Eweka I & the beginning of Oba Era
{About 1200AD-1235AD}
After the
banishment of Owodo; the last Ogiso under the {Ogiso periods} for
misrule Evain who had earlier distinguished himslf as a brave man by
destroying the man-eating Osogan, was appointed as an adminstrator
who
ruled Benin for nearly 40 years. At his old age, Evian nominated his son
Ogiamien as a successor. Unfortunately, this nomination did not go well
with the Edo people who maintained that succession to the the throne is
always applicables to kings and not to commoners to which class Evian
belonged. Spear headed by Oliha, there was a serious agitation to bring
back the monarch.
The nation was
thrown into a state of internecine war and as a way out the elders {led
by Oliha} went on a search party to look for Ikaladerhan {the barnished
son of the last Ogiso Owodo} who had for some time taken refure at Uhe
{or Ife as is now known}. The seach party reached Uhe to meet
Ikaladerhan already enjoying the status of a king. The Edo people could
not persuade him to reture home. nevertheless,Ikaladerhan now known as
Ododuwa agreed to send his son if only the Benin could take care of him.
This is how
Ododuwa sent his son Oromiyan to Benin. To test whether the Edo people
would care for their king, Ododuwa gave the Edo people three years to
nurse the common louse. On their success, the great Ododuwa was
convinced that the people really would care for their king.
Oromiyan was
thereafter sent to Benin in 1170AD.He came into Benin amidst the serious
opposition of Ogiamien who refused him entry into the City which was
still under the firm grip of his administration.
Oromiyan was
therefore forced to settle at Usama which was an outskirt of the City
State . There he remained under the political support of the elders
{Edion} headed by Chief Oliha. Oromiyan had both language and cultural
handicaps because of his Yoruba backgrounds. Although he had a Benin
father {Ikaladerhan} yet he was really born and bred in yoruba land
which was then the adopted kingdom, a refugee prince who had now found a
new home at Ife.
When Oromiyan
could neither speak nor understand the Benin custom,Unable to bear the
animosity for very long renounced his position and labeled Edo land
[Benin kingdom] lle Ibinu meaning land of annoyance and vexation and
declared that only a child of the soil educated in the culture and
tradition of the land could rule the kingdom. He thereafter returned
to Uhe{IIe Ife} On his way back home he stopped briefly at Ego where
he pregnated princess Erimwinde the daughter of the Enogie of Ego who
bear him a son.
In his early years
couldn’t talk when his father who by now established the Alafin
dynasty in Oyo had of his son predicament, sent his son’s mother
Ehendiwo seven marbles. While playing this marbles with other children
one of his throws hit the target in excitement screamed Owomika {I
have succeeded} which was Corrupted into Eweka.
For a period of
over 30 years, the administration of Benin City was virtually in the
hands of Ogiamien family until 1200 AD when the "Boy-King" Eweka I as a
young king ruled the kingdom with the assistance of his maternal
grandfather Ogiegor.
Oba Eweka I stated
the reign of the Obas.Hitherto, the kings were known as Ogiso but when
Eweka I came as a king, he was referred to as Oba. Some people said that
the word oba is a yoruba word which means king. Others said the word
Obaa meaning it is hard or difficult or probably from an abbreviation of
the original name of the first Ogiso {Obagodo {Oba godo}-Oba king;
godo-high : High King}. Wherever the word is derived from one can only
say that it really came into use as connoting kingship during Oba Eweka I
in 1200 AD
Oba Eweka reigned for 35 yearss at his demise , his rival children ruled in succession
2nd
Uwakhuanhen
{About
1235AD-1243AD}
When Eweka I dead his son Oba Uwakhuahen ascended the throne.His reign was uneventful.
3rd
Ehenmihen
{About 1243AD-1255AD}
4th
Ewedo
{About 1255AD-1280AD}
prince Efabo ascended the throne
after the death of his father with the title Oba Ewedo. Seen by
historians as the second greatest monarch to reign in Benin kingdom.
It
must be observed that the three first Obas - Eweka I, Uwakhuanhen and
Ehenmihen had their political suport from the elders {Edion who later
became known as Uzama} Oba Ewedo discontented with the rudely behaviors
of the Edionisen {five Elders} uzama he called them ‘Emwan nei zama
omwan’ meaning people who don't show respect to their Oba this was
later corrupted into Uzama. This is not surprising because they
brought Oromiyan from Uhe [IIe Ife]. These Edion more or less treated
the monarchy as primus inter pares which position Oba Ewedo therefore
embarked upon a risky job of supressing the Uzamas and miraculously,he
did not only succeed in doing so but eventually surpressed Ogiamien who
was virtually in control of the City State.
The final settlement came at the battle of "Ekiokpagha" which the Oba fought with Ogiamien who was defeated.
After the victory. Oba Ewedo received the royal stool from Ogiamen and build the present royal palace.
Ogiamien was appointed a chief converting Ogiamien his nickname to a title.
