Akure–Benin War
Part of the expansion of the Kingdom of Benin

Depiction of an Oba of Benin with Benin soldiers taken from Olfert Dapper's Description of Africa (1668)
Date1818 AD
Location
Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria
7°15′0″N 5°11′42″E / 7.25000°N 5.19500°E / 7.25000; 5.19500
Result Benin victory
(see Course section)
Territorial
changes		 Akure became a vassal state of Benin
Belligerents
Benin Empire Benin Kingdom Akure Kingdom
Commanders and leaders

Benin Empire Osemwende, Oba of Benin
Benin Empire Chief Erebor, Ezomo of Benin
Benin Empire General Ologbosere, Ologbosere of Benin

Benin Empire Imaran, Imaran of Benin		 Arakale, Deji of Akure
Benin wanted to reclaim the land and make Akure pay tribute, but Akure resisted.[1]
Akure–Benin War is located in Nigeria
Akure–Benin War
Location within Nigeria

The Akure–Benin War, which took place in 1818 AD, was a conflict between the Benin Kingdom and the Akure Kingdom in what is now Nigeria. The origins of this conflict can be traced back to the complex history of the region, with Akure being a place of ancient settlements, some dating back to the early Ife kingdom. The Akure Kingdom emerged when these communities were consolidated under the rule of Prince Omoremilekun, who descended from Oduduwa, a revered figure in Yoruba history. Historically, the relationship between Benin and Akure had been marked by peace and mutual respect due to shared cultural heritage and ancestry.

However, this harmony was disrupted when Chief Osague, a Benin emissary, was killed by the Deji of Akure, Arakale. This incident, along with other conflicts and provocations, triggered the Benin invasion of Akure. The invasion involved military manoeuvres, with the Benin army led by top commanders, including Chief Erebo the Ezomo, General Ologbosere the Ologbosere, and the Imaran. They encountered resistance from the Akure army, led by the Deji himself. The Benin army strategically advanced through various routes, eventually capturing Akure after the destruction of the Deji's palace. This victory led to the establishment of Akure as a vassal state under Benin's control.

The consequences of the war were profound. For Akure, it marked a defeat, resulting in the loss of independence and submission to Benin's rule. The Deji of Akure had to pledge allegiance to the Oba of Benin, Osemwende, and pay tribute. In contrast, for Benin, the war demonstrated its power and expanded its territorial influence, with the Oba amassing greater wealth through tribute and plunder. The conflict had a lasting impact on the history and culture of both Akure and Benin, commemorated through various means, including oral traditions, festivals, monuments, and art.

Background

The region where Akure is situated has a long history of human habitation, with evidence of ancient settlements dating back millennia, including the discovery of the Iwo Eleru skull near Akure town.[2] This archaeological evidence points to the presence of early communities in the area, possibly established during the time of the early Ife kingdom. Among these communities were Upalefa, Igan, Odopetu, and Ileru, which were scattered throughout the region and operated as autonomous entities. These settlements, like those in the early history of Ife, resisted unification under a single leadership. Notably, Upalefa was ruled by Omoloju during the era of Omoremilekun, the founder of the Akure kingdom.[3]

The oral tradition of the Akure Kingdom begins with the consolidation of these communities under a new royal dynasty in Akure. The kingdom's founding is attributed to a prince named Omoremilekun, who was the son of Ekun and a descendant of Oduduwa Omoluwabi, a revered figure associated with the origins of the Yoruba people.[4] Omoremilekun, a skilled elephant hunter, was part of a migration of royal descendants from Ile-Ife to various regions of what is now Yorubaland. He embarked on this journey in search of a suitable settlement, a decision that followed a rigorous test administered by Oduduwa himself.[5] This test involved his solitary confinement for approximately nine days, a tradition still commemorated annually in Akure during a ceremony known as 'Oba wo ilesunta.' Due to his successful completion of this test, Omoremilekun earned the nickname "Aṣodẹboyèdé" (meaning The person who hunted and arrived with royalty). Like other descendants of Oduduwa in the Ekiti region, he aimed to unite the various settlements that were struggling to agree on a leader. After defeating Omoloju and gaining the support of the indigenous population, Asodeboyede was crowned as the first Ajapada, or king, of Akure. The palace constructed to accommodate him still stands and dates back to 1150 AD. It was strategically positioned equidistant from the three major settlements of the time.[3]

