Inside Asaba’s Olinzele System: The Power, Reach & Benin Roots Of An Indigenous Order
ACROSS Asaba and its surrounding communities, the olinzele—a cadre of titled dignitaries—formed the backbone of local governance and justice in the early 20th century. Records list prominent figures in Asaba such as the Asabwa, Onirhe, Odafe, Iyase, Isabwa, Osodi, Ozoma, Odogu “Edogun,” Omu, Adaisi, and others. While some titles appeared only in particular towns, many […]
