MASTER EVIDENCE DOSSIER SURVIVAL • EVIDENCE • PRESERVATION • ACTION ẸDOMAYE LEGACY FOUNDATION “What survives today must become tomorrow’s evidence.” 1. PURPOSE The Great Benin IYA Master Evidence Dossier is an evidence-led record dedicated to documenting, understanding, preserving and monitoring the surviving IYA of the Great Benin Kingdom. Its purpose is not simply to tell the story of the earthworks, but to establish a responsible framework through which historical records, archaeological research, modern observations, remote sensing and future documentation can be brought together. This is a living evidence record. It is designed to be strengthened as new archaeological research, field evidence, maps, imagery and institutional records become available. 2. WHY THE IYA MATTERS The IYA represent one of the most extraordinary archaeological landscapes associated with the Great Benin Kingdom. Their significance is not dependent upon a single measurement or a single historical account. Their importance emerges from the accumulated evidence: early archaeological investigation → wider landscape surveys → heritage documentation → modern archaeological reassessment → satellite observation → archival research → future monitoring. The central question is therefore no longer simply: “Did the IYA exist?” The evidence overwhelmingly establishes that they did. The more urgent question is: “What survives today, where does it survive, what condition is it in, and how do we ensure that the evidence itself survives for future generations?” 3. THE EVIDENCE PRINCIPLE Ẹdomaye Legacy Foundation adopts a simple rule: WE DO NOT REPLACE THE EVIDENCE WITH THE STORY. WE BUILD THE STORY AROUND THE EVIDENCE. Every major claim should therefore be classified according to what the available evidence actually supports. ESTABLISHED — Supported by reliable documentary, archaeological or other appropriate evidence. CORROBORATED — Supported by more than one independent evidence stream. PROBABLE — Persuasive evidence exists, but further verification is desirable. REPORTED — A credible report exists but has not yet been independently verified. UNKNOWN — There is insufficient evidence to make a responsible determination. UNKNOWN DOES NOT MEAN DESTROYED. 4. THE MODERN SURVIVAL BASELINE One of the most important developments in recent IYA research is the 2025 archaeological study by Schepers and colleagues. The study represents the first new archaeological survey of the Benin City IYA since the 1960s and employed modern techniques including UAV photography, D-GPS, LiDAR, remote sensing and ground truthing. The researchers divided the Inner City IYA into 18 sections. Their reported baseline includes approximately: 12.4 KM of Inner City IYA assessed. ~6 KM of earth walls reported remaining. The study also documents varying degrees of preservation and significant threats associated with modern urban development. This provides a critical NOW baseline against which future monitoring can be conducted. 5. THE 16,000-KM QUESTION The frequently repeated figure of approximately 16,000 km requires careful explanation. The figure refers to the wider historical earthwork system/aggregate estimate recorded in the UNESCO Tentative List context. It must not be presented as: “A 16,000-km wall surrounding Benin City.” Nor should it be presented as a modern measurement of surviving earthworks. This distinction is fundamental to the credibility of the IYA record. Historical estimate ≠ modern surviving measurement. 6. UNESCO STATUS The Benin IYA / Sungbo’s Eredo property appears on Nigeria’s UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List, with the submission dating to 1995. This is significant international heritage recognition. However: Tentative List status is NOT the same as World Heritage inscription. Ẹdomaye will therefore use the correct terminology consistently. 7. THE EVIDENCE CHAIN 1954–1955 — A. J. H. GOODWINEarly archaeological work and documentation in Benin City. 1960s — GRAHAM CONNAHEarly systematic archaeological investigation of the IYA. 1973–1977 — PATRICK DARLINGExtensive survey of the wider IYA landscape. 