The Akure Kingdom became part of the Benin Empire, one of the largest and most influential pre-colonial states in West Africa. The Benin Empire's origins can be traced to the Edo people, whose lineage is associated with Oranmiyan, another of Oduduwa's sons.[6]

The relationship between the Benin Empire and the Akure Kingdom was generally characterised by peace and mutual respect, given their shared cultural heritage and common ancestry.[7][6] The Akure Kingdom acknowledged the authority of the Oba of Benin, paying tribute and showing reverence.[8] In return, the Oba of Benin maintained friendly relations by sending envoys and gifts to the Deji of Akure.[9] However, this harmonious relationship was disrupted by an incident of greed and violence, ultimately leading to conflict.

Causes

The immediate cause of the conflict was the murder of a Benin emissary named Chief Osague by the Deji of Akure, Arakale.[10][11] Chief Osague held a prominent position in the Iwebo Chancellery of the Palace and was entrusted with the task of delivering the Chalk of Good Tidings to the Deji of Akure.[11] This chalk symbolically announced to vassal potentates within the Benin Empire that a new Oba, Osemwende, had ascended the throne in Benin City, succeeding his brother, Ogbebo, in 1816 AD.[11]

Some other accounts have it that Chief Osague was entrusted with the task of punishing the people of Akure for choosing a Deji without the approval of the Oba of Benin.[12] Around the same time, a Benin trader named Ogonto was attacked in the Akure market, causing violent riots in which some Bini people were killed.[13] A similar incident occurred at Igbara-Odo, resulting in the death of many Bini people and the burning of their properties.[14]

Chief Osague, dressed in the regalia of a Benin chief adorned with coral beads arrived in Akure with his entourage.[11] He presented the Chalk of Good Tidings to Arakale, the Deji of Akure, who harboured covetousness for Chief Osague's splendid adornments.[11]

A conflict arose later in Akure between one of Chief Osague's wives, who had accompanied him on the journey, and a local tobacco seller.[11] Arakale had instigated this disagreement, which escalated into a physical altercation.[11] Chief Osague intervened to assist his wife and, was murdered in the ensuing fracas. Seizing the opportunity, Deji Arakale claimed Chief Osague's coral bead adornments.[11]

News of these events in Akure reached Benin City, where it was reported that the Oba's emissary had been killed.[11] These incidents which occurred in 1818 AD, prompted Osemwende to declare a punitive expedition to avenge the death of his emissary and subdue Akure,[11] and guns were used extensively.[15] The Deji was captured and beheaded and his son, Adésọ́rọ̀ (Osupa), was taken as a prisoner to Benin.[16]

Course

The punitive expedition comprised three Benin war commanders and two other front commanders, each responsible for different troops and routes.[17] These commanders were Erebor, who held the position of Ezomo of Benin; General Ologbosere, serving as the Ologbosere of Benin; and Imaran, a title denoting a brave warrior.[17] The front commanders were Imadiyi and Oyodo.[17] The Ezomo held the highest military rank in Benin,[18] while the Ologbosere was a powerful and influential chief.[19][20]

The Benin army encountered difficulties as they advanced and faced resistance from the Akure army, led by the Deji himself.[21]

The Ezomo's approach to Akure was via the Okearo route, while the Ologbosere advanced through Okelisa route. Meanwhile, the Imaran followed the Isikan and Isinkin route to Akure.[22]

The Benin armies came from the south and attacked Akure, Ilawe and Igara-Odo, pushing them northwards along with many of the towns of Ewi.[23] The military operation was successful, partly because of the strategy of surrounding them; as Akure had also prepared to defend itself from any military threat from Benin after its rebellion.[23]

The turning point of the conflict occurred when a Benin army, known as Omonoyan, fired a cannon which destroyed the Deji's palace, a symbol of Akure's sovereignty.[24][25][26] Subsequently, the Benin army stormed the town, leading to its capture.[27] Arakale, the Deji of Akure, was taken captive and sentenced to death by beheading.[16]

Following the capture of Akure, the Benin military effectively quelled the uprising in Akure.[28] They seized numerous captives, cattle, and valuables and imposed a substantial annual tribute of three slaves,[29] ivories and corals on Akure, payable to the Oba of Benin.[30] This resulted in Akure's status as a vassal state of Benin, marking the loss of its independence and dignity.[31][32]

