators, central air-conditioning system and other social amenities that distinctly defined comfort, to give the place an attractive honor to those who were privileged to have it as their work place.
Since Nigeria's independence from British rule in 1960, Benin City has been a regional capital.
Oredo is a local government area in Benin City. Oredo is home to Oba of Benin, Esama of Benin Kingdom and many notable people. Oredo has an area of 249km2 and during the 2006 population census, Oredo recorded a population of over 375,000. It is populated with different Benin indigenes and a few Yoruba, Hausa and Igbo indigenes.
Get in
🌍 Benin Airport BNI IATA is a small airport with a few daily flights from Lagos and Abuja, with Arik Air offering the most flights.
Benin is known for its road transport, so a visitor can get to the city from almost any city in the country. From Lagos, it takes about 4 hours to get to Benin, but it's best to travel during the day because the bad roads make the journey a lot longer and more stressful. From Port Harcourt, it's about 4 hours 30 minutes to Benin. The journey from Port Harcourt is a lot easier because there are better roads on that stretch. The roads in Benin City are not very good and traffic regulations are rarely enforced in this busy city, so hold-ups and traffic jams are common in some parts of the city.
By bus
You can easily get into Benin by bus, there are several bus transport services that offer services from different states to Benin, some are:
- God is good Mobility (GIGM), 118 Akpakpava Road, akpakpava@gigm.com. One can get into Benin City by getting in through a mobility bus like God is Good Motors. The bus comes with an air conditioner for maximum enjoyment throughout the trip.
- Iyare Motors
- GUO Motors
- Agofure Motors
- Efex Motors
- Muyi Line Motors
and many more
Get around
Getting around in Benin isn't too difficult. The roads are fairly well constructed, and the city is well linked and networked. If you come in by air, there are taxis at the airport to take you probably anywhere you wish to go for an affordable price. And if you come in by road and are taken to the terminal of the transport service, you will also find taxis ready to take you anywhere. Taxis and buses are supposed to be painted red or rather wine on their body and yellow on the roof. But there are some buses and taxis that don't obey that code.
Most roads lead to the ring road, so to get to some places, you actually have to get to the ring road and then take another bus or cab to your destination. Moving from one part of town to another is usually done by bus but on some routes, you can also take a taxi. There are no standard bus stops in the city so generally when you are in a commercial vehicle that has reached your destination, you would alert the driver by saying "stop" or "drop", and then he would come to a halt. Don't hesitate to say this as the driver will certainly take you past your destination if you don't.
The city has a very active nightlife, and getting around at night time is pretty much the same as getting around during the daytime, except that some routes become more dangerous at night time, so take precautions.
Apart from buses and taxis, you can also get around the city with motorbikes. But the state has a law that bans the movement of commercial motorbikes between 7 PM and 6 AM.
And of course, the popular car-hailing services (Bolt, Uber, and others) are readily available in Benin City, to get you around, all you need to do is to just place an order from the comfort of your home and a car, a driver would be assigned to your home to take you to your desired location.
See
- 🌍 Benin City National Museum, King's Square, CBD. While much of the cultural heritage of Benin has been looted and now resides in British Museum, there are still several interesting artifacts displayed, reflecting the rich history and culture of the Edo people and Benin kingdom.
- 🌍 Royal Palace of Oba of Benin, Ogogugbo. This is the home of the Oba (King) of Benin. The original Kingdom of Benin palace was established around 1255-1280 AD by Oba Ewedo, then rebuilt in 1932. You may not be able to get inside, and you can't see much from the outside due to the exterior fence. It's possible the curators at the museum may know.
- 🌍 Ogba Zoo, Ogogugbo (7HQP+W4W, Airport, Ogba Rd, Benin City), ☏ +234 8033026283. Daily 11:30-6PM. Here you can have a chance to visit the lion and other animals that look pretty pitiful in their cramped quarters.
- 🌍 Ogiamien Palace, 102 Sakponba Rd, Avbiama. The only building that survived the 1897 British expediton.
- 🌍 Oredo Local Government Area Secretariat (Oredo). This is the Local Government Area Secretariat of the Popular Oredo in Benin City.
- 🌍 Kada Plaza Cinema & Entertainment Centre, 111 Old Sapele Rd, Oka (Oredo). Movie theatre in an ultramodern mall with an array of shops. Food and popcorn vendors are available too. Safe and secure environment, parking is metered. Ensure you see a movie anytime you come to Oredo. It is a very fun cinema with a lot of entertainment centers.
