Battle of Ekiokpagha
Part of the battle between the Obas of Benin and Ogiamien family
Date1255 AD
Location
Plains of Ogboka, Benin City
Result Victory for Oba Ewedo
Belligerents
Benin Empire Ogiamien family
Commanders and leaders
Oba Ewedo Ogiamien III

The Battle of Ekiokpagha was a historical event that took place in 1255 AD on the Plains of Ogboka, near Benin City, between Oba Ewedo of the Benin Empire and Ogiamien III, the leader of the indigenous people of the land. The battle was a result of a power struggle between the two parties, who had different claims to the throne and the territory of Benin. The battle ended with the victory of Oba Ewedo, who established his palace at the present site, and the recognition of Ogiamien III as a chief under the monarchy. The battle and its aftermath have been reenacted in the coronation rituals of the subsequent Obas of Benin, as a symbol of the historical and traditional enmity between the Oba and the Ogiamien family.

Background

The roots of the conflict between Oba Ewedo and Ogiamien III trace back to the establishment of the Benin dynasty in the 12th century AD by Prince Oranmiyan, who arrived from Ife.[1][2] The dissatisfaction of the Benin elders with the rule of the last Ogiso, Ogiso Owodo, led to the invitation of Oranmiyan.[1] Having married Princess Erimwinde, the daughter of Ogiso Owodo, at Egor, Oranmiyan fathered Eweka before departing Benin due to prevalent hostility and environmental challenges. Entrusting his son to Chief Evian, the Odionwere (head of the elders) of Benin, Oranmiyan departed.[1]

Eweka, raised by Chief Evian, ascended to become the first Oba of Benin, initiating efforts to expand his influence and authority. However, he encountered resistance from indigenous chiefs, particularly Ogiamien III, who contested the legitimacy of Eweka as the Ogiso dynasty's successor.[3] Ogiamien III, asserting descent from the first Ogiso, Igodo, commanded a substantial territory and possessed a formidable army.[3] Refusing to pay tribute or acknowledge Oba Eweka's authority, Ogiamien III posed a persistent challenge.[3]

Despite attempts by Oba Eweka and his successors to quell Ogiamien and his followers, success remained elusive over several generations.[4] The conflict persisted until the reign of Oba Ewedo, who assumed the throne in 1255 AD.[4] Oba Ewedo, resolute in ending Ogiamien's rebellion and establishing unequivocal rule over Benin, devised a strategic plan.[4] This plan aimed to entice Ogiamien III into a carefully laid trap, culminating in a decisive battle to secure Oba Ewedo's authority.[4]

Battle

Oba Ewedo crafted a secret agreement with Chief Ubi, a trusted ally of Ogiamien.[5] In multiple covert meetings, Oba Ewedo assured Ubi of lavish rewards in exchange for facilitating his entry into the city and assuming a position of general rule.[6] While Ubi consented, he cautioned that achieving this objective would necessitate subterfuge, considering the lingering opposition among the Edo populace to the restoration of the monarchy.[7]

Following Ubi's guidance, Oba Ewedo was to meet him at the point where their respective territories were delineated—the streams in the ferryman Isekhere's domain.[8] The plan involved Oba Ewedo publicly declaring his intent to enter the city while carrying a white-cloth-wrapped cock around his neck.[9] Ubi, in turn, would deny entry, seize the cock, and make off with it, proclaiming that war would ensue in seven days.[10][11] Oba Ewedo would then offer a cow, a goat, individuals, an agba stool, and other goods to persuade Ubi to allow his passage and assume control of the city on the seventh day.[12]

Oba Ewedo meticulously executed the devised plan.[13] The rooster, symbolising a sacrificial offering, was deftly seized, and Ubi fled with it, pursued by the Oba's retinue.[14] Uttering "O gua, O gua, O gua" ("This place has contained you") repeatedly, Ubi strategically discarded the chicken near the cemetery, leading to the abandonment of the chase.[15]

As stipulated, after seven days, both factions convened for a decisive confrontation at Ekiokpagha.[16] However, before the royal contingent reached the designated site, they encountered Oliha, the senior chief of Ogiamien, whom they promptly slew, leading to the adage "A ma he se Ekiokpagha, a gbe Oliha Ogiamien" ("We have not yet reached Ekiokpagha, but we have killed Ogiamien's Oliha").[17] According to Ogiamien III, Oba Ewedo had instructed that

on the day of the battle, Oliha-Ogiamien must stand by the fence and someone must murder him. The head was to be thrown towards Iyase (prime minister). The Iyase would rub his hand with the blood from it, then everybody would say this was in truth a war. By private arrangement, it was not Ogiamien's Oliha who was murdered. Oba Ewedo sent someone else and after he was murdered, it was proclaimed that he was Oliha-Ogiamien.