Consequences

According to historical accounts by Jacob Egharevba, a significant portion of Akure, known as Isolo (Usolo), was besieged and captured by the Ologbosere faction.[33] Subsequently, the Deji of Akure, Arakale, sought refuge with the Ewi of Ado Ekiti after escaping the Ologbosere's onslaught.[34] Unfortunately, the Ewi declined support, fearing potential repercussions from the Benin invasion.[35] Arakale's journey led him to Uju and Uhen (Ise), where the Arinjale of Uhen, prioritising the safety of his own town, directed him to the Ezomo.[36] Following a trial, Arakale was executed, and his severed head was sent to the Oba Osemwende in Benin City.[37]

During this military expedition, the Imaran narrowly escaped capture by the Isikan people.[38] When faced with imminent danger, he defended himself by employing a pistol.[39] When returning to Benin with captives and spoils, the Ezomo succumbed to smallpox and was interred near Akure by the Imaran and Ezabayg, his head servant.[40] James Fawckner Nicholls' account in 1825 revealed that the Ezomo, aged about sixteen, had recently lost his father in battle.[41] Additionally, the Ologbosere, approaching from another route, also met his demise and was buried by his followers at Okemue.[42] The deaths of these two chiefs were mourned more than their victory was celebrated by Oba Osemwende.[43]

The conflict had enduring repercussions for both Akure and Benin. For Akure, it constituted a devastating defeat that signalled the end of its independence and prosperity. Akure was subjected to the authority and subjugation of Benin, resulting in humiliation and oppression.[26] The Deji of Akure was compelled to pledge allegiance to the Oba of Benin and offer tribute and homage.[8]

In contrast, for Benin, the war served as a triumphant assertion of its power and prestige.[6] Benin expanded its territorial reach and extended its influence over Akure and neighbouring regions.[44] The Oba of Benin solidified his authority as the supreme ruler of his empire, amassing greater wealth and resources through tribute and plunder from Akure.[8]

After their triumph in Akure, both the Ezomo and the Ologbosere suffered from mysterious illnesses and passed away during their return journey to Benin.[45] Their deaths were regarded as occurring while in active service. However, their victory in the war was made possible by the additional support of troops and supplies from the Ikerres in the eastern Yorubaland and from Irrua, an Esan chiefdom.[46] In recognition of the Onojie of Uromi's support during the war, the Oba granted him the special privilege of inheriting the properties of individuals in Uromi who passed away without children.[11]

Upon the successful reconquest of Akure, the two leading commanders of the Benin army, Imadiyi and Oyodo,[47] established a military base at Otun to continue their military campaigns in the Ekiti region and other parts of eastern Yorubaland.[47][48] They managed to conquer and bring several towns and chiefdoms under Benin's control.[49] They compelled Ekiti princes to pay an annual tribute to the Oba of Benin, acknowledging his imperial authority.[11] For a brief period, the Ekitis remained loyal to the Oba of Benin but later rebelled.[50] This led to another military operation under the command of Omemu, one of the front commanders of the Benin army. Omemu convened Ekiti's leading chiefs at Igbara Oke, but they adopted a hostile stance, resulting in their defeat in the fierce battle.[47] With the success of this campaign, the Ekitis renewed their allegiance to the Oba of Benin, and the payment of tribute continued until the British occupation in 1897.[47][51]

Oyodo was later tasked by the Ore of Otun to combat their enemies, the Araye.[47] However, due to his harsh and frugal leadership, coupled with fatigue, Oyodo's soldiers deserted, leading to his capture and beheading by the Araye.[47] Upon hearing the news, Imadiyi resumed the war, and after a decisive battle near Otun, the Araye surrendered, establishing peace.[47] Despite his victory, Imadiyi succumbed to fever and died at Ijero while returning to Benin.[47]

Legacy

In 1834, years after the Akure conquest, the Oba of Benin released Adésọ́rọ̀, the son of Arakale, from captivity and was then appointed as the Deji of Akure.[47] He assumed the title of Osupa I (Osupa lati Ado wa) and was tasked with safeguarding Benin's interests in the Ekiti region.[47] Notably, a man named Orhuon (Orhuonkedo), (likely the king named "Osuon," in Akure history, said to be a brother of Osupa), who had proclaimed himself Deji of Akure, committed suicide upon learning of Osupa I's arrival with the Oba's messengers.[11]