- Igbinedion University, Main Campus Mission Road, Okada. A private university.
Do
- 🌍 Okomu National Park (south of Udaken), ☏ +234 450241, tesleemadeniyi@gmail.com. This is one of the last patches of undisturbed rainforest in Nigeria, with the possibility of seeing chimps, dwarf crocodiles, warthog, monkeys, African buffalo, and even possibly elephants. Directions are somewhat unclear. It may be best to contact the Nigerian National Park Service at +234 7069666450 for more details.
- 🌍 Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Stadium Rd, Ogogugbo. The Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium is a multi-use stadium in Benin City that was built as known as Ogbe Stadium. It is used mostly for football matches and is the home stadium of Bendel Insurance FC and Edo Queens FC. The stadium has a capacity of 12,000 people. It is named after the two-time Governor of the old Bendel State, Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia.
Buy
Benin City has numerous markets where different items are sold and purchased. Many of the markets are found north of the city. See the Uselu article.
- JARA Supermarket, next to EDPA Building, Avbiama. M-Th 9AM-9PM, F Sa 8AM-9PM. Supermarket where you can buy all sort of stuff, foodstuff, cosmetics etc.
- Suya (Nigerian equivalent of a barbecue) is generally much affordable in Benin City markets.
- Market Square, Benin Sapele Rd, Oka. Very big supermarket to buy things in Benin City
- Ikpoba hill market, Ikpoba area. A general market to buy foodstuff, clothing material and general household materials in Benin City.
- Santana Market, Benin Sapele Rd, Oka, ☏ +234 815 801 1900. A popular market in Benin City.
- Mini Market Benin City, University of Ekehuan Campus. A market in Benin City
- sore mail. the sawmill is located at egwadolo side on going to Benin south known for wood cutting and selling.
- oliya market. the only a market is located at siloko road on going to ring road from the ogida market it is known for selling of livestock's vegetables fruits and most food items.
Eat
Edo people love pounded yam and orhe (ogbono) soup (draw soup).
- 🌍 Kilmanjaro, 121 Benin Sapele Road, Oka. 7:30PM - 10PM. Dine-in and takeaway.
- 🌍 Chicken Republic, 55 Airport Rd, Oka, ☏ +234 809 016 1485. 7:30PM - 10:30PM. Chicken Republic is a fast food restaurant that offers dine-in, takeaway and delivery service options.
- 🌍 Kada fried chicken, Kada plaza, Benin Sapele Road, Oka, ☏ +234 811 660 0110. 8AM - 11PM. Customers can either eat here or ask for a takeaway.
- 🌍 Royal China Restaurant, 72 Ihama Road, Oka, ☏ +234 906 685 0363. 10AM - 10PM. A Chinese restaurant in a serene ambience and has quite amazing scenery.
- 🌍 Kateri's Bamboo House, 40 Boundary Road, GRA, toll-free: +234 806 232 1888. 10:30AM - 10PM. Kateri's Bamboo house is a restaurant where customers can enjoy Asian meals, particularly Indian, Chinese and Thai cuisines. They offer dine-in and delivery. Customers can also order online and come pick it up.
- 🌍 Victorious Mega Kitchen, 3 Ihama Road, Oka, toll-free: +234 815 359 3998. 24 hours. Dine-in, takeaway and delivery option available 24/7.
- 🌍 Naira Grill, 31 country home Road, oka, toll-free: +234 915 527 9412. M-Sa 8AM-10PM, Su 1-10PM. Dine-in. Takeaway. Delivery.
- 🌍 FoodChefe, Sapele road, Oka, toll-free: +234 808 426 2708. M-F 6AM - 6PM. Dine-in, takeaway and delivery are available.
- 🌍 Home and Away Restaurant and Bar, Ikpokpan Road, Oka, ☏ +234 708 849 1281. M-Th 10:30AM-10PM, F Sa 10:30AM-10PM. All continental and local dishes available.
- 🌍 Mat-Ice, Ihama Rd, Benin City., Ihama Rd, Oka. M-Th 10:30AM-10PM, F Sa 10:30AM-10PM. Dine-in, takeaway and delivery.
- 🌍 Reign Restaurant, 28 Sapele Road, Beside St. Mary’s British Dedication School. A new restaurant in Benin, with all sort of food; Sharwama, Hamburger, Pizza, Spaghetti Bolonese and others.
- Mama Bella Restaurant and Bar, 8 Ivbiogie St, ☏ +234 909 205 5334.