The
apantominic re-enactment of this battle is now a part of the coronation
ritual usually performed on the seventh day after a new Oba is crowned.
It is in this light that one may venture to say that Ewedo really
consolidated the position of Benin monarchy.
In
other to make the Edionise five elders {Uzama} more, accountable to
him he reduces their power, which before now was equals with the Oba.
He
prohibits all chiefs including the uzama from sitting when they are
before him instead they must stand in a row to identify him from them.
He prohibits all chiefs from carrying Ada the royal sword of office before him.
To
weaker the power of Uzama the more he created the title Iyase [I ya ona
se uwa] meaning this I create to be higher then you all. Most of the
functions and powers of the Edionise [five elders] Uzama like the
confirment of titles both hereditary or non hereditary were transferred
to Chief Iyase who does so with the instructions of the Oba.The Iyase
now became the second in Command & the kingdom Prime Minister.The
only important function of the Uzama was to officiate at the crowning
ceremony of a new Oba.
He
also created additional titles such as Esogban-who was made to be
incharge of the shrines of the elders, Uwangue {keepers of Oba's
wordrobe and the Regalia}, Osodin and Uso {keepers of of oba's harem},
Isekhurhe as the kingdom chief priest- Incharge of Oba's ancestral staff
and the recorders of Oba's ancestors.
To
bring law and order into the kingdom he build the first prison
called Ewedo named after him ,in which criminals were confined. The
prison was kept under the control of chief Eribo.
He changed the name of the kingdom from IIe –Ibinu to Ubini.
5th
Oguola
{About 1280AD-1295AD}
The
successor to Ewedo would have been prince Obuobu who was engaged in
endless wars in Ibo land . In his absence, his brother was crowned with
the title Oba Oguola.
Oba
Oguola dug the first and second moats to fortify the city from invaders
from Udo.He further decreed that important towns and villages should
build similar moats as defence systems around their communities.This has
given rise to twenty of such moats around Benin City and its
environs.He encouraged the systematic organisation of the ancient guild
of brass casting which was declinging.
The war menace from Akpanigiakon of Udo was ended when the Oba defeated his foe at the battle of Urhezen about the year 1285.
6th
Edoni
{About1295AD-1299AD}
Oba Oguola was succeeded by Edoni whose reign was uneventful.
7th
Udagbedo
{
About1299AD-1334AD}
Udagbedo
ascended the throne after the death of his brother Edoni.Udagbedo was
industrious brave and kind-hearted,encouraged agriculture.During his
reign Benin kingdom extended its colonial rule to the present day Ghana.
The ethnic group known as GA in Ghana were the early Edos who settled in that part of the world.
8th
Ohen
{About1334AD-1370AD}
Ohen
ascended the throne after the death of his brother. Oba Udagbedo.
Paralyzed 25 years after ascending the .He was stoned to death by his
chiefs for ordering the murder of his Iyase for spying on his deformity.
9th
Ogbeka
{About 1370AD-
1400AD}
It was during his reign the urhobos migrated from Benin kingdom.
10th
Orobiru
{About
1400AD-
1430AD}
There were no events of importance during his reign.
11th
Uwaifiokun
{About1430AD-1440AD}
He
usurped the throne of Benin kingdom in place of his senior brother
prince Ogun who was the heir apparent.His exiled senior brother prince
Ogun paid many secret and nocturnal visits to Benin through Oba’s
market.On many occasions, Emotan warned Ogun of impending dangers and
advised him against interacting with some treacherous chiefs who may
reveal his presence.
Prince Ogun succeeded in murdering Uwaifiokun during night ceremonial performance at Oba’s market.
Prince Ogun succeeded in murdering Uwaifiokun during night ceremonial performance at Oba’s market.
12th
Ewuare the Great
{About 1440AD-1473AD}
Seen by historians as the greatest,
the most revered, dynamic, innovative and successful monarch to have
reign in Benin kingdom.He completely transformed the Benin kingdom,
politically, socially, and religiously.
Under
his reign Benin kingdom witnesses its highest prosperity. He changed
the kingdom's name from Ibinu land to Edo land as a reward to a
young man called Edo who served his life.
He
also honoured Emoton for her pivotal role played in serving his
live from glaring dangers during his exile years. when Emotan died he
ordered that the sacred uruhe tree be planted at the spot where Emotan
used to display her goods in Oba market.
Oba
Ewuare is remembered for many things. First contact with any European
was made by Oba Ewuare when Ruy De Sequeira visited Benin City in 1472.
In his time ivory carving was encouraged. A name like Eghoghomagha can
still be remembered as one of the greatest carvers in Benin kingdom.
Of
music, Ewuare is remembered for his famous flute called Eziken and the
royal band called Ema-Edo.He introduced the royal beads and scarlet
cloth {Ododo} which remains the Benin Royal colour. The ugie Ewere
started in his reign.
