Oral history

British Invasion of Benin

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Benin Kingdom Context

Prof. Osadolor states that the Anglo-Benin war of 1897 was basically British aggression against the sovereign state of Benin kingdom given that the nineteenth century was a century of European imperialism in Africa. He highlights the reasons for the British attack on the kingdom, and how the British had made preparations for the attack before 1897, as is evident in the royal dispatches. The death of Consul Phillip was, according to him, an excuse to execute their plan to attack the Benin Kingdom. In his view, Prof. Osadolor says the looting of Ọba Palace and other ceremonial sites in the city was designed to offset the cost of the war. He gives reasons why he is in support of the call for repatriation and reparations from the British.

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Referenced in this interview

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