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The Benin Empire flourished as an independent kingdom in present-day southern Nigeria. On February 19, 1897, a combined British Navy and Niger Coast Protectorate Force, code-named "Benin Punitive Expedition", captured Benin City, the kingdom's capital city. According to the British official statement, the "Benin Punitive Expedition" was a reprisal for the alleged killing of seven unarmed British officials on a diplomatic mission to Benin City by some Benin Chiefs on January 4, 1897, at Ugbine village, near Benin City. Today the Empire no longer exists in geographical maps, but her greatness, influence, and splendour can be still be seen in her artefacts, artworks, and mnemonics that were looted after Benin City was destroyed on February 21, 1897.Presently, over 90 percent of these Benin treasures are on display in private and public American and European museums and galleries, and in the possession of the looters' descendants. The events that led to the Invasion, looting, and destruction of Benin City, were well documented by the officials of the British Navy and Niger Coast Protectorate Authority, who played major roles in this darkest and saddest chapter of Benin history. However, for over 100 years the narratives have been retold and rewritten by American and European mainstream media, and experts and scholars of African art history and history: but sadly, prejudiced and massively distorted. Summon My Ehi To Ugbine, is based on the candid, impartial and true accounts of the events that led to the invasion of Benin City and the looting and destruction of the city, as was written by the leading actors of the episode.
Über den Autor / die Autorin
Okpame Oronsaye was born, grew up and studied in Benin City, Edo State of Nigeria. He is a titled Edo prince, a member of the Ekaiwe guild of the the Benin Ibiwe N'Ekhua Royal Society. He has two children and lives in a small town in Germany.