Ewuare's
administration was specifically marked by the creation of the state
council made up of Eghaevbo N'0re whose original members were Iyase,
Esogban,Eson and Osuma. Ewuare elevated his eldest son to the position
of Uzama when he created him Edaiken. He created the Eriyo title. He
started Eko-Ohae {Bachelor's camp} which is now a part of the coronation
stations of any Oba of Benin.
He was a great mystic, physician, traveller and warrior.
Restored
the primogeniture law. He was reputed to have travelled extensively to
very many parts of the present day Nigeria , Dahomey {now called
Republic of Benin} Ghana Guinea and Congo.It is on record that he fought
and captured not less than 201 towns and villages.Expand Benin kingdom
to the west Ekiti, Ikare, to the north, kukuruku.Eka {Ika}and Ibo land
west of the Niger.
Re-builds
the kingdom on a massive scale, public houses, royal palaces. Made
good roads some of which can now be remembred as Akpakpava and Utantan.
it was at the peak of his reign that Benin gained the name City.
The innermost and greatest of the Benin moats {generally referred to as third moat} was dug in his time.
He completely Re-organized the governmental mechanism of the kingdom.
Introduced a lot of annual ceremonies and re-organized the exciting ones.
At
Usela, the outskirt of Benin City was a very powerful chief called
Iken, rich and war-like fear by all even the Oba [monarch]. When there
was a revolt at Owo; columns of royal troops headed by Iken were sent
to Owo to bring down the revolt.
On
the request of Iken the Oba sent his eldest son crown prince
kuoboyuwa to deputized for Iken [Edayi n’iken] until he return
from the war although Iken and his army successfully bring down the
revolt , Iken lost is life in the process .without surviving
child.Kuoboyuwa became his heir apparent .It has since that period
become traditional that the first son of every Oba of Benin, is
conferred with the title of Edaiken and on coming of age, leaves his
residence in the centre of the town for the Palace of Edaiken
(Eguae-Edaiken) at Uselu where he remains until when he is called upon
to ascend the throne as Oba.
Ewuare also vigorously promotion Benin art particularly the brass casting.
To
talk of Oba Eware is like talking about Alexander the Great. The fame
of Ewuare is known in other lands. Thus Chief Egharevba the traditional
Benin historian recorded that the Ekiti refer to him as Oba Ado ngbogun
lobo ile, Ogbomudu ngbeli orun, meaning "The Oba Benin wages war on the
earth below and Ogbomudu {or the monster Osogan} wages war in heaven"
Chief Egharevba did not mince words when he said that" The Ibo spoke of
Idu Ala Eze Ika meaning Benin, land of the powerful Oba".
13th
Ezoti
{About 1473AD1473AD}
He
reigned for only fourteen days having passed away as a resuIt of the
injury he sustained from a poisoned arrow fired by a boy
,assassin during his coronation. After his death , prince Okpame his
younger brother was sent to Esi, a town outside Benin city to being
Owere the heir apparent to be crown the Oba. On their way to Benin
City Okpame murdered Owere and his mother then lies to the Benin
elders that they both die of natural causes, when the truth became
open Okpame was banished. He fled to a place call Ora {north of Benin
City}.
14th
Olua
{About 1473AD-1480AD}
Olua
was the second son of Oba Ewuare at first refused the crown for, fear
of his banished brother prince Okpame who fled to Ora.
His
sister princess Edeloyo was then asks to ascend the throne.She
received the title of Edaiken, a title given to all heirs apparent
before their ascension to the throne.She fell sick,as a result of
this, the Uzamas (king makers) and Eghaevbo (executive council) enacted a law permanently prohibiting women form becoming king in Ancient Benin Kingdom.
Olua
was eventually crowned the Oba of Benin after much persuasion from the
Benin elders. He sent one of his sons to Eho [a town outside Benin
City] to keep an eye on the movement of prince Okpame.Olua’s son
eventually became the Ogia of Eho.
Historical
account says Oba Olua was kind and generous. Concerned about his
unpopular son Iginua among the Benin Elders and the prospects of been
prevented from ascending the throne after his death, decided to
create another kingdom for him near the coast.It is this kingdom which
is popularly called warri today. Igiua gladly took the offer knowing
that the possibility of him succeeding his father as the Oba of Benin
kingdom was very slim.
Igiua left Benin City with many columns of subjects, to the newly created kingdom. Just by the coast of Benin kingdom with the title Odili n’ ame.
Igiua left Benin City with many columns of subjects, to the newly created kingdom. Just by the coast of Benin kingdom with the title Odili n’ ame.
He
became know to his Itsekiri subject and those who accompany him from
Benin City as the Olu of Itsekiri.He eventually became the Founder of
Itsekiri kingdom, the first Olu of Itsekiri or Olu of warri.
15th
Ozolua
{About1481AD-1504AD}
After the death of Olua with out a
clear successor.Prince Okpame who would have succeeded to the throne was
in exile at Ora. There was struggles for control among the powerful
chiefs for three agonising years .They set up a republican
administration. Without a formidable leader at the herm of the affair
to maintain law and order, those placed in various levels of
authority, were weak and incapable. Benin kingdom became totally
disorganized and vulnerable to enemy attack. This compelled the Benin
elders to call on prince Okpame in Ora to come back to Benin and ascends
to his ancestral throne and save his fatherland.He rejected the offer.