1975 — GRAHAM CONNAHThe Archaeology of Benin provides a major archaeological synthesis. 1980s — PATRICK DARLINGFurther publication and interpretation of wider survey material. 1995 — UNESCO / NIGERIABenin IYA / Sungbo’s Eredo enters Nigeria’s World Heritage Tentative List. 2021 — CONTEMPORARY URBAN RESEARCHAdditional evidence concerning modern land-use pressures and deterioration. 2025 — TOMOS L. EVANSGoodwin’s previously unpublished archival material is revisited in modern scholarship. 2025 — NASA EARTH OBSERVATORYSatellite imagery provides an independent remote-sensing perspective on surviving traces. 2025 — SCHEPERS ET AL.Modern archaeological reassessment establishes an important current Inner City IYA baseline. 2026 — TOMOS L. EVANSFurther Goodwin archival research expands the historical reconstruction. TOMORROW — FUTURE RESEARCHERSNew evidence is added to the record. 8. WHAT WE KNOW 9. WHAT WE DO NOT YET KNOW Responsible research also requires us to identify the unanswered questions. We do not yet possess a comprehensive modern survey establishing the exact present condition of every IYA throughout Edo State. Further research is also required concerning: These are not weaknesses to conceal. They are research priorities. 10. THEN • NOW • TOMORROW THEN Historical maps, photographs, excavation records, archaeological surveys, oral traditions and archival documents establish the earlier record. NOW Modern archaeological survey, field documentation, satellite imagery and contemporary evidence establish what can presently be demonstrated. TOMORROW Repeated documentation will allow future generations to measure change against today’s baseline. THEN → NOW → TOMORROW The objective is to prevent today’s evidence from becoming tomorrow’s missing evidence. 11. SURVIVAL: THE CENTRAL QUESTION The IYA preservation mission should be organised around SURVIVAL. For every documented feature, we should ask: This transforms heritage advocacy into an evidence-led preservation system. 12. THE IYA SURVIVAL ATLAS The proposed IYA Survival Atlas will eventually provide a structured record of documented earthwork features. Each feature should receive a unique identification number and an evidence card containing: The Atlas should distinguish between: SURVIVING • PARTIALLY SURVIVING • SEVERELY DAMAGED SURVIVOR • LOSS DOCUMENTED • UNKNOWN 13. DIGITAL EVIDENCE VAULT Evidence that exists only in social-media posts or on a single website is vulnerable. The IYA project therefore requires an organised evidence vault containing: Preservation principle: MASTER ORIGINAL → WORKING COPY → APPROVED PUBLIC COPY Future editions should retain a record of corrections and changes rather than silently replacing previous versions. 14. COMMUNITY SURVIVAL WATCH Local communities are essential to long-term survival monitoring. A simple reporting model is: SEE → RECORD → LOCATE → DATE →

Preserving Our Language. Protecting Our Heritage. Building Our Future. ISSUE 01 | AUGUST 2026 FROM THE FOUNDER Dear Friends, Supporters, Researchers, Teachers, Parents, Learners and Lovers of Benin Heritage, Welcome to the first edition of the Ẹdomaye Legacy Newsletter. Ẹdomaye Legacy Foundation exists because our language, history and cultural heritage deserve to be preserved, properly documented and passed confidently from one generation to the next. Our work is not simply about looking backward. It is about using the strength of our heritage to BUILD THE FUTURE. Through Edo/Benin language education, cultural research, publications, digital learning and community programmes, we are building an educational legacy that can serve our people and introduce the richness of the GREAT BENIN KINGDOM to the wider world. Our guiding principle remains: ONLY THE BEST IS GOOD ENOUGH FOR ẸDOMAYE LEGACY FOUNDATION. Forward ever, backward never. Otodede James IbieorutomwenFounder / Executive DirectorẸdomaye Legacy Foundation 🗣️ EDO LANGUAGE CORNER WHY OUR LANGUAGE MATTERS A language is more than a means of communication. It carries the memories, worldview, values, wisdom and identity of a people. That is why Ẹdomaye is committed to encouraging the proper learning, teaching, documentation and preservation of the Edo/Benin language. Our educational materials are being developed with attention to proper Edo orthography and are intended to make learning accessible to children, young people, adults, teachers and members of the Benin community worldwide. OUR MESSAGE IS SIMPLE: Learn the language.Speak the language.Teach the language.Preserve the language. 