ADA vbe EBEN

A chief with Ada and Eben

The symbolism of Ada and Eben is not just the symbolism of the edo empire insignia but it portrays the historical tenacity and traditional uniqueness of the Benin people. The introduction of Ada and Eben kindly justify the evolving intelligence of the Benin at the time where other Nation states had not understood the principle of co-habitation.

Ogiso Ere (16-66AD.) who is largely attributed to the invention of this uncommon royal art perfection is simply the most dynamic and most decorated ruler of all the Ogisos in the first dynastic phase of our Monarchical era. The Ada, in the form of its variant, the UMOZO, remained the main battle weapon of Benin, even well after the coming of the Europeans five hundred years ago.

The ADA is the superior emblem, and it takes precedence, wherever it appears, over the Eben. All chiefs are invested with the authority to possess the Eben. But it is only a number of them who are additionally conferred with the right to possess the Ada. Titles which have this right are called: EGIE ADA. In Old Benin an Enogie, or Ovie (in Urhobo land) could not order the execution of any of his subjects unless the right to possess the Ada had been conferred on him by the Oba of Benin.

Oba eware II with Eben

The Egie Ada chiefs of the Ogiso Era, notably the UZAMA nobles: the Oliha, the Edohen, the Ero, the Eholor n’ire, hoisted their Ada as they made their way through the streets of Benin to the Ogiso palace, and later, with the change of dynasty, to the Oba palace at USAMA. But some seven hundred and fifty years ago when Oba Ewedo came to the throne and moved from USAMA to the Ogbe Ogiso n’Uzamakon, the present Benin palace site, he engineered the loss of that right by the Egie Ada Chiefs. Since that time no other Ada has remained aloft in the presence of the Oba of Benin with his own lofted Ada.

Oba eware II with Ada

Ada is the sword of State(Authority) while the Eben is a ceremonial sword, the Ada must at all times be on the right side of the Oba or any king or Chiefs that have ancestral connections to ancient throne of the Benin Monarch.

Oba akenzuwa statue with Eben

For the great and tremendous contribution of Ogiso Ere, he is still remembered in Edo history and many bear names which cherish his memory. This is attested to by names such as Eresogie, Otamere, Erebo, Eresoyen Eregbowa, Eresuyi, Erediauwa, Eregie and so on.

ADA and EBEN forms the basis of which we are recognized all of the world and it attest the political and traditional influence we have over a wide range of other ethnic nationalities in which the beauty of ADA and EBEN stand aloft as it is the symbol of the greatness of our past since it was first used by Ogiso Ere about 2000 years ago.