The Benin Elders were able to convince him to accept the crown.
Finally ascended the throne, with the title Oba Ozolua.
With
the City in serious disarry.He therefore embarked on consolidation of
the City State His first task was to launch a full-scale war to subdue
the secessionist, He conquered many towns and village notable Owo,
Ijebu-Land, Ondo. It is to his credit that he won not less than 200
battles which earned him the appellation Ozolua, n’ ibaromi’’ meaning
Ozolua the Conqueror.
It
was Ozolua who introduced a musical instrument called Emaba now used
for the royal dance.He seized this instrument from Origbo who was a
powerful Chief at Ogidi near Siluko. The conquest of Ijebu Ode, Owo and
its environs are records which no one has surpassed. In 1503 it became
necessary for him to march on Uromi to re-establish his suzerainty over
the area when Enogie Agba rebelled.
Ozolua
was the father of Alani of Idoani, Olokpe of Okpe in Akoko Edo Area
{north of Benin city} Uguan of Ora, Owa of Owo, Awojale of Ijebu-Ode
and Eze of Aboh. He established the settlement of sobo {Uhobe} Ijagba,
Ifon and Uhie.
During his reign a portuguese, explorer John Affonso d'Aveiro visited Benin {1485-1486}.
16th
Esigie
{About1504-1550AD}
Prince
Osawe ascended the throne with the title Oba Esigie. After the power
struggle between him and his brother Arhuanran {Goliath type stature}
the powerful ruler of Udo town some kilometers outside Benin City.
Concerned
about the transgression by his brother Aruanran against his
monarchial authority launch a full-scale war on Udo one of the
bloodiest war in Benin history The battle was fought and won by Oba
Esigie.
Arhuanran drowned himself in Lake Odighi N’Udo.
Arhuanran drowned himself in Lake Odighi N’Udo.
Chief
Osemwughe the Iyase of Udo took arm again, against the monarchial
authority to avenge the defeat and the death of Arhuanran.
Oba
Esigie launch a war on Udo once again .Udo was destroyed chief
Osemwughe and his rebel armies fled. West of Benin kingdom now part of
Yoruba land.
Oba Esigie determined to put an end to Udo rebellion once and for all. Sent royal troops under the command of Odobo and Aile to pursue them in the process the Benin royal army builds military camps {Eko} along the way some of these camps {Eko} are now towns in Yoruba land.
Some of the Camps are camp Odobo {Eko-Odobo} name after general Odobo contracted into Akotogbo and camp Ikalo {Eko-Aile}name after general Aile was contracted to Ikale.
Oba Esigie determined to put an end to Udo rebellion once and for all. Sent royal troops under the command of Odobo and Aile to pursue them in the process the Benin royal army builds military camps {Eko} along the way some of these camps {Eko} are now towns in Yoruba land.
Some of the Camps are camp Odobo {Eko-Odobo} name after general Odobo contracted into Akotogbo and camp Ikalo {Eko-Aile}name after general Aile was contracted to Ikale.
Osemwughe
and his militants gave themselves up; when they could not face the
war machines of the Benin royal troops much longer.They were later
given a royal pardons by Oba Esigie but decided not to return to Udo.
chief Osemwughe and his party were called Emma n’ Udo{the Udo
deserters} which was later contracted to Ondo and the leader of the
militants chief Osemwughe was mispronounced Osemawe a title by which
all Ondo monarchs are now know.
He
was the Oba who established christianity in the kingdom and exchanged
ambassadors with the king of Portugal. Missionaries were sent from
portugal to establish churches the remainants of which are: Aruosa
N'Idunmwuerie, Aruosa N'Akpakpava and Aruosa N'Ogbelaka.
Oba Esigie sent Ohen-okun [Olokun priest] of Ughoton to portugal to understudy christianity and report to Benin.
Chief Oliha always boast of his wife Imaguero fidelity. But Oba Esigie try to make him understand that women are full of surprises a view Chief Oliha disagree with to prove his point Oba Esigie decided to send a cripple to Imaguero Chief Oliha’s wife.Imaguero don’t only commit adultery with the cripple she created a way, the cripple can have free and easy access into her many times.
When chief Oliha had how his wife he trusted so much fell for a cripple he was ashamed. The disgrace too big for him to bear he ordered the strangulation of Imaguero.
To revenge the "expensive joke" of Oba Esigie, Chief Oliha created a war between Benin kingdom and Idah.
Chief Oliha always boast of his wife Imaguero fidelity. But Oba Esigie try to make him understand that women are full of surprises a view Chief Oliha disagree with to prove his point Oba Esigie decided to send a cripple to Imaguero Chief Oliha’s wife.Imaguero don’t only commit adultery with the cripple she created a way, the cripple can have free and easy access into her many times.