🏛️ BENIN HERITAGE WATCH THE GREAT BENIN KINGDOM The history and achievements of the Benin Kingdom form an important part of Africa’s heritage. Ẹdomaye continues to document and communicate aspects of Benin history, heritage, architecture, language and cultural achievements through educational content and publications. Among our recent heritage work is our publication on the GREAT BENIN EARTHWORKS (IYA) and the wider effort to bring greater attention to the monumental achievements of the Benin people. Our objective is not merely to celebrate the past. It is to RESEARCH IT, DOCUMENT IT, TEACH IT AND PRESERVE IT FOR THE FUTURE. 🎓 ẸDOMAYE DIGITAL ACADEMY BUILDING THE FUTURE OF EDO LANGUAGE & HERITAGE EDUCATION The Ẹdomaye Digital Academy is being developed as an important part of our educational vision. The Academy brings together digital learning, Edo/Benin language education and cultural heritage in a format designed for today’s learners. Our programmes will progressively cover: The vision is clear: MAKE QUALITY EDO/BENIN LANGUAGE AND HERITAGE EDUCATION ACCESSIBLE BEYOND THE CLASSROOM AND BEYOND GEOGRAPHICAL BOUNDARIES. 📚 RESEARCH & PUBLICATIONS Ẹdomaye Legacy Foundation is building a growing body of educational and cultural publications covering: We are also developing structured learning materials, including the Ẹdomaye Academy Textbook Series, teacher resources and assessment materials. Our long-term objective is to create a reliable body of resources that students, teachers, researchers and future generations can use. 📢 21-DAY DIGITAL TRAINING FREE SMARTPHONE GRAPHICS DESIGN & VIDEO EDITING TRAINING Ẹdomaye Legacy Foundation is also using digital skills to empower people to become creators rather than merely consumers of technology. The FREE 21-DAY SMARTPHONE GRAPHICS DESIGN & VIDEO EDITING TRAINING demonstrates this commitment. Participants can learn how to use their smartphones as creative tools for: NO COMPUTER. NO EXPERIENCE. JUST YOUR SMARTPHONE. 🌍 OUR OUTREACH Ẹdomaye’s work increasingly involves engagement with educational, cultural and research institutions. We are pursuing collaborations that can strengthen: Our approach is simple: BUILD PARTNERSHIPS.BUILD KNOWLEDGE.BUILD CAPACITY.BUILD LEGACY. ❤️ HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE MISSION You do not have to be a researcher, teacher or historian to contribute. You can help by: LEARNING — Learn Edo/Benin language and encourage others to learn. TEACHING — Share what you know with children and young people. SHARING — Share Ẹdomaye educational and heritage content. SUPPORTING — Support programmes that advance language and heritage education. CONNECTING — Introduce Ẹdomaye to educators, researchers, institutions and organisations that share the vision. Every contribution helps preserve a piece of our collective heritage. 🔔 WHAT’S NEXT More Edo language lessons. More Benin history. More heritage research. More educational resources. More digital learning. More collaborations. More opportunities for our people to learn, create and preserve. This newsletter will keep you informed as the journey continues. OUR VISION PRESERVE THE LANGUAGE. DOCUMENT THE HERITAGE. EDUCATE THE NEXT GENERATION. BUILD THE FUTURE. ẸDOMAYE = WE ARE IN BENIN. THE GREAT BENIN KINGDOM Forward ever, backward never. STAY CONNECTED Ẹdomaye Legacy Foundation Website: Edomaye.comEmail: edomayelegacyproject@gmail.com Follow and share our educational work through our official digital platforms. Thank you for being part of the Ẹdomaye journey. Ẹdomaye Legacy Foundation Preserving Our Language. Protecting Our Heritage. Building Our Future.