- Feluma Kitchen, Ezoti St, ☏ +234 705 972 1022.
Drink
Palm wine from local palm wine tappers. Bottled palm wine does not taste as good.
There are a lot of beer parlors in the Oredo area, as most occupants of the region step out to drink at any point they feel like doing so.
- 🌍 First Bar Bénin, Country home road, Oka (7JFJ+C5J, Country Home Rd, Oka), toll-free: +234 802 330 4748. 24/7. Dine-in and takeaway.
- Versus Lounge, 18 Guobadia Avenue, off 1st Ugbor Road, GRA, ☏ +234 906 344 7506. 24/7. Dine-in, curbside pickup, delivery and takeaway service options are available.
- Orhiakhi Bar and Guest House, Oko Central Road, Oka. 7:30AM-11:30PM. Dine-in and takeaway.
Sleep
- 🌍 Randekhi Royal Hotel, 6 Uhenuyi Street (off Ihama Road), ☏ +234 52 895036.
- 🌍 Kenbrill Hyatt Hotel, 10 Agbonrofo Street (Off Ettete Street).
- 🌍 Poshlux Executive Hotel Ltd, Plot 97 George Eremionkhale Ave, off Godwin Abbe Way, Oka. This is like an upscale homestay in a neighbourhood, with pool, bar, restaurant, full breakfast, and a/c. But it might not have wifi. Kind of out there in the outer sprawl of Benin City. ₦18,547.
- 🌍 De Brit Hotel, 70 Ihama Rd, Oka, ☏ +234 9038800080. Pretty standard offering with pool, hot tub, restaurant/bar. ₦18,925.
- 🌍 Morzi Hotels & Suites, Plot 209 Ugbor, By, Ugbor Road, Country Home Rd (southeast quadrant of city), ☏ +234 815 900 2022. This multi-storey hotel has a lot of neon but is far from downtown. Free breakfast, restaurant, pool, wifi, a/c, airport shuttle.
- 🌍 El-Hassani Hotel, 34A Oni St, Oka (east of airport), ☏ +234 8166701550. This hotel is close to the airport and has a modern look with gate, restaurant/bar, and wifi. ₦15140.
- Kiko Hotels, Ikpokpan Road, Oka. Free parking, free Wi-Fi, restaurant, room service. ₦12,000.
- 🌍 West View Hotel, 65B Boundary Rd. Free parking, free Wi-Fi, restaurant, room service, swimming pool. ₦20,000.
- 🌍 Eterno Hotels, 103B, Aiguobasimwin Crescent, Off Ikpokpan Road, GRA, ☏ +234 809 898 2533. Free parking, free Wi-Fi, restaurant, room service, swimming pool. Varies.
- 🌍 Osvin Hotels Ltd, Akenzua Junction, 34 Plymouth Rd, ☏ +234816 244 2133. ₦8,000.
- 🌍 Hotel Felona, 6Dawson Road, Use, ☏ +234 705 584 1483. ₦15,000.
- 🌍 The Sage Hotels, 16 Edo-Osagie St, Crescent, ☏ +234 705 681 0867. ₦16,000.
- 🌍 JIL Newworld Hotels, Ekehuan Road opposite GT Plaza, Ogogugbo, ☏ +234 908 669 8670. ₦7,000.
- 🌍 Edo Delta Hotel, Akpakpava Rd, Avbiama, ☏ +234805 622 0681. ₦5,000.
- 🌍 Motel Bellisima.
- 🌍 Luciano royal hotel and suites, upper, Ekehuan Rd, ☏ +234912 978 1604.
- 🌍 Mavellous Benjis Hotel and Event Center, 1 Okpiahio Crescent off Aroko St, Benin-Agbor Hwy, ☏ +234705 805 2871. ₦6,000.
- 🌍 Protea Hotel Benin City select Emotan (Potea Hotel), no4. Central R.d.off Sapele Road, ☏ +2348139877770. Free parking, free WiFi, pool, fitness center, bar/lounge, room service, evening entertainment.
- Jerixs hotel and suits. 8 iyamu Street off textile Mill Rd, it is known for standards and quality reception.
- B17 Hotel., 6 evbereke spare parts road of textile Mill Rd.
- Pleasant hills. located at second junction on going to sloop from ring road roundabout.
- Osvin Hotel Ltd, Akenzua Junction, 34 Plymouth Road. High customer satisfaction on Google. one site said ₦6500, best inquire personally.