When chief Oliha had how his wife he trusted so much fell for a cripple he was ashamed. The disgrace too big for him to bear he ordered the strangulation of Imaguero.
To revenge the "expensive joke" of Oba Esigie, Chief Oliha created a war between Benin kingdom and Idah.
Queen
Idia the mother of Esigie mobilized the people of Uselu backed by the
Benin royal troops and Portuguese missionaries, Idah was defeated.
The Benins have a saying that "women do not go to war expect Idia the mother of Esigie".
The Benins have a saying that "women do not go to war expect Idia the mother of Esigie".
Today
she is one of the most respected woman in Benin history. An ivory
mask carved in her honour {the Idia ivory mask} was the official
symbol of the second world black and Africa festival of art and culture
{FESTAC}.The true masterpiece is still lying captive in a British
museum.
The
title of Iyoba{Queen Mother} was created by oba Esigie and was
conferred for the first time on his mother Idia. He also builds a palace
for her, Eguae-Iyoba (Palace of the Queen mother) is located at the
lower part of Uselu.{Benin City suburban}. The Queen warrior who also
exercised a lot of political influence in the administration of the
kingdom. Oba Esigie started this tradition probably to forestall the
conflict that would have arisen between his mother and himself over
the exercise of political power. An almost independent domain of the
Queen mother was therefore carved out for her.The Oba grants her a
priviledge of recommending to him people who she wishes to be conferred
with specific title perculiar to her palace.
Thus
it has become strongly -established in Benin tradition that a year or
two after the coronation of every Oba, he invests his mother with the
title, lyoba (Queen mother) and sends her to reside at lower Uselu in
Eguae-lyoba (Palace of the Queen mother). If it happens that the mother
dies before the coronation of the son, the body is preserved for a
year or two after the coronation to enable the Oba confer the title
lyoba on her and later bury her at Eguae-lyoba.
It
was at the peak of Oba Esigie's international diplomacy that the
portuguese explorer John Affonso d'Aveiro visited the City a second
time. The Oba could read and write Portuguese fluently.
17th
Orhogbua
{ABout1550AD-1578AD}
Before
he ascends the throne, he was educated under the Portuguese
educational system. The reign of Oba Orhogbua is marked with the
expansion of the Empire westwards.Thus Eko {Lagos} and Badagry were
founded. he established the monrchical rule in those places and placed
his own representatives to rule them. He established the first Oba of
Lagos. it is said that during the oba's long surjourn in Lagos and
Badagry, some parts of the Easter Empire were in a rebellious state
which was quickly surpressed by the war general, Ezomo Agban who was
despatched to Agbor in 1577.
The appearance of British explorers like Windham {1553 in this part of the world took place during Orhogbua's period.
He introduced the European type cooking salt to Benin kingdom
18th
Ehengbuda
{About 1578AD-1606AD}
Oba
Ehengbuda was the first Oba to be visited by English explorers while
on the throne. During his reign, he nurtured the martial growth of Chief
Ezomo Agban a celebrated warrior, who led Benin army to conquer
Agbor. In his days the chief reportedly thought a troublesome man
lived overhead in the sky who disturbed the peace of Benin Kingdom
each time the rainy clouds rumbled. Because of this belief the
non-nonsense Benin war general was said to have embarked on building a
ladder up to the sky to take on the “troublesome man” in a bloody
contest before he passed on.
The boundary of Benin Empire and Oyo Empire was set at Otun Ekiti during his reign after many wars was fought between the two Empires.
The boundary of Benin Empire and Oyo Empire was set at Otun Ekiti during his reign after many wars was fought between the two Empires.
19th
Ohuan
{About1606AD-1641AD}
prince Odogbo ascended the throne with the title Oba Ohuan. He die childless.
20th
Ahenzae
{About1641AD-1661AD}
Since Ohuan die childless and without a successor. Eweka I lineage ended.
Benin kingdom was in a renewed turmoil and nightmare ones again there was struggle for power and control among various factional chiefs; they crowned someone from their camp as monarch under rotation system among the different branch of the royal family for six reigns this practices produced series of weak monarchs whom legitimacy were questionable and left the kingdom ones again vulnerable.
Benin kingdom was in a renewed turmoil and nightmare ones again there was struggle for power and control among various factional chiefs; they crowned someone from their camp as monarch under rotation system among the different branch of the royal family for six reigns this practices produced series of weak monarchs whom legitimacy were questionable and left the kingdom ones again vulnerable.
Akenzae was sixteen years when he ascends the throne under this system.
During his reign many of the kingdom’s treasures were wasted and gambled away.
21st
Akenzae
{About 1661AD-1669AD}
There were no events of importance during his reign.
23rd
24th
Akengbodo
{About 1684AD-1689AD}
There were no events of importance during his reign.
Akenkpaye
{Abou1675AD-1684AD}
His rebellious chiefs, for abuse of power, corruption,and selfishness, dethroned him.
