Tchaourou

Tchaourou (Saworo in Yoruba etymology, meaning rattle) is a commune, arrondissement, and city located in the Borgou Department of Benin, a country in Western Africa, formerly known as Dahomey (until 1975). It is the birthplace of current Beninese president Yayi Boni. It is 50 kilometres (31 mi) south of Parakou.

Overview

The commune covers an area of 7,256 km² (2,802 sq mi) and as of 2013 had a population of 221,108 people. Tchaourou is one of the largest municipalities in the Department of Benin Borgou. It is home to people of various ethnic groups, mainly Yoruba people, also known as Anago or Nago, Bariba and Fulani peoples. Tchaourou is a mainly agricultural town. However, illegal activities in the sale of fuel have developed in the region, given its proximity to its major oil neighbor, Nigeria. The current mayor is Soulé Biyaou Abou.

Tchaourou was once one of the most popular among the Fulani from the north of the country. As a result of the seasonal migration, however, several fodder trees such as Khaya senegalensis and Afzelia africana, which were common, are now very rare in the town. The disappearance of valuable species of trees, is caused by a combination of slash-and-burn shifting cultivation and exploitation of wood. Deforestation is very common, particularly logging for tree bark used in traditional medicines made by the Fulani herdsmen.

Benin City

Benin City is a city (2006 est. pop. 1,147,188) and the capital of Edo State in southern Nigeria. It is a city approximately 40 kilometres (25 mi) north of the Benin River. It is situated 320 kilometres (200 mi) by road east of Lagos. Benin is the centre of Nigeria's rubber industry, but processing palm nuts for oil is also an important traditional industry.

History

The original people and founders of the Benin Empire, the Edo people, were initially ruled by the Ogiso (Kings of the Sky) dynasty who called their land Igodomigodo. The rulers or kings were commonly known as Ogiso. Igodo, the first Ogiso, wielded much influence and gained popularity as a good ruler. He died after a long reign and was succeeded by Ere, his eldest son. In the 12th century, a great palace intrigue and battle for power erupted between the warrior crown prince Ekaladerhan son of the last Ogiso and his young paternal uncle. In anger over an oracle, Prince Ekaladerhan left the royal court with his warriors. When his old father the Ogiso died, the Ogiso dynasty was ended as the people and royal kingmakers preferred their king's son as natural next in line to rule.

Benin Empire

The Benin Empire was a pre-colonial empire located in what is now southern Nigeria. Its capital was Edo, now known as Benin City, Edo. It should not be confused with the modern-day country called Benin, formerly called Dahomey. The Benin Empire was "one of the oldest and most highly developed states in the coastal hinterland of West Africa, dating perhaps to the eleventh century CE", until it was annexed by the British Empire in 1897.

The original people and founders of the Benin Empire, the Edo people, were initially ruled by the Ogiso (Kings of the Sky) dynasty who called their land Igodomigodo. The rulers or kings were commonly known as Ogiso. Igodo, the first Ogiso, wielded much influence and gained popularity as a good ruler. He died after a long reign and was succeeded by Ere, his eldest son. In the 12th century, a great palace intrigue and battle for power erupted between the warrior crown prince Ekaladerhan son of the last Ogiso and his young paternal uncle. In anger over an oracle, Prince Ekaladerhan left the royal court with his warriors. When his old father the Ogiso died, the Ogiso dynasty was ended as the people and royal kingmakers preferred their king's son as natural next in line to rule.

Benin (disambiguation)

Benin is a modern country in Africa, the former colony of French Dahomey.

Benin can also mean: