Uselu, Benin City

Uselu
Neighborhood of Benin City
Coordinates: 6°24′32″N 5°36′51″E / 6.40889°N 5.61417°E / 6.40889; 5.61417Coordinates: 6°24′32″N 5°36′51″E / 6.40889°N 5.61417°E / 6.40889; 5.61417
Country	Nigeria
State	Edo State
LGA	Egor
City	Benin City
Time zone	UTC+1 (WAT)
ZIP code	300212

Uselu is densely-populated neighborhood of Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Is the headquarters of Egor local government area.

Uselu is the site of the traditional grounds of the Edaiken N'Uselu (Duke of Uselu) palace as well as the palace of the Iyoba of Benin.^[1]

History[]

When King Ozorua died in the 15th century, he left two sons to challenge the succession of the throne. Neither prince was ready to give in to the other, the partisans immediately declared themselves for one, and soon after Benin entered the civil war. Until then, Igara's vassals saw an opportunity to take advantage of the situation, proclaimed independence from Benin, and conquered part of the northern territory. Within a week, Essie realized that he was facing an almost certain fragmentation of his father's kingdom. His mother Idea was said to have stood behind him at this point. In serving everything from his adviser to his shrine maiden, she gathered Vinis, including many who had previously assisted Alwaran by Essie's standards. After the royal couple resolutely dealt with their stepchildren, the royal couple turned to Igara's rebels. After a fierce battle, Benin's hegemony was restored, and the victorious army, led by Essie and Idea, returned to the capital with a victory. King Esiggy thanked his mother for his efforts and opened a new office in Iyova. Iyoba, who is now on an equal footing with high-ranking court officials, built his own palace in the city of Yuzuru and was subsequently associated with the title of permanent territory. She was the first woman in Benin's history to have such power. The presumed main function of Iyoba in the harem in her husband's life is to give birth and raise the crown prince, who will eventually take over as Benin's oba. This is no longer the case, but she was also expected to have no children other than him. Moreover, following the example of Idea, she was a powerful wizard and was expected to always use mysterious artistic knowledge for the benefit of the future king. Most of their women were waiting for a circle of aristocratic girls who were expected to wait for them while also learning about the interior of their office, but eventually the son's own harem (and thus potential). I became a member of Iyoba himself). A person of her class and status was traditionally expected to have his own harem, so a relatively small number would remain in her lifetime prestigious female service. After being invested shortly after his son's coronation, Iyoba set out for Uselu, where he spent the rest of the day. It was forbidden to see Oba again, but she was expected to serve as his main adviser, so the palace messenger almost always moved from Benin to Yuzuru, and from Yuzuru to Benin. During the war, the only woman in the kingdom was constitutionally qualified to attend. As her senior chief, she commanded her own military regiment, Queens Own. After her death, Iyoba became the guardian deity of her son, the King. As part of their funeral, he was to commission a work of art to decorate their personal altar at the shrine of the king of the palace. Only Iyoba was honored at the shrine.

Economy[]

Uselu Market is among the most popular markets in Benin City, and has up to 5,000 shops.^[2] It is also a hub for corporate firms such as banks and fast food chains.

Crime[]

Uselu has high rates of gang activities, cult killings,^[3] and armed robberies. In many cases, police response times are unfavorably slow, and usually receive public criticism.^{[citation needed]}

Flooding[]

Uselu Lagos Road is prone to flood and residents have contacted the government regarding their concerns, however the issue has not yet been resolved.^[4]

References[]