Lifestyle

Oba Ovonramwen Nogbaisi and the Fall of the Benin Kingdom

Published

9 months ago

August 24, 2025

A historic photograph taken in 1897 shows Oba Ovonramwen Nogbaisi (also called Overami), the thirty-fifth Oba of the Kingdom of Benin, standing with his special sword bearer and chiefs in his palace. This portrait was taken shortly before his forced deportation to Calabar by British colonial forces—a turning point that reshaped the destiny of Benin and its monarchy.

The 1897 Punitive Expedition

The deportation of Oba Ovonramwen was the direct result of the British punitive expedition against Benin in February 1897. Tensions between the Kingdom of Benin and British colonial authorities had been escalating over trade restrictions, taxation, and control of palm oil exports.

When a British delegation led by Acting Consul General James Phillips attempted to enter Benin City against prior warnings, they were attacked, and several members of the mission were killed. In response, Britain launched a large-scale military invasion to capture the city, depose the Oba, and secure control over trade in the region.

The punitive expedition devastated Benin City. Thousands of soldiers and sailors, heavily armed with modern rifles, artillery, and machine guns, stormed the city. The royal palace and much of the city were burned, while thousands of cultural treasures were seized and shipped to Britain. These artworks became known as the Benin Bronzes, a globally renowned collection of intricately cast bronzes, ivories, and other works that showcased the skill and sophistication of Benin’s artists. Today, many of these pieces remain in Western museums, though efforts for repatriation have been gaining momentum.

The Oba’s Capture and Exile

Following the destruction of Benin City, Oba Ovonramwen initially fled into the forest. After months of pursuit, he surrendered to the British. In a symbolic act of humiliation, he was tried and then exiled to Calabar, a coastal city in southeastern Nigeria.

In exile, Oba Ovonramwen lived out the rest of his days under surveillance. He died in 1914, never returning to his throne or his people. His deportation marked the end of the Benin monarchy’s political power, though the institution itself would eventually be restored in a ceremonial capacity.

The Kingdom of Benin Before the Fall

For centuries before its conquest, the Kingdom of Benin was one of West Africa’s most powerful and sophisticated states. Situated in present-day Edo State, southern Nigeria, it flourished from at least the 13th century. Benin was renowned for its advanced city planning, massive earthworks, strong military organization, and flourishing art traditions.

The royal court commissioned elaborate bronze plaques, commemorative heads, and ivory carvings, which not only served as historical records but also reinforced the sacred authority of the Oba. European travelers as far back as the 15th century marveled at the city’s grandeur and artistry.

Legacy and Restoration of the Monarchy

Although British colonization dismantled Benin’s political sovereignty, the monarchy was restored in 1914 after the death of Oba Ovonramwen. However, its authority was heavily reduced under colonial rule, limited largely to cultural and traditional functions.

Today, the Oba of Benin remains an important cultural and spiritual leader, symbolizing continuity with the kingdom’s rich past. The ongoing global conversation about the return of the Benin Bronzes has renewed awareness of Oba Ovonramwen’s fate and the devastating consequences of the 1897 expedition.

The photograph of Oba Ovonramwen Nogbaisi with his sword bearer and chiefs is more than a portrait—it is a symbol of resilience and loss. It captures the last days of an independent Benin Kingdom, moments before colonial conquest altered its destiny. The Oba’s deportation, the looting of the Benin Bronzes, and the destruction of Benin City remain among the most significant episodes in the history of European imperial expansion in Africa.

The legacy of Ovonramwen endures, not only in the survival of the monarchy but also in the global recognition of Benin’s art, history, and unbroken cultural identity.

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Lifestyle

Guinness World Record reacts to BBNaija Queen’s bread-inspired outfit at the 12th AMVCA

Published

1 day ago

May 14, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

Former Big Brother Naija housemate, Queen Mercy Atang, may be heading for a global record conversation after Guinness World Records reacted to her viral bread-inspired outfit worn at the 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards.

In a video shared on her Instagram page on Sunday, Guinness World Records reacted in the comment section saying, “Well, we do have a record for the largest cake dress … hmmm.”

Former Big Brother Naija Housemate, Queen Atang in her bread outfit at the 12th edition of AMVCA in Lagos…Photo Credit: Ig/ QueenMercyAtang

Reacting to the comment, the reality star wrote, “Hello @guinnessworldrecords, I see you in the comment section”

The development has further amplified conversations around her unconventional AMVCA appearance, which has continued to dominate social media and fashion discussions days after the event.

According to Guinness World Records, the current record for the world’s largest wearable cake dress stands at 131.15kg (289lb 13oz).

The record was achieved by Natasha Coline Kim Fah Lee Fokas of SweetyCakes GmbH in Bern, Switzerland, on January 15, 2023.

Queen’s bread-themed costume had earlier sparked widespread reactions online after she appeared on the AMVCA red carpet dressed in an outfit designed to resemble loaves of bread, complete with a matching prop.

Explaining the inspiration behind the look, Queen said the outfit reflected her entrepreneurial journey in the food business.

“AMVCA 2026 ready. I come as an entrepreneur who runs a bread EMPIRE,” she wrote at the time, referencing her bakery brand.

On Monday, the reality star also proposed the introduction of a special entrepreneurs-focused event at the AMVCA.

In an open letter addressed to MultiChoice Group and Africa Magic, she wrote, “Just a thought, since we already have the AMVCA Cultural Day and other special events before the main award night, would it be possible to create a special night dedicated to entrepreneurs in Nigeria to showcase their brands, creativity, and impact?

“Imagine AMVCA Nigerian Entrepreneurs Night. Massive, classy, and inspiring.”

The bread dress has since attracted international attention, with foreign fashion influencers and media platforms reportedly discussing the concept.

The trend has also inspired several entrepreneurs online, many of whom have used AI-generated designs to recreate brand-themed outfits and AMVCA-inspired fashion concepts.

While some Nigerians criticised the outfit as excessive, others, including PR and branding experts, described it as a strategic marketing move that successfully drew global attention to her business.

PUNCH Online had earlier reported that Queen’s appearance at the AMVCA generated mixed reactions, with videos from the red carpet showing her adjusting the elaborate outfit while interacting with guests and posing for photographs.

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Lifestyle

Olubadan seeks integration of traditional medicine with modern healthcare

Published

1 day ago

May 14, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja on Wednesday advocated the integration of traditional medicine with orthodox healthcare to improve healthcare delivery and preserve indigenous medical knowledge.

The monarch made the call while receiving executive members of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Oyo State branch, at the Olubadan Palace.

According to a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Gbenga Ayoade, the Olubadan said traditional medicine remained effective, accessible and affordable for many Nigerians.

“I believe in the efficacy of traditional medicine, its accessibility and affordability. So, let me use this period to advocate for the integration of traditional medicine with modern medicine for the enhancement of virile healthcare delivery before the exit of the traditional medical practitioners,” the monarch said.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Oyo State branch of the PSN, Segun Ajanaku, said the delegation visited the palace to congratulate the monarch on his ascension to the throne and to appreciate him for achievements recorded within a short period of his reign.

Ajanaku also informed the monarch about the completion of a pharmacists’ story building in Ibadan, which he described as the first of its kind in Nigeria.

“We respectfully invite Your Imperial Majesty to the inauguration of the building on May 21, 2026,” he said.

He further sought the monarch’s approval for the association to organise its annual medical outreach at the palace on September 25, 2026.

Dignitaries present at the event included the Oba Kolawole Adegbola, Oba Mobolaji Adewoyin, and the Muibi Ademola, among other traditional title holders.

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Lifestyle

HELP SAVE A LIFE — SUPPORT FOR RASAQ SHERIFAT FOLASHADE

Published

2 days ago

May 13, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

Rasaq Sherifat Folashade has been battling Multiple Sclerosis, paralysis, and stroke complications for over 8 years. The prolonged health challenges have taken a severe emotional, physical, and financial toll on her and her loved ones.

Today, she urgently needs financial support for medical care, treatment, medications, rehabilitation, and daily survival.

In her words:
“Please help me. I don’t want to lose hope or give up on life.”

We kindly appeal to compassionate individuals, organizations, friends, and the general public to come to her aid with any amount possible. No contribution is too small, and every support can make a meaningful difference.

DONATION DETAILS:
Bank: GTBank
Account Number: 0034233857
Account Name: Rasaq Sherifat Folashade

Please share this message widely to help save a life.

May God bless and reward everyone who supports this cause.