Republic of Benin

Infobox Former Country
native_name =
conventional_long_name = Republic of Benin
common_name = Benin Republic
continent = Africa
region = Nigeria
country = Nigeria
status = Client state
empire = Biafra
era = Nigerian Civil War
year_start = 1967
date_start = September 19
year_end = 1967
date_end = September 20
p1 = Nigeria
flag_p1 = Flag of Biafra.svg
s1 = Nigeria
flag_s1 = Flag of Nigeria.svg
national_motto = Unity and Strength




image_map_caption = Map of the Republic of Benin inside Nigeria
common_languages = English (official), Edo, Igbo, Ijaw, Urhobo
capital = Benin City
leader1 = Albert Nwazu Okonkwo
title_leader = Governor
government_type = Republic
currency = Biafran pound, Nigerian pound
stat_pop1 = 3000000
stat_year1 = 1967

The short-lived Republic of Benin, in Nigeria's coastal Bight of Benin, was named after its capital Benin City. It was known as Mid-Western state in Nigeria until August 1967 when it was occupied by Biafra as its forces advanced towards Lagos. Albert Nwazu Okonkwo, an Mid-Western Igbo medical officer, was installed by Ojukwu as Biafran Military Administrator of the territory (17 August 1967 - 19 September 1967). As Nigerian forces were to retake the Mid-West, the Republic of Benin was unilaterally declared at 07:00 on 19 September 1967. Okonkwo also ruled it as "Governor".

The republic lasted a little more than a day. On 20 September 1967, it was terminated as Nigerian forces recaptured the province. It was not recognised, not even by its "parent" country, Biafra, mainly because of the brevity of its existence. Most of the government officials, as well some Igbo civilians, followed Biafran troops across the Niger River.

ee also

* Biafra
* Puppet state

ources

* [http://www.dawodu.com/okonkwo2.htm Independence Declaration of the "Republic of Benin"]
* [http://www.worldstatesmen.org/Nigeria.htm#Republic%20of%20Benin WorldStatesmen- Nigeria] - shows its flag