[13] In 1897, the British Empire conducted a punitive expedition of the region, destroying most of the ancient city of Edo and incorporating the territory into what would become the Southern Nigeria Protectorate.

[20] In 1967 when a new 12-state structure was introduced, the region transmuted into Midwest State, remaining territorially intact.

While under Biafran occupation, the state was declared as the "Republic of Benin" as Nigerian forces were to retake the region.

[23] The republic collapsed a day after the declaration as Nigerian troops overtook Benin City.

The Oba is the focal point of the Benin political system and institution is based squarely on that of divine kingship.

[26] Edo state has a Tropical wet and dry or savanna climate with yearly temperature of 28.78 °C (83.8 °F) and it is -0.68% lower than Nigeria's averages.

Edo typically receives about 183.49 millimeters (7.22 inches) of precipitation and has 265.91 rainy days (72.85% of the time) annually and at an elevation of 239.16 meters (784.65 feet) above sea level.

Benin City has a history of being one of the foremost destinations of Europeans during their exploration of Africa continent many centuries ago.

The Edo speaking people occupy seven out of the 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state and constitute 57.54% of the total population.

[35] Monday Okpebholo is the current governor of Edo State and was sworn into office on 12 November 2024.

The major tribal languages spoken in the state are Edo, Etuno, Etsako, Esan, Ake-Ievbu and Okpamheri.

[38] Languages of Edo State listed by LGA:[41] Christianity constitute 90% of the population and it constitute the major religions practiced in Edo State, although a minority of the population adhere to indigenous religions.

Tourist attractions in Edo State include the Emotan Statue in Benin City, Ise Lake and River Niger Beach in Agenebode, Etsako-East; Mike Akhigbe Square at fugar, Ambrose Alli Square, Ekpoma, River Niger Beaches at Ilushi, BFFM Building at Ewu, Obiemen lake in Agua Irrua, Igun Bronze Caster at Igun Street in Benin City, College of Agriculture and Aqua Culture Technology, Agenebode, Okpekpe with its hills and scenes and the Usomege Hills at Apana-Uzairue, Somorika hills in Akoko Edo, where a government-run tourist center at Ososo is set among spectacular scenery.