25th
Oroghene
{About1689AD-1700AD}
He received a message from pope Innocent XII encouraging him and his subjects to continue to keep to the Christian faith.
26th
Ewuakpe
{About1700AD-1712AD}
prince
Idova ascended the throne with the title Oba Ewuakpe in about 1700
A.D. and was the 26th monarch of the hereditary title of Benin
dynasty.
He
reigned for about 12 years which was characterized with series of set
backs during the early period to the extent that all subjects in the
kingdom revolted against him.
The
fundamental cause of grouse was to protest against the monarch high
handedness and his flagrant disrespect of human lives which culminated
in the mass killing of his subjects at Uselu during the funeral of his
demised mother Queen Ewebonoza in about 17.15 A.D. when it became
apparent that the elders and the citizens of the Kingdom could no
longer accommodate the excesses of the King they were compelled to
sever their disreputable connections. This uprising also affected all
his wives (Iloi) the royal slaves (ovien) and other palace attendants.
In-view
of this misdemeanor it would beholve on queen Iden to single handedly
take the bull by the horns. Queen Iden became the only friend of Oba
Ewuakpe in that time of need, as she made herself present as the kings
only hope in time of great calamity when it became apparent that there
was no solution to his predicaments, the king decided to seek refuge
amongst his mothers relations at Ikoka village out the monarch was
also rejected in his material abode.
In
his sad state of mind he came back to Benin City on the arrival of the
Oba Queen Iden observed his hopelessness and decided to do something
about it by consulting an oraclelist on behalf of her husband Oba
Ewuakpe, to seek the oracle instruction on what should be done to ward
off the calamity bedeviling the ancient kingdom and its monarch.
After
a thorough divination by the oraclist he concluded that all that was
needed for the peace of the kingdom and the restoration of its throne
was a human sacrifice.
Immediately
after finding a solution to the problem from the oraclist, she headed
for the palace to give the message of the god to his majesty the King
in their empty harem. The message from the diviner seemed to aggravate
matters for Oba Ewuakpe because there was no other human being in his
palace, free or bonded beside his dear wife Queen Iden who
incidentally was the conveyor of this report. Consequently, the
possibility of getting some body else for the human sacrifice became
remote for the royal couple.
In
the absence of any other person Queen Iden in a gesture similar to the
Jewish Jesus Christ volunteered to be used as a sacrificial lamb
needed by the god for the restoration of the kingdom and his royalty.
As
son as Queen Iden suggested to her husband that she submit herself for
the supreme price determined by the ancestors Oba Ewuakpe became
nervously embittered as he could not comprehend the possibility of
himself killing his dear wife, who had stood with him in times of
calamity of this magnitude in order to atone for the sins she had not
committed. But the determined Queen encouraged the royal hands to shed
her blood. If only that will appease the ancestral spirits of the
land of Benin. So as to put aside the upheaval in the kingdom.
And
as it became glaring on Oba Ewakpe that there was no other way out of
the predicament he conceded reluctantly to the pressure mounted by his
real lover the Queen and atone the gods with the precious blood of
Queen Iden, as he buried her alive on the spot near the Oba market in
the heart of Benin metropolice.
Before
Queen Iden voluntarily offered her self as an atonement to the gods,
she requested for one favour from the king, that he should make sure her
grave side is kept clean at all times. In addition, she cautioned
against the reality of any person treading on her grave or else such
trespasser should be killed on the spot as a mark of respect for her
blessed remembrance.
Consequently
her desire was strictly adhered to till the invasion of the British
forces in 1897. This Queen had paid the ultimate price requested for by
the ancestors but she did not know the outcome of her cherished
kingdom and the reign of her beloved husband.
As
soon as Oba Ewakpe finished the sacrificial rituals, some of the
prominent chiefs in the kingdom called for a trace between the throne
and it’s aggrieved subjects. Other Benin Chiefs started paying homage
to the Benin monarch again and pledge their loyalty to the bereaved
Oba Ewakpe.
Then
all other Benin’s came in the same spirit to pledge their allegiance
to his authority over them as their king. Consequently, the entire
kingdom was reconciled back to the king and remained loyal to the
royal majesty till the end of his reign.
Since
it was necessary to celebrate such re-union, the Benins came together
at the palace and rolled out drums to give such occasion a memorable
one. During his happy mood the people were taken back to see their own
king weeping profusely in the midst of merriment instead of being
happy for the reunion of his subjects with him. This made his subjects
to find out from the Oba why he was weeping at the time of
celebration like this, the Oba replied that the motive behind his
tears was because of his desire to mourn the sacrificial demise of his
dear wife queen Iden.
He
went further to narrate all the ordeal in the palace at the time the
kingdom fell apart which resulted in the untimely exit of his best
friend and beloved Queen who because of her unfeigned love for the
unity of her fatherland, offered herself as a scrape goat to the gods
of her pedigree. For the redemption of their intergenetional equity
and social cultural heritage.
