Osemwende
Osemwende, originally known as Prince Eredia-uwa, was the thirty-third Oba of Benin who reigned from. He was the son of Oba Obanosa and the brother of Ogbebo, whom he defeated in a civil war to claim the throne. He restored peace and stability to the kingdom after a turbulent period of succession crisis and expanded and consolidated his empire through military conquests and diplomatic alliances. He also promoted trade and commerce with foreign nations, especially the Portuguese, and fostered art and learning among his people. He was revered as a wise and benevolent ruler who brought good tidings to his kingdom.
Background
The Kingdom of Benin was a pre-colonial African state located in what is now known as the Southern region of Nigeria. Founded by the Edo people, the kingdom operated under a monarchy system, with the Oba of Benin serving as the supreme ruler. The Oba held significant political and spiritual authority over the populace, also serving as the custodian of the Edo culture and heritage. During this time, a variety of art forms, including bronze, ivory, wood, coral, brass, clay, leather, and cloth, were commissioned to showcase the talents of Benin artists.The zenith of the Kingdom of Benin's power and influence came during Oba Ewuare the Great's reign. He expanded the kingdom's territories through military campaigns, reformed its administration and military, and established diplomatic relations with neighbouring kingdoms, including Oyo, Ife, Nupe, and Jukun. Additionally, he initiated the tradition of sending the Chalk of Good Tidings to vassal potentates throughout the Benin Empire, symbolising the commencement of his rule.
The Kingdom of Benin retained its influence under subsequent Obas, including Ozolua, Esigie, Orhogbua, Ehengbuda, Ohuan, Ewuakpe, Akengbuda, and Obanosa. However, it also grappled with challenges and crises, such as succession disputes, civil conflicts, rebellions, invasions, epidemics, and famines. One noteworthy succession crisis unfolded in 1816 following the death of Oba Obanosa, who had not designated a successor. This absence of clear succession plans triggered a power struggle between his two sons, Ogbebo and Eredia-uwa, both of whom laid claim to the throne.
Early life
Oba Osemwende, born circa 1780 as Prince Eredia-uwa, was the son of Oba Obanosa and his wife. He had a younger brother named Ogbebo. While some accounts ascribe personality traits to their names, with Eredia-uwa described as gentle, kind, generous, and peace-loving, and Ogbebo characterised as violent, cruel, greedy, and warlike, these descriptions remain speculative.Growing up within the royal palace in Benin City, Prince Eredia-uwa received education encompassing various fields of knowledge and skills. His studies included the history and culture of his people, customs and traditions associated with his future role, as well as proficiency in reading and writing in the Edo language, with some familiarity in Portuguese due to the Kingdom of Benin's diplomatic and trade interactions. Additionally, he acquired martial skills, including horse riding, archery, swordsmanship, and military leadership, as the Oba was expected to possess martial prowess.
Prince Eredia-uwa's upbringing also exposed him to the rich artistic and religious dimensions of his kingdom. He admired the diverse artworks adorning the palace and the city, such as bronze sculptures, plaques, masks, and statues depicting Obas, ancestors, chiefs, warriors, gods, and more. Furthermore, he actively participated in various rituals and ceremonies honouring the Oba, ancestors, deities, and spirits. He held deep respect for the priests and diviners who served as intermediaries between the mortal and divine realms. Additionally, he engaged in the festivals and celebrations marking significant seasons and events in his kingdom.
Prince Eredia-uwa enjoyed widespread love and respect from his family, friends, subjects, and allies, as he was seen as a promising candidate for future kingship in Benin. However, he faced rivalry from his younger brother, Prince Ogbebo, who also harboured aspirations to ascend to the throne.
Reign
Civil war
Oba Osemwende's reign commenced with a civil conflict that emerged following the demise of his father, Oba Obanosa, in 1816. Oba Obanosa did not designate a successor prior to his death, resulting in a contested and vacant throne. His two sons, Prince Ogbebo and Prince Eredia-uwa, both asserted their right to the throne based on different claims of seniority. Prince Ogbebo contended that his seniority was based on birth order, asserting himself as the eldest son of Oba Obanosa. In contrast, Prince Eredia-uwa asserted his seniority through primogeniture, claiming the right of succession as the firstborn child.The dispute between Prince Ogbebo and Prince Eredia-uwa escalated into a violent conflict, involving not only the two brothers but also their supporters from within the Benin Kingdom. Prince Ogbebo garnered support from his mother and certain influential chiefs, who favoured him for his military capabilities and ambitions. Meanwhile, Prince Eredia-uwa received backing from other influential chiefs who esteemed his wisdom and benevolence. He also secured support from vassal rulers beyond the Benin Kingdom who had received the Chalk of Good Tidings from him upon his return from exile in Ewohimi.