100-Day Ẹdo Words & Expressions ẸDOMAYE LEGACY FOUNDATIONWE ARE IN BENINForward Ever, Backward Never. INTRODUCTION A 100-day programme for daily learning, use, preservation and transmission of the Ẹdo (Benin) language. Each day presents an Ẹdo word or expression with its English meaning. One Ẹdo word may carry more than one meaning. Repeated forms are therefore preserved where different meanings have been recorded. DAYS 1–25 1. Ọmọ — Child2. Ọmọrẹfe — Child is wealth3. Ọmọrọdiọn — Child is senior4. Ọmọrogiuwa — Child is the King of wealth5. Ọmọsẹfe — Child is greater than wealth6. Ọmọsumwẹ — A child leads me7. Ọmọsigho — Child is more than wealth8. Ọmọrowa — Child is a home9. Ọmọdiọn — Senior child10. Ọmọdamwẹ — The child is mine / My own child11. Ọmọbude — A child is a source of wise counsel / brings honour and good advice12. Ọyẹmwẹ — Happiness / Joy13. Ọyẹmwẹngbe — Personal joy / Personal happiness14. Iye — Mother15. Iyemwẹ — My mother16. Erha — Father17. Erhamwẹ — My father18. Ọbowiẹ — Good morning19. Ọbavan — Good afternoon20. Ọbota — Good evening21. Ọkhionwiẹ — Good night22. Ọbimwina — Well done23. Ọbokhian — Welcome24. Ọbevbaru — Well worked / Well done25. Ọbitota — Well seated Iyemwẹ tie ruẹ. — My mother is calling.Erhamwẹ tie ruẹ. — My father is calling.Iyemwẹ riẹki. — My mother is going to the market.Erhamwẹ riugbo. — My father is going to farm. DAYS 26–37 26. Wẹnrẹn — To be thin27. Khere — To be small28. Mose — To be beautiful29. Newẹnrẹ — Thin30. Nekhere — Small31. Aban — Native handcuff32. Abẹe — Penknife33. Abẹmwẹ — Stammerer34. Afiala — Flag35. Agbaka — Crocodile36. Agbakpan — Bald person37. Agbanmwẹ — Chin / lower jaw DAYS 38–64 38. Sẹkẹsẹkẹ — Filthy / dirty 39. Sẹlẹkẹ — Dirty / filthy object 40. Sẹrae — Leave behind 41. Sẹrhiẹnrhiẹ — Revoke a curse 42. Sẹrriọ — Up to that 43. Sẹrrio — Such that 44. Sẹrriọ — So much / so 45. Ẹwu — Dress 46. Sẹsẹsẹ — Very clean 47. Sẹsẹsẹ — Very white 48. Sẹtin — To be able 49. Sẹtin — To be strong enough 50. Sẹtin — To do something 51. Sẹtin — Capable of doing something 52. S

ẸMWẸ ỌGHẸDẸGBEDẸGBE VBIHI’YISẸN ẸDO WORDS OF THE DAY — 100 DAILY ẸDO WORDS & EXPRESSIONS Preserving the Ẹdo Language • Teaching Our People • Passing Our Heritage to the Next Generation Welcome to ẸMWẸ ỌGHẸDẸGBEDẸGBE VBIHI’YISẸN, the Ẹdomaye 100-Day Ẹdo Words of the Day project. For 100 days, we present Ẹdo words and expressions with their English meanings, helping learners, teachers, parents, children and everyone interested in the Ẹdo language to learn, remember and use our language correctly. Where an Ẹdo word has more than one meaning, the different contextual meanings are presented clearly. This helps learners understand not only the word itself, but also how it is used. Ẹdo language is our heritage. Let us learn it, speak it, teach it and preserve it. THE 100-DAY ẸDO WORDS OF THE DAY

ẸMWẸ ỌGHẸDẸGBEDẸGBE VBIHI’YISẸN 100 DAILY ẸDO WORDS & EXPRESSIONS ẸDOMAYE LEGACY FOUNDATION WE ARE IN BENIN Forward Ever, Backward Never. ABOUT THE 100-DAY ẸDO LANGUAGE PROJECT ẸMWẸ ỌGHẸDẸGBEDẸGBE VBIHI’YISẸN is a 100-Day Ẹdo Language Learning and Heritage Programme created by Ẹdomaye Legacy Foundation to encourage the daily learning, use, documentation and preservation of the Ẹdo (Benin) language. Each day introduces an Ẹdo word or expression together with its English meaning. Where one Ẹdo word carries different meanings, the different meanings are presented according to context. TODAY’S ẸDO WORDS Meaning: Guiding Angel Ẹhi — Guiding Angel Meaning: Tortoise Egui — Tortoise Meaning: Sweeping Ikpolo — Sweeping Meaning: Stitch Ukpokpo — Stitch Meaning: Child’s cloth Ukpọn ọmọ — Child’s cloth Meaning: Plant name Ukpọlọ — Plant name WHY THESE WORDS MATTER Language is more than communication. It carries history, identity, knowledge, memory and culture. Every Ẹdo word preserved and taught is a contribution to the preservation of the linguistic heritage of the Benin people. Ẹdomaye Legacy Foundation is committed to documenting, teaching and promoting authentic Ẹdo language and Benin cultural heritage for children, young people, adults, researchers and the Benin diaspora. LEARN ONE WORD.USE ONE WORD.TEACH ONE WORD.PRESERVE OUR LANGUAGE. ẸDOMAYE LEGACY FOUNDATION WE ARE IN BENIN Forward Ever, Backward Never.

