Ehengbuda

Ehengbuda ( ) was the eighteenth Oba of the Benin Empire, reigning from approximately . He succeeded his father, Orhogbua, and maintained Benin's influence through warfare and diplomacy. His reign included military engagements against neighbouring powers such as the Oyo Empire, resulting in a treaty that established the Benin-Oyo frontier at Otun in present-day Ekiti State. Ehengbuda also asserted Benin's control over vassal Yoruba states such as Owo, where the local ruler was required to continue paying tribute to the Oba. Though contact with Europeans persisted during his reign, claims of diplomatic exchanges—such as the gift of a telescope—lack independent verification. His rule is considered the end of the era of warrior kings in Benin, with military leadership subsequently delegated to high-ranking chiefs.

Early life and accession

The eldest son of Oba Orhogbua and Iyoba Umelu, Ehengbuda ascended the throne as the eighteenth Oba of Benin around 1578 AD. During his father's absence at war, he faced an accusation of attempted usurpation by the Uwangue of Uselu, a senior chief and head of the Royal Society of the House of Iwebo. This accusation resulted in the execution of his steward, , and his own mother, Iyoba Umelu, who took her life fearing for her son's safety. However, a subsequent investigation cleared Ehengbuda of any wrongdoing.

Following his enthronement, Ehengbuda abolished the title of Uwangue of Uselu. He also instituted a series of reforms, creating new titles and ranks for his chieftains and warriors. Notably, he established the title of Ohennika of Idunmwu-Ebo, a position responsible for conducting funeral rites for those who commit suicide within Benin City.

Ehengbuda had two recorded issues, Princess Isiuwa (nicknamed Oghiyan), who later became wife of Ekpennede, the Iyase of Benin; and Prince Odogbo, who later succeeded his father as Oba with regnal name Ohuan.

Reign

Military campaigns

During the reign of Oba Ehengbuda, the Benin Empire clashed militarily with the Oyo Empire. After numerous battles led by the Iyase of Benin, Ekpennede, a treaty was concluded establishing the Benin–Oyo boundary at Otun in the Ekiti region. Ehengbuda's conquests extended eastward, where he subjugated numerous Igbo towns and villages on the western bank of the Niger River. The first town captured was renamed Agban (later corrupted to Agbor) after his esteemed warrior and Ezomo (senior chief), Agban.

Internal challenges and domestic relations

Ehengbuda faced internal challenges from within his own court. His early reign was marred by a tragic incident involving his Iyase (prime minister), Ekpennede. Enraged by the execution of his son for adultery with one of the Oba's wives, Ekpennede embarked on a destructive rampage, killing Princess Isiuwa, the only daughter of Ehengbuda, his family and members of the populace before taking his own life. This event led to a new regulation prohibiting the Iyase from residing in the Ogbe quarters or returning to Benin City after conquering a major town. Ehengbuda banished Ekpennede and prohibited anyone in Benin from visiting his residence. In retaliation, Ekpennede banished and cursed Osokhirikpa, the Uwangue who actuate his son's execution.

Another incident involved Uwangue Osokhirikpa, a chief who was found guilty of adultery with the Oba's wife while intoxicated. He was incarcerated for four years before being sentenced to death. However, he disappeared before his execution and was never seen again. This event prompted a decree forbidding the execution of Uwangues and the placement of the Oba's wives under the care of any member of the Royal Society of the House of Iwebo.

Ehengbuda's relationship with the Owo people was also marked by a test of loyalty. A young prince named Osogboye, heir to the Owo throne, was sent to Benin City for education. He served as an emada, or state-swordbearer for many years. Upon the death of the Owa of Owo, Osogboye departed for Owo to claim his inheritance without formally seeking leave from the Oba. The enraged Oba dispatched messengers to retrieve him, but Osogboye feigned a serious illness to avoid returning. Eventually, the Oba relented, allowing Osogboye to be crowned the Owa (later known as the Olowo) of Owo. A year later, a recovered Osogboye sent gifts to the Oba, seeking his approval as the new Olowo and reaffirming his commitment to tribute payments. The Oba granted his request, solidifying a renewed sense of loyalty between the two kingdoms.

Foreign relations

Ehengbuda continued the diplomatic relations established by his father with European powers, particularly Portugal and England. He received European visitors on several occasions, exchanging gifts and engaging in trade. Notably, in 1590, an English merchant named James Welsh presented him with a telescope.

Ehengbuda claimed the telescope possessed remarkable properties, allowing him to see beyond the limitations of human sight and even communicate with celestial beings. His subjects, aware of his reputation as a physician and spiritualist, readily accepted these claims. This association with the telescope earned him the nickname , meaning Ehengbuda the Physician or Doctor.

Ehengbuda also played a role in mediating disputes among Yoruba Obas who shared a dynastic lineage with him. He intervened on behalf of Atakunmosa, the deposed Oba of Ilesha, who sought refuge in Benin after being driven out by his people due to his tyrannical rule. Ehengbuda summoned the Ilesha elders and persuaded them to reinstate their Oba. As a symbol of renewed authority, he bestowed upon Atakunmosa a coral collar or neck beads (). This gift became a hereditary title for subsequent Obas of Ilesha, who earned the nickname Arun-aza (Arun-aja) from their subjects.

Death and succession

Around 1606, Oba Ehengbuda died at sea during a violent storm while returning from a visit to Lagos. He had undertaken the journey to inspect the military encampment () established by his father on Lagos Island. Accompanied by his chiefs and warriors, he intended to return to Benin City by canoe. However, a sudden storm capsized their vessel on the Agan River, roughly six days' travel from Benin and two days from Lagos. Ehengbuda and his entourage drowned, and their remains were never recovered.

Ehengbuda's reign coincided with the end of the era dominated by warrior kings. Subsequent Obas entrusted military leadership to their chiefs, shifting their focus towards the ceremonial and spiritual aspects of kingship. The Oba's role became increasingly secluded within the palace, evolving into a figure associated with mystical power rather than military prowess.

Ehengbuda was succeeded by Prince Odogbo who was his only son and ascended the throne with regnal name, Oba Ohuan.

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Ehengbuda
1606 deaths
Obas of Benin
16th-century Nigerian people
17th-century Nigerian people
16th-century monarchs in Africa
17th-century monarchs in Africa
Deaths by drowning
Year of birth unknown
Year of death uncertain
People from Benin City