27th
Ozuere
{About1712AD-1713AD}
Ozuere
was the second son of Oba Ewuakpe. He usurped the throne with the
help of some chiefs in place of his senior brother Akunzua I in contrary
to the law made by Oba Ewuakpe and approved and pass by Eghaevbo
[executive council] and Uzama Nihinron [the seven kingmakers] that
says only the eldest son of the Oba should ascent the throne.
On the other hand, some very powerful chiefs were prepared to uphold and defend the laws of the land at all cost, questioned Ozuere legitimacy to the throne.
On the other hand, some very powerful chiefs were prepared to uphold and defend the laws of the land at all cost, questioned Ozuere legitimacy to the throne.
A
civil war break out in Benin kingdom, it lasted for many weeks.
Ozuere Was eventually defeated and dethroned. His reign lasted for
just a year.
28th
Historical
record says he was one of the richest monarchs who reign in Benin
kingdom. He was nicknamed Akenzua Nisonorho {Akenzua the rainy sky}
He was the father of Ogie of Avbiama and Obi of Isele-Uku.
During his, reign Benin Kingdom witness a period of peace and prosperity.
During his, reign Benin Kingdom witness a period of peace and prosperity.
29th
Eresoyen
{About 1735 AD-1750AD}
Benin kingdom continue to grow in prosperity during his reign. He introduced banking system called Owigho [House of money].
Eresoyen also introduced Ododua masquerade, the ivory flutes [Akahen].
Eresoyen also introduced Ododua masquerade, the ivory flutes [Akahen].
30th
Akengbuda
{About1750AD-1804AD}
During his reign, the royal army launched
a war against Oboro-uku a kingdom within Benin Empire, as a revenge
for the murdered of Adesuwa the daughter of chief Ezomo by its Obi. He
murdered Adesuwa for refusing to marry him.
When the news of her murder reach the Oba
he quickly sent royal troops Under the commands of Imaran,Adiagbon,
and Emokpaogbe Agboghidi Enogie] of Ugo. Oboro-uku was captured, its Obi
who murdered Adesuwa was trialed and beheaded.
The Oba for their braveness rewarded the
troops and their generals. Emokpaogbe the Aboghidi of Ugo dissatisfied
with his rewards engaged in a rebellious act toward the royal
authority. The Oba at first ignore him due to the part he played
during the war with Oboro-Uku as if that was not enough, Emokpaogbe
turned his war machine against the royal authority.
When Emokpaogbe rebellious acts continue to transgress the monarchical establishment, the Oba sent royal troops lead by Ologbose and Imaran to Ugo to quash the rebellion. Ugo was captured Aboghidi drowned himself in Igbaghon River before he could be arrested by the royal troop.
When Emokpaogbe rebellious acts continue to transgress the monarchical establishment, the Oba sent royal troops lead by Ologbose and Imaran to Ugo to quash the rebellion. Ugo was captured Aboghidi drowned himself in Igbaghon River before he could be arrested by the royal troop.
31st
Obanosa
{About 1804AD-1816AD}
There were no events of importance during his reign.
32nd
Ogbebo
{About 1816AD-1816AD}
He usurped the throne of Benin Empire in place of
his senior brother Eredia-uwa after defeating the army of Eredia-uwa
in the civil war with the help of his mother and some powerful
chiefs.To avoid being killed Eredia-uwa fled to Evbokhimmwi in Ishan a
town, north of the kingdom.Eredia-uwa eventually regained his right
place to the throne of Benin with the backing of Enigie of Ishan,
Erebo the Ezomo of Uzebu and the people of Uselu fought and won the
battle against Ogbebo and his backers; Eyan and Eboide.
His reign lasted for just 8 months.
33rd
Osemwende
{About 1816AD-1848}
Prince Eredia -uwa was crowned the Oba of Benin kingdom with the title Oba Osemwende after the defeat of Oba Ogbebo.
He ordered the Akure punitive expedition of
[1818AD] to revenged the murdered of Osague the Benin empire goodwill
ambassador to Akure who was murdered with the order of Arakale the
Udezi of Akure. when the news of his killing reach Benin city
Battalions of royal troops under the general command of Ezomo Erebo
assisted by ologboshere and Imaran were sent.
Akure was captured, but Arakale manage to escape to Ado for help, he was expelled by Ewi of Ado for fear of Benin royal troop invasion. Arakale fled from Ado to Uju from Uju to Uhen there he was finally handed over by Arinjale of Uhen to Ezomo.
Akure was captured, but Arakale manage to escape to Ado for help, he was expelled by Ewi of Ado for fear of Benin royal troop invasion. Arakale fled from Ado to Uju from Uju to Uhen there he was finally handed over by Arinjale of Uhen to Ezomo.
Arakale was later trialed and executed.Osemwende also conquered Ekiti kingdom.
In 1840 Osodin{Okunbo} accompanied by Ehennua
and Arhunmwunde were despatched to Lagos to demand from Eleko of Eko the
customary annual tribute to the king of Benin but the emissaries found
Lagos in a state of war of Succession between Akintoye and Kosoko.
by the close of Oba Osemwende's reign, John King in 1815,jame's fawknar in 1825 and Moffat and smith in 1838 visited Benin.
