AFRICA: ONE CONTINENT. MANY WORLDS | AFRICAN STORIES | BENIN

Politics in the court of Benin City

African peoples have created many political systems. For centuries the Oba ruled Benin City as both a king and a god. The Oba still plays a vital political and spiritual role in Benin City, now part of the modern nation of Nigeria.

  • See the famous bronze sculptures of Benin City.
  • Read stories about the images carved on an elephant tusk.
  • Explore an 800-year-old kingdom.
  • Lean how the Oba rules Benin City today.

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    Graphic by Kimberly Townsend.

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