During the meeting held today, His Majesty Oba Overami informed his Royal Council of Chiefs that he has received intelligence from Itsekiri and Benin spies (Chief spy is Dudu Jerri) who have informed him that the new and ambitious young Consul Phillips plans to bring war to the people of Benin. He has sent for permission from his white queen to invade Benin.
Items discussed
It was established that the number of infantry that he planned to bring were about 500 men including the soldiers from Eko (Lagos).
On the issue of response, the chiefs believed they had a right to defend their country against attack from anyone.
It was however noted that a large proportion of Benin soldiers were currently engaged in other operations elsewhere including defending Benin borders against attacks from invaders from the north.
Response options were discussed and it was generally felt that 500 invaders can be easily stopped by Benin Strike Force.
His Majesty Oba Overami advised caution stating that without further evidence, the white man could just be planning a peaceful visit. [1] As no Whiteman, has ever attacked Benin, he had no reason to believe that this would happen now. His advice was to wait to see development.
It was agreed by all that that Benin Strike Force should remain alert all the same since for at least the past two years, an attack on Benin has been threatened by the white man.
It was also agreed to instruct the Benin Border Force (put in place five years ago since the Nana troubles began in 1892) to be more vigilant in stopping any intruders so as to avoid unnecessary casualties.
Meeting adjourned till further development.
References
Boisragon A. The Benin Massacre, 1897 P.55, p.58
Transcript of the Trial of Oba Overami; Roth (1st; 3rd September 1897).
Transcript of the Trial of Ologbosheri; Roth (27 June 1899).
Roth H.L.,Transcript of the Trial of the king, (appendix 11); 1903
Benin Oral Tradition sources:
Oba Ovonramwen departure statement, Benin September 13 1897
Ologboseri defence statement, Benin, June 27 1899
Articles:
The Benin Massacre - Guardian articles 1821-2000;Date: Jan 18, 1897, p.5
[1] Peaceful visit was interpreted and written down as ‘coming to play’ during the trial of the king (September 3 1897).
Items discussed
It was established that the number of infantry that he planned to bring were about 500 men including the soldiers from Eko (Lagos).
On the issue of response, the chiefs believed they had a right to defend their country against attack from anyone.
It was however noted that a large proportion of Benin soldiers were currently engaged in other operations elsewhere including defending Benin borders against attacks from invaders from the north.
Response options were discussed and it was generally felt that 500 invaders can be easily stopped by Benin Strike Force.
His Majesty Oba Overami advised caution stating that without further evidence, the white man could just be planning a peaceful visit. [1] As no Whiteman, has ever attacked Benin, he had no reason to believe that this would happen now. His advice was to wait to see development.
It was agreed by all that that Benin Strike Force should remain alert all the same since for at least the past two years, an attack on Benin has been threatened by the white man.
It was also agreed to instruct the Benin Border Force (put in place five years ago since the Nana troubles began in 1892) to be more vigilant in stopping any intruders so as to avoid unnecessary casualties.
Meeting adjourned till further development.
References
Boisragon A. The Benin Massacre, 1897 P.55, p.58
Transcript of the Trial of Oba Overami; Roth (1st; 3rd September 1897).
Transcript of the Trial of Ologbosheri; Roth (27 June 1899).
Roth H.L.,Transcript of the Trial of the king, (appendix 11); 1903
Benin Oral Tradition sources:
Oba Ovonramwen departure statement, Benin September 13 1897
Ologboseri defence statement, Benin, June 27 1899
Articles:
The Benin Massacre - Guardian articles 1821-2000;Date: Jan 18, 1897, p.5
[1] Peaceful visit was interpreted and written down as ‘coming to play’ during the trial of the king (September 3 1897).