Ohuede
Ohuede was a ruler of Igodomigodo who served briefly as the twenty-seventh Ogiso following his selection by the Edionnisen around 1110 AD. His reign emphasised agricultural stability and support for domestic craftsmen, establishing plots known as Ugbo Owinna to provide land for guild members. He sought to reduce future succession disputes by reaffirming the kingdom's primogeniture rule. Ohuede also proposed extending succession rules to allow female inheritance in exceptional circumstances, a controversial measure that met resistance from the Senior Nobles. Ohuede died around 1112 AD after a reign of about two years; his only surviving son, Idugioduwa, succeeded him as Ogiso Oduwa.
Background and ascension
Ohuede was born around 1054 in Ihinmwirin, a region within Igodomigodo. He was chosen by the Edionnisen after they traced the line of succession back to Oboite of Ihinmwirin; Oboite is recorded as "Oriagba's son, and younger brother of Ogiso Odoligie", and Ogiso Ehenneden died without a surviving son or brother. At 56 years old, Ohuede was a Senior Noble in the Royal Council representing Ihinmwirin, and his advanced age, noble status, and ancestral link to Ogiso Oriagba all contributed to his selection—though questions persisted regarding the legitimacy of his claim. Ohuede declined to associate his reign with the broader Oriagba lineage, preferring instead to distinguish his rule from that of earlier relatives within the kinship group. His decision to promote his personal name as the foundation of a new house eventually led to the recognition of what became known as the Ohuede dynasty.The Ughoron, royal bards of the kingdom, recorded his ascension with the following verse:
Reign and government
Ohuede inherited his seat on the Royal Council from his father, Oboite, but seldom participated in council business except when he had matters to present. The Ughoron described him as Owere eguae ne o mai ren ogiso — "a Senior Noble who could not act the king". He was primarily associated with farming and personal leisure, often retreating to his estate and noted for the habitual use of a long pipe tended by an attendant. As Ogiso, he emphasised agricultural stability and the support of domestic industry: his principal concern was keeping the royal granaries full, and he ordered the Enigie and Edionwere to set aside plots for craftsmen and guild members to cultivate. These plots became known as Ugbo Owinna, which guildspeople harvested for their barns at year's end. During his short reign, he also sought to reduce future succession disputes by reaffirming the primogeniture rule.A notable but controversial proposal during his reign was the extension of primogeniture laws to allow female succession in the absence of a male heir. Although Ohuede himself had a son—Oduwa—he introduced the idea as a safeguard against future succession crises, recalling the political uncertainty caused by Ogiso Ehenneden's death without an heir. Had Ehenneden lacked a male sibling like Oboite, the realm might have been forced to adopt either a rotational system—favourable to the Senior Nobles—or nominate a female relative, which would have provoked deeper controversy. Despite the pragmatic intent, the proposal was poorly received by the Senior Nobles, who viewed female succession as premature and incompatible with the kingdom's patriarchal traditions. The resistance to female rule persisted, as later seen when Oba of Benin Ewuare's attempt to name his daughter, Edeleyo, as successor met similar rejection.