— Ogiamen, [18]

Whether viewed as 20th-century historical revisionism or factual events, this narrative highlights a collaborative and amicable relationship between the two ostensibly adversarial parties.[19] Subsequently, Oba Ewedo permanently vacated Usama (his temporary palace) and established his residence at the present site, strategically connecting with the Ogiso-era "owners of the land" and local ancestors to legitimise his reign.[20] Despite the appearance of amity, Oba Ewedo, perhaps due to lingering suspicions, stationed his Isienmwenro (bodyguard) in a quarter adjacent to Ogiamien III's palace.[21]

Aftermath and legacy

The Battle of Ekiokpagha marked a decisive conclusion to the protracted conflict between previous Obas of Benin, including Oba Ewedo, and Ogiamien family, signifying the unification and fortification of the Benin monarchy. Oba Ewedo earned the epithet "Ewedo the Great" for skilfully redefining the authority structures within the Benin nation.[22] His reign ushered in a series of transformative measures, including the establishment of the Uzama (kingmakers), the expansion of city walls, the institution of a guild system, and the promotion of trade and commerce.[23]

In the aftermath, Ogiamien III assumed a subservient role as a chief under the Oba, retaining specific privileges and influence. He retained possession of his palace and title, securing a share of tribute from the villages under his jurisdiction.[23] Exempted from certain customary obligations such as prostrating before the Oba or wearing a cap in his presence, Ogiamien III was acknowledged as the representative of the indigenous people of the land and the custodian of the Ekiokpagha Treaty.[24]

The Battle of Ekiokpagha and its repercussions are ritually reenacted during the coronation ceremonies of subsequent Obas of Benin, symbolising the historical and traditional tensions between the Oba and the Ogiamien family.[23] The reenactments occur at a constructed "bridge" adorned with fresh palm fronds, representing the crossing from Isekhere's territory to Ogiamien's domain, where the Oba is ceremonially challenged. Another enactment unfolds at Ekiokpagha, where a simulated conflict transpires between the Oba and Ogiamien, ultimately culminating in reconciliation. These ritualistic performances serve to renew the terms of the treaty, averting potential displeasure of the land that might result in plagues and afflictions upon the city.[4]

In recent times, particularly surrounding the 2016 coronation of Oba Ewuare II, the Battle of Ekiokpagha has become a focal point of controversy and debate. The Ogiamien family, led by Arisco Osemwengie, asserted their rightful claim to the Benin throne, challenging the authority and legitimacy of the Oba.[25] Refusing participation in the coronation rituals, they demanded recognition as a distinct kingdom.[25] In response, the palace dismissed these claims as unfounded, labelling them rebellious and disrespectful, and contending that the Ogiamien family lacked ancestral ties to the Ogiso dynasty, considering them as former slaves.[26]

The Battle of Ekiokpagha stands as a pivotal event in the history and cultural heritage of Benin, embodying the intricate and dynamic relationships between the Oba and the Ogiamien, as well as between the monarchy and the indigenous inhabitants of the land. It underscores the significance of coronation rituals in preserving and transmitting the historical and traditional memory of Benin.[27]

Treaty

A formal accord, recognised as the Treaty of Ekiokpagha, was solemnly ratified by both Ogiamien III and Oba Ewedo.[2] The Ogiamien and his adherents unequivocally embraced a policy of reconciliation and the proclamation of peace. Immediate cessation of all hostilities stemming from the political crises that originated during the interregnum period was mandated.[28]

Acknowledgment of Oba Ewedo's kingship over the Benin kingdom was a fundamental tenet of the treaty. The Ogiamien formally recognised Oba Ewedo as the legitimate ruler.[29]

The Ogiamien relinquished his identification as the king of the Benin kingdom and, subsequently, handed over the Royal Stool of the Ogiso rulers to Oba Ewedo.[30]

In recognition of his hereditary status, the Ogiamien was conferred the title of a hereditary chief, preserving his kingship title. This bestowed upon him and his descendants the distinction of being recognised as esteemed members of the Benin nobility.[31]

Explicitly stipulated in the treaty was the directive that, except the Oba of Benin (Sopkonba), no other chiefs were granted the authority to directly intervene or exercise political control over the Ogiamien within his domain.[32]

A paramount provision emphasised the commitment to abstain from armed conflict, bloodshed, or the renewal of hostilities subsequent to the endorsement of the agreement.[33]

The Treaty of Ekiokpagha established a mechanism for periodic renewal by each successive Oba of Benin with the Ogiamien. This renewal carried guarantees against reprisals or punitive actions targeting supporters of both rival dynasties for their prior political activities.[34]

References

  1. 1 2 3 Eweka 1992, p. 15.
  2. 1 2 Osadolor 2001, p. 61.
  3. 1 2 3 Edebiri 2003, p. 2.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 Curnow 2017, p. 1.
  5. ↑ Curnow 2017, p. 13.
  6. ↑ Curnow 2017, p. 13, "Ọba Ẹwẹdo is said to have met secretly with Ubi multiple times, promising the latter expensive gifts if he could enter the city and assume general rule.".
  7. ↑ Curnow 2017, p. 13—14, "Ubi agreed, but counselled this would only be possible through subterfuge, since many Ẹdo were still against the return of the monarchy.".
  8. ↑ Curnow 2017, p. 14, "He instructed Ẹwẹdo that they should meet at the point where their respective domains were demarcated–opposing sides of the streams in the ferryman Isekhere's territory.".
  9. ↑ Curnow 2017, p. 14, "The Ọba should announce his intentions to enter the city while carrying a cock wrapped in white cloth around his neck.".
  10. ↑ Curnow 2017, p. 14, "Ubi would refuse entry,seize the rooster and run with it, instructing that war would follow in seven days.".
  11. ↑ Osadolor 2001, p. 61, "Although, the royal troops of Oba Ewedo were able to overcome the forces of the Ogiamien, the latter refused to accept defeat, and a period of seven days was fixed for another battle.".
  12. ↑ Curnow 2017