The civil conflict persisted for approximately eight months, during which Prince Ogbebo managed to seize power and proclaimed himself as Oba Ogbebo. However, his rule proved brief and unstable, as he encountered resistance and opposition from Prince Eredia-uwa and his allies. The battle occurred at Uzebu, where Prince Eredia-uwa's forces triumphed over those of Oba Ogbebo. Subsequently, Oba Ogbebo was captured and met his demise under the command of Prince Eredia-uwa's general, Ezomo Erebo.
Coronation
Following his victory in the civil conflict, Prince Eredia-uwa assumed the throne of Benin in 1816, adopting the regal title of Oba Osemwende, signifying "the king who brings good tidings." His coronation marked the restoration of peace and stability following a turbulent succession crisis.Oba Osemwende adhered to tradition by dispatching the Chalk of Good Tidings to vassal potentates throughout the Benin Empire. This chalk served as an official proclamation of his reign, symbolising the commencement of his rule. Additionally, it acknowledged the loyalty and assistance of vassal rulers who had supported him in his conflict against Oba Ogbebo. Typically, the chalk was accompanied by offerings of cowries, coral beads, brass rods, and other valuable items.
The coronation of Oba Osemwende was celebrated among his subjects as a divine blessing bestowed by God and their ancestors. He was esteemed as a wise and benevolent ruler, recognised for ushering good tidings, comfort, and joy into his kingdom. His bravery and military prowess were also acknowledged, as he defended his realm against adversaries and insurrections. He received various honorific titles, including Oba n'Edo, Oba n'Okun, Oba n'Osa, Oba n'Ogbe, among others.
Expansion and consolidation
Oba Osemwende's reign witnessed the expansion and consolidation of his empire through military conquests and diplomatic engagements. He pursued a policy aimed at subduing neighbouring kingdoms and territories that posed challenges to his authority, while simultaneously nurturing relations with friendly and allied kingdoms that recognised his sovereignty.Among Oba Osemwende's notable conquests was that of Udo, a town in Esanland that had remained loyal to Oba Ogbebo. The people of Udo asserted their right to choose their ruler independently and contested Oba Osemwende's authority, labelling him a usurper and oppressor.
In response, Oba Osemwende dispatched a substantial army, commanded by his trusted general and adviser, Ezomo Erebo, to quell Udo's resistance and reintegrate it into his dominion. The ensuing battle was intense, resulting in the capture of Udo. The town was subsequently sacked, and many inhabitants either lost their lives or were enslaved. Arakale, the leader of the rebellion, met a similar fate, facing execution alongside his supporters.
This victory over Udo solidified Oba Osemwende's authority, serving as a deterrent to potential rebels who might challenge his rule. He further consolidated his control over Esanland and other regions of his empire by appointing loyal chiefs and administrators to oversee them. Simultaneously, he bolstered diplomatic and military relations with friendly kingdoms such as Oyo, Ife, Nupe, and Jukun.
Another significant conquest was that of Akure, a Yoruba town that had maintained a hostile stance towards Benin for an extended period. Akure's people claimed descent from Oranmiyan, Benin's founder, and asserted their superior claim to the throne. They also harboured grievances against Benin's dominance and interference.
In response, Oba Osemwende initiated a military campaign to subdue Akure and bring it under his rule. He entrusted Iyase Erebo, another trusted general and adviser, with leading the army. The conflict was fierce, resulting in Benin's victory, the conquest of Akure, and the town's subsequent plunder, destruction, and loss of life. Deji Aládémọ̀mí, Akure's leader, was captured and executed. This happened in 1818 AD.
Oba Osemwende's conquest of Akure not only enhanced his standing among the Yoruba people but also solidified his authority over Akure and other previously defiant Yoruba towns. He appointed loyal chiefs and administrators to govern them, fostering cooperation. Additionally, he maintained diplomatic ties with other Yoruba kingdoms, including Oyo, Ife, Ijebu, and Egba.
The expansion of Oba Osemwende's empire extended beyond these conquests, encompassing regions such as Ekiti, Igbomina, Kwara, Kogi, and Edo North. He fortified Benin's borders against external threats, including the Fulani, the Kingdom of Dahomey and Britain, constructing forts, walls, moats, roads, bridges, and facilitating trade routes, markets, and ports to enhance commerce and communication across his domains.