Some Representatives from the Benin Kingdom who paid a courtesy visit to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, have affirmed Ile-Ife as the ancestral home of the Benin people.
In a now-viral video capturing the exchange, one of the emissaries told the Ooni that despite any contrary narratives circulating online, their collective understanding has always recognised Ile-Ife as their ancestral homeland and the source.
“We have always been told that Ife is our home,” the emissary said.
The remarks made by the emissary has sparked a reaction online. The emissary continued, “I don’t care about the propaganda on the internet or whatever anybody is saying. “We know our history, and as far as we are concerned, when I was coming here, I knew I was coming to meet my father so I was very comfortable.”
The purpose of the visit was to extend an invitation to the Ooni to attend the forthcoming Patriots Award event.
The origin of the Benin Kingdom has been a subject of ongoing discussion and debate. Ile-Ife is widely regarded as the ancestral home of the Yoruba people.
The Benin Kingdom, located in what is now modern-day Edo State, has been said to have historical connections to Ife. There have, however, been historical debates and conflicting claims about the precise origins of the Benin people. Some accounts and historical narratives have suggested different origins for the Benin people. This has led to disagreements and tensions regarding their historical lineage, especially on the internet.
