•The language
subgroup known as ‘Volta-Niger’ or formerly ‘Eastern Kwa’ or ‘West Benue-Congo’ consists of Yoruboid, Nupoid, Igboid, Ewe
etc.
•Its likely
homeland was west of the Niger-Benue confluence
•Why it broke up
and when remain unanswered questions, but it is observable that all these languages have words for ‘market’, trade’,
‘profit’ etc. suggesting that
the evolution of long-distance trade may have played a role
•The Nupoid
languages expanded northwards and have broken apart the two branches of Kainji