34th
Adolo
{About 1848AD-1888AD}
35th
Ovoranmwen
{1888AD-1914AD}
The Benin Empire fell to the British force during the Benin punitive expedition of 1897 during his reign.
Captain Phillip and his party
started a trade mission to Benin City in January 1897, when the Oba and
his subjects were celebrating the annual Igue festival a period when
outside visitors were not welcome. They were encouraged to postpone
their visit for two months but they refused. The parties were
massacred however, some of them managed to escape. This event is
referred to generally as the Benin massacre.
February 1897 the British forces launched an attack on Benin City,it was finally capture after 8 days of fighting.
The kingdom was destroyed and looted of it many valuable artifacts, Ologbohere the alleged masterminded of the massacre of captain Phillip and his party was trialed and hanged. Oba Ovoranmwen was dethrones, and deported to calabar where he lives and dead on the month of January 1914 after sixteen years of British captivity. Buried at old calabar by official of colonial authority in the absent of his Benin royal family.
The kingdom was destroyed and looted of it many valuable artifacts, Ologbohere the alleged masterminded of the massacre of captain Phillip and his party was trialed and hanged. Oba Ovoranmwen was dethrones, and deported to calabar where he lives and dead on the month of January 1914 after sixteen years of British captivity. Buried at old calabar by official of colonial authority in the absent of his Benin royal family.
The truth is that Oba Ovoranmwen
has nothing to do with the massacre of Captain Phillip and his party.
The fall of Benin Empire was an event the British colonial power has
always hoped for, it gave them the opportunity to stretch their Empire
into West Africa hinterland.
36th
Eweka II
{1914AD-1932AD}
The advent of the British brought
much disaster to the throne of Benin and hope was almost lost as to
whether Benin would ever have its Obaship again. The British conguered
Benin exiled its monarch to calabar. During this traumatic period, Chief
Obaseki worked with the British to rule Benin. Benin lost its grandeur
and the monarchy almost became extinct. In 1914, at the demise of the
exiled king Ovonramwen, the monarchy was restored when prince
Aiguobasimwin Ovoranmwen was crowned Oba of Benin with the title Eweka
II on 24th July, 1914. The colonial rule with its indirect rule by Lord
Lugard altered a lot of things.
Eweka II was the first post -
Imperial Benin Monarch. He took the oath of allegiance to the British
imperial king. The first time in Benin history, a Benin monarch took
an oath of allegiance to another king.
Before his ascension to the throne, Oba Eweka II was a skillful brass smith and an expert in ivory and woodcarving.
He rebuilds the Oba palace, which was destroyed by the British force during the expedition of 1987.
His enemies often accused him
of human sacrifice,every reports of it kind was vigorously
investigated, by searching the whole Oba palace and other secrets
places nothing incriminating were ever found. Any act or festivals
that involved anything incriminating were drop or reorganized. Many
secret ceremonies were scrap.
37th
Akenzua II
{1932AD-1978AD}
Born in 1899 in Benin City, as
crown Prince Godfry Edokparhogbuyunmwun basimi. Ascended the Benin
throne on April 5th, 1933 with the title Oba Akenzua II.
Before his ascension to the throne, he attented king's college lagos.
Oba Akenzua struck a balance
of stability and progress tradition and modernity. He was a
father-figure to all. For his dimensional contributions to the
development of his people and Nigeria, Oba Akenzua II received such
honours as Justice of Peace, Knight of the Companion of the Order of
St. Michael and St. George, Commander of the Federal Republic of
Nigeria and a honourary doctorate degree from the Ahmadu Bello
University, Zaria.
was equally a notable
royal monarch of Benin kingdom. He initiated the campaign for the
creation of Mid-West Region which materialized in 1962. in 1947, he
opened the Benin Divisional council Museum seen as the mustard art seed
that later inspired the germination of the giant oak tree that is now
the National Museums and Monuments, Benin City. This isn’t all.
Because of his vast influence, power, authority and acknowledged
traditional mystique, he was allowed to hold’the first Obas’
conference in 1941. The establishment of Edo College in 1937 is
largely through’his hardwork.’His reign witnessed peace, love and
progress in the whole of Edo land not just Benin Kingdom.
38th
Erediauwa
{1978AD-present}
Crown prince Solomon
Akenzua ascended the throne with the title Oba Erediauwa. Born June
22, 1923 in Benin City as Solomon Igbinoghodua Aisiokuoba Akenzua.
Before his ascension to throne he attended, many schools and Cambridge
University London. He also held many governmental post at state and
federal levels.
He modernized the palace courtyard and created many Enigie to help administer various parts of the kingdom.
One of the most respected
Africa monarch. An author, writer, advocate of peace and co-existance.
His high educational background help being to light the correct
history of Edo people and the ancient Benin Empire, one of Africa
oldest kingdom.
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