The conflict left a lasting legacy in the history and culture of both Akure and Benin. It is a testament to its role in shaping their identity and destiny, commemorated through various means, including oral traditions, festivals, monuments, and art.[26]

A cannonball at the Benin Museum which may have been used in the destruction of the Deji's palace is recorded by Historian Egharevba.[25]

References

Citations

  1. ↑ Adeniran 1991, p. 83–95.
  2. ↑ Harvati et al. 2011, p. e24024.
  3. 1 2 Owadasa 2019, p. 56.
  4. ↑ Adepegba 1986, p. 81, "... the Yoruba rulers and the ruler of Benin claim to have descended from Oduduwa, who, as I have indicated, supposedly founded their monarchical form of government in Ile-Ife and who all the Yoruba in Nigeria refer to as father.".
  5. ↑ Adepegba 1986, pp. 77–92.
  6. 1 2 3 Usman & Falola 2019, p. 159-240.
  7. ↑ Akintoye 1969, pp. 539–553 [544], "It seems possible that in the distant past, before the rise of Benin as a great kingdom, dynastic relationship between Akure and Benin resulted from their contacts.".
  8. 1 2 3 Ogbeide 2018, p. 179, "With the success of the campaign, the Ekitis renewed their 'allegiance to the Oba of Benin and the payment of tribute was maintained until the British occupation in 1897.' There is evidence that the Deji of Akure played a crucial role for the Oba of Benin, in enforcing the payment of the tribute.".
  9. ↑ Adegbulu 2010, pp. 90, "He was discovered to be an Akure prince that was captured in war. Realizing that he was of kingly origin, the Oba of Benin developed friendly relations with him until he was installed as the Deji when the throne in Akure was vacant.".
  10. ↑ Adegbulu 2010, p. 90, "Relations between Benin and Akure seem to have ebbed during the reign of Arakale (1769–1818) when a Benin ambassador called Osague was killed in Akure.".
  11. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Egharevba 1968, p. 44.
  12. ↑ Akintoye 1969, p. 552, "At Akure, a chief (Chief Osagwe) sent to chastise the people for installing a Deji without first seeking the sanction of the Qba of Benin, was murdered...".
  13. ↑ Akintoye 1969, p. 552, "About the same time, an assault on a Benin trader named Ogonto in the Akure market led to violent disturbances in which a number of Edos were killed.".
  14. ↑ Akintoye 1969, p. 552, "At Igbara-Odo, an incident similar to the latter occurred, leading to the murder of many Edos and the burning of their belongings.".
  15. ↑ Akintoye 1969, p. 552, "These incidents led to the Benin invasions of the early nineteenth century in which guns were massively used.".
  16. 1 2 Akintoye 1969, p. 552, "At Akure, the Deji was captured and beheaded and his son Osupa taken in captivity to Benin.".
  17. 1 2 3 Ogbeide 2018, p. 178, "The Benin army was led by three top war commanders namely, the Ezomo, the Ologbosere and the Imaran, and two other Front Commanders – Imadiyi and Oyodo.".
  18. ↑ McCall & Bay 1975, p. 176, "According to tradition, the ukhurhe was first used during the time of Ezomo (the highest ranking chief)".
  19. ↑ Ogbeide 2018, p. 186, "... while the Ologbosere title was created by Akenzua I in early eighteenth century as a hereditary war chief. Both were war commanders in the top hierarchy of the Benin army.".
  20. ↑ Rotimi 2017, p. 420, "Ologbosere is one of the most powerful and influential chiefs in Ovonramwen Nogbaisi's cabinet".
  21. ↑ Ogbeide 2018, p. 178, "Somehow, the war also turned out to be a punitive expedition to deal with the Deji of Akure who not only revolted against the Oba, but ordered the murder of chief Osague ...".
  22. ↑ Ogbeide 2018, p. 200, "As Egharevba writes, the Ezomo went by way of Okearo, the Ologbosere by Okelisa and the Imaran by Isikan and Isinkin.".
  23. 1 2 Ogbeide 2018, p. 200, "Benin army advanced from the south to attack Akure, Ilawe and Igara-Odo, driving themnorthwards together with many of the towns of Ewi.The success of the military operation was due, among other factors, to the strategy of encirclement; as Akure after its revolt, also consolidated plans to resist any military threatfrom Benin.".