Egui — Tortoise Ikpolo — Sweeping Ukpokpo — Stitch Ukpọn ọmọ — Child’s cloth Ukpọlọ — Plant name

100 DAILY ẸDO WORDS & EXPRESSIONS ẸDOMAYE LEGACY FOUNDATIONWE ARE IN BENINForward Ever, Backward Never. ABOUT THE 100-DAY ẸDO LANGUAGE PROJECT ẸMWẸ ỌGHẸDẸGBEDẸGBE VBEHE IYISẸN is a 100-Day Ẹdo Language Learning and Heritage Programme created to encourage the daily learning, use, documentation and preservation of the Ẹdo (Benin) language. Each day introduces an Ẹdo word or expression together with its English meaning. Where one Ẹdo word carries different meanings, the different meanings are deliberately retained. This reflects the richness of the language and the importance of context. ONE ẸDO WORD MAY CARRY MORE THAN ONE MEANING. DAYS 1–25 1. Ọmọ — Child 2. Ọmọrẹfe — Child is wealth 3. Ọmọrọdiọn — Child is senior 4. Ọmọrogiuwa — Child is the King of wealth 5. Ọmọsẹfe — Child is greater than wealth 6. Ọmọsumwẹ — A child leads me 7. Ọmọsigho — Child is more than wealth 8. Ọmọrowa — Child is a home 9. Ọmọdiọn — Senior child 10. Ọmọdamwẹ — The child is mine / My own child 11. Ọmọbude — A child is a source of wise counsel / brings honour and good advice 12. Ọyẹmwẹ — Happiness / Joy 13. Ọyẹmwẹngbe — Personal joy / Personal happiness 14. Iye — Mother 15. Iyemwẹ — My mother 16. Erha — Father 17. Erhamwẹ — My father 18. Ọbowiẹ — Good morning 19. Ọbavan — Good afternoon 20. Ọbota — Good evening 21. Ọkhionwiẹ — Good night 22. Ọbimwina — Well done 23. Ọbokhian — Welcome 24. Ọbevbaru — Well work / Well done 25. Ọbitota — Well sitted FAMILY EXPRESSIONS Iyemwẹ tie ruẹ.My mother is calling. Erhamwẹ tie ruẹ.My father is calling. Iyemwẹ riẹki.My mother is going to the market. Erhamwẹ riugbo.My father is going to farm. DAYS 26–37 26. Wẹnrẹn — To be thin 27. Khere — To be small 28. Mose — To be beautiful 29. Newẹnrẹ — Thin 30. Nekhere — Small 31. Aban — Native handcuff 32. Abẹe — Pen knife 33. Abẹmwẹ — Stammerer 34. Afiala — Flag 35. Agbaka — Crocodile 36. Agbakpan — Bald person 37. Agbanmwẹ — Chin / lower jaw DAYS 38–64 38. Sẹkẹsẹkẹ — Filthy / dirty 39. Sẹlẹkẹ — Dirty / filthy object 40. Sẹrae — Leave behind 41. Sẹrhiẹnrhiẹ — Revoke a curse 42. Sẹrriọ — Up to that 43. Sẹrrio — Such that 44. Sẹrriọ — So much / so 45. Ẹwu — Dress 46. Sẹsẹsẹ — Very clean 47. Sẹsẹsẹ — Very white 48. Sẹtin — To be able 49. Sẹtin — To be strong enough 50. Sẹtin — To do something 51. Sẹtin — Capable of doing something 52. Sikaẹn — To become strong 53. Sikaẹn — To become sound 54. Sikẹẹ — To be close to 55. Sikoko — To assemble 56. Sikuẹn — To crouch 57. Sikuẹn — To fold over 58. Sikuẹn — To bend 59. Sihuan — To sing a song 60. Sihuan — To sing 61. Tafia — To be nosy 62. Tafia — To meddle 63. Tafia — To interfere 64. Tafia — To be forward DAYS 65–90 65. Agbaziro — Confidant 66. Ahẹn — Siegbe 67. Ahiọ — Urine 68. Aho — Hoe 69. Ahoẹmwọmwa — Love 70. Ahoẹmwọmwa — Amity 71. Ahoẹmwọmwa — Goodwill 72. Akobẹ — Metal trap 73. Akuọmọ — Womb 74. Akota — Evening 75. Akugbe — Unity 76. Akiyẹyẹ — Foolery 77. Akiyẹyẹ — Joke 78. Akuaghagha — Tree 79. Akuirọn — A dark brown bird 80. Ako — Fruits tree 81. Ako — Gift parcel 82. Ako — Present 83. Oko — Present 84. Akha — Weaver bird 85. Akhaẹ — Stinginess 86. Akhasẹ — Prophet 87. Akhe — Clay pita 88. Akhiẹ — Mourning 89. Okhiọnkpa — Loner 90. Akhuẹ — Marble DAYS 91–100 91. Iruẹmwi — Learning 92. Orinmwi — Corpse / Dead body 93. Erhan — Wood 94. Okperhan — Big tree 95. Orhunmwu — Pear 96. Iyan — Yam 97. Ogui — Bush