Only a few can claim the depth of knowledge and versatility of Uyilawa Usuanlele when it comes to Edo history. With scholarly research now in its fifth decade and a 'royal' embedding in all of Edo’s institutions, the rich data provided within this book supplies a wonderful analysis on erudition. The results and the outcome are both extraordinary and profound.

Toyin Falola, Distinguished University Professor, The University of Texas at Austin

As a foremost precolonial empire, colonial and colonized state, and post-colonial formation, Benin presents an important paradigm of autochthonous African development. In this book, Uyilawa Usuanlele, one of the leading scholars of Benin history, offers new perspectives on knowledge of Benin history, political economy, social formations, development trajectory, and especially the ability of the ancient kingdom to spread its power space through military might, enduring sociocultural exchanges and assimilation. Usuanlele does this through the rich exposition and analysis of the Edo ne kue phenomenon, one of the unexplored and mythical pillars of Benin’s territorial and social prowess and greatness that has survived to this day in spite of colonial and post-colonial interventions and reconstructions.

Eghosa E. Osaghae, Nigerian Institute of International Affairs

This study is an essential history that provides a deeper understanding of the Benin aftermath in Northeast Yorubaland, focusing on the survival of Edo Identity as Edo ne Ekue and its documentation as an African internal Diaspora group. Diasporas and Ethnic Identities in Africa moves far beyond a discussion of intergroup relations and processes to provide additional insights about Benin imperialism and the inexorable expansion of the Western frontier of the Benin Empire into Northeast Yorubaland.

Osarhieme Benson Osadolor, University of Benin