  24. ↑ Egharevba 1968, p. 44, "At Oke-Elegbin, a mile from Akure, Omonoyan fired a canon which ruined the house of the Udezi,...".
  25. 1 2 ROESE & SMITH 2000, pp. 75.
  26. 1 2 3 Usuanlele & Falola 1994, pp. 303–318.
  27. ↑ Egharevba 1968, p. 44, "and the town was taken by assault.".
  28. ↑ Ogbeide 2018, p. 178, "The Benin soldiers successfully suppressed the Akure revolt.".
  29. ↑ Ogbeide 2018, p. 132, "Slaves were among the tribute paid to the Oba of Benin.".
  30. ↑ Ogbeide 2018, p. 27, "Benin a more vigorous state, and placed in the position of subduing her neighbours. The purchase of firearms initially depended on exchange for slaves, cloth and ivory.".
  31. ↑ Adegbulu 2010, pp. 88, "Thus, at the inception of Akure as a vassal community, Benin elements were already trading in the area. ".
  32. ↑ Adegbulu 2010, pp. 93, "Benin had had to suppress acts of rebellion from her vassals-Owo, Akure, Ipele, Ise, etc, on grounds of tribute payment, which Benin reacted to militarily.".
  33. ↑ Egharevba 1968, p. 44, "Usolo, one quarter of the town, was attacked and taken by the Ologboshere.".
  34. ↑ Egharevba 1968, p. 44, "Arakale, the Udezi, escaped and ran to the Ewi of Ado for protection and help,...".
  35. ↑ Egharevba 1968, p. 44, "...but was refused any support as the Ewi was afraid of being invaded by the Benin troops.".
  36. ↑ Egharevba 1968, p. 44, "Arakale then went to Uju and on to Uhen (Ise), but for the safety of his own town the Arinjale of Uhen sent him to the Ezomo.".
  37. ↑ Egharevba 1968, p. 44, "After a trial he was executed and his head was sent to the Oba at Benin City.".
  38. ↑ Egharevba 1968, p. 44, "On this expedition the Imaran narrowly escaped death for he was captured by the Isikan people,...".
  39. ↑ Egharevba 1968, p. 44, "...but when they were about to kill him, he shot them with a pistol.".
  40. ↑ Egharevba 1968, p. 44, "On the return journey to Benin with the captives and spoils, the Ezomg died of smallpox and was buried near Akure by the Imaran and Ezabayg, his head servant.".
  41. ↑ Egharevba 1968, p. 44, "Fawckner, in 1825, found the Ezomo was a youth of about sixteen, and was told that his father had recently fallen in battle.".
  42. ↑ Egharevba 1968, p. 44, "The Ologboshere who was coming by another route also died, and was buried by his men at Okemue.".
  43. ↑ Egharevba 1968, p. 44, "The Oba mourned the deaths of these two chiefs far more than he rejoiced in their victory.".
  44. ↑ Olugbadehan 2006, pp. 83.
  45. ↑ Ogbeide 2018, p. 178–179, "After the victory over Akure, the Ezomo and the Ologbosere died of strange diseases or illness, on their return journey to Benin.".
  46. ↑ Ogbeide 2018, p. 179, "They were considered to have died in active service. Their success in the Akure War, however, was due to the support of additional contingents of soldiers and logistics from the Ikerres in eastern Yorubaland, and from Irrua – an Esan chiefdom.".
  47. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Egharevba 1968, p. 45.
  48. ↑ Ogbeide 2018, p. 179, "After the reconquest of Akure, the two Front Commanders of the Benin army, Imadiyi and Oyodo, established a military base at Otun for the continuation of military campaigns in Ekiti region and other parts of eastern Yorubaland.".
  49. ↑ Ogbeide 2018, p. 179, "Several towns and chiefdoms were conquered and brought under the control of Benin.".
  50. ↑ Ogbeide 2018, p. 179, "The Ekitis remained loyal to the Oba of Benin for a few years and revolted.".
  51. ↑ Ogbeide 2018, p. 179, "This necessitated another military action under the command of Omuemu – one of the Front Commanders of the Benin army. With the success of the campaign, the Ekitis renewed their 'allegiance to the Oba of Benin and the payment of tribute was maintained until the British occupation in 1897.".

Bibliography

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