mango 98. Ivienbo — Coconut 99. Ibata — Shoe 100. Urhukpa — Light ADDITIONAL VERIFIED VOCABULARY Ẹhi — Guiding AngelIkpolo — SweepingUkpokpo — StitchUkpọn ọmọ — Child’s clothUkpọlọ — Plant nameOkperhan — TreeErhan — WoodMẹẹ — IVbẹki — In the marketNodẹ — YesterdayỌghẹdẹ — Plantain Mẹẹ dẹ ọghẹdẹ vbẹki nodẹ.I bought plantain in the market yesterday. WHY THIS PROJECT MATTERS Ẹdo language is a major part of the cultural identity and heritage of the Benin people. Documentation creates a resource that learners, teachers, students, researchers and future generations can consult and build upon. This 100-Day project is therefore not simply a list of translations. It is part of an ongoing effort to document, teach, preserve and transmit Ẹdo language and cultural knowledge. ONLY THE BEST IS GOOD ENOUGH FOR ẸDOMAYE LEGACY FOUNDATION. ẸDOMAYE LEGACY FOUNDATIONWE ARE IN BENINForward Ever, Backward Never.

Preserving Culture & Empowering EducationWE ARE IN BENIN Ẹdomaye is entering a new stage in its mission to preserve, teach and promote the Edo language, Benin history and the rich cultural heritage of our people. We are developing the Ẹdomaye Digital Academy, an educational platform that will become an integrated part of the existing Ẹdomaye.com website. The purpose is simple: to make authentic Edo language and Benin heritage education more accessible to learners in Nigeria and across the world. Why the Ẹdomaye Digital Academy? Our language and heritage must not remain confined to books, classrooms or physical locations. A child in Benin City, a teacher in another part of Nigeria, or a member of the Edo community living thousands of kilometres away should be able to access quality learning materials and begin learning from wherever they are. The Ẹdomaye Digital Academy will help make that possible. The Academy is being designed to support: Building on What Already Exists The Academy is not intended to replace Ẹdomaye.com. Ẹdomaye.com is already our established digital home, and our growing collection of articles, research, educational materials and publications will remain an important part of the platform. The Digital Academy will build upon this foundation. Development will be carefully planned and tested so that the existing website, content, branding and resources are protected while new educational functionality is introduced. Our Vision Ẹdomaye believes that language preservation must go beyond simply documenting words. A living language must be taught, spoken, studied, written and passed from one generation to another. Our vision is therefore to create a digital learning environment where Edo language and Benin heritage can be encountered not merely as historical subjects, but as living knowledge. The Academy will continue to develop as the Ẹdomaye Legacy Project grows. From Heritage to the Next Generation Every Edo word preserved is part of our heritage. Every historical account carefully documented is part of our collective memory. Every learner who gains knowledge of the Edo language and Benin heritage becomes another link in the chain connecting generations. That is why this work matters. Ẹdomaye Digital Academy is not simply another website project. It is part of a larger cultural preservation mission. We are building for today, but we are also building for generations yet unborn. Ẹdomaye — Preserving Culture & Empowering Education. WE ARE IN BENIN. Let the Leopard roar as loud as it can ever be.