Emotan
Nigerian women across various tribes have been recognized and deified for playing significant roles in the history of Nigerian culture. They have at various times exerted bravery, strong determination and the will to influence a change. Some of these notable figures from our history include Moremi of Ile-Ife, Queen Amina of Zaria and more from the Edo Kingdom.
Edo women have been instrumental to the successful building, leadership, and administration of the Great Benin Kingdom, and on today’s Saturday Small Chops, we examine carefully, the deeds and deification of the brave Emotan from the ancient Benin Kingdom.
Emotan, originally named Uwaraye was born in Eyaen, the present-day Oduwawa cattle market area on the Benin-Auchi road, between 1380 and 1400. She was a market trader who sold foodstuffs during the 15th century at the Oba Market in the ancient Benin Kingdom, during the reign of Oba Uwaifiokun and Prince Ogun, who was later referred to as ‘Oba Ewuare the Great’ after he became the king of Benin.
Emotan is the pioneer of the first Day Care Centre in Benin City. Shortly after the death of her husband, she built a hut where she selflessly attended to the health and needs of children belonging to families patronizing the market, without charges for her service. It was therefore in her nature to help Prince Ogun (Oba Ewuare) get his throne back from his brother, Uwaifiokun.
Oba Ewuare was a great king, leader and warrior whose exploits still resound in Edo history. As a result, he had many enemies, one of which was Uwaifiokun. Based on oral history, Emotan is known to have helped Oba Ewuare to reclaim the throne as Oba of Benin after several years in exile. She played a vital role by informing him of a murder plot against him by Oba Uwaifiokun and some chiefs, and also joined to protect him from being killed. After his reinstatement, he immediately appointed Emotan as the Iyeki, which means the leader of the authorized Ekpate guild; a position that enabled her to enforce market rules and checkmate issues regarding market security.
Due to her many impacts, Emotan was deified by Oba Ewuare after her death. He accomplished this by ordering the planting of the sacred Uruhe tree at the market spot where she displays her wares. The Oba later went on to make a degree that persons having any form of occasions requiring a ceremonial gathering must pay homage to Emotan. She was worshipped as the mother of love and kindness.
After the fall of two Uruhe trees planted in Emotan’s honour on separate occasions, a life-sized, bronze Emotan statue was designed by John A. Danford in honour of her legacy. The statue was unveiled by Oba Akenzua II in cooperation with the British Colonial authorities on the 20th of May 1954. Emotan’s statue is located at the Oba Market in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.
Did you learn something new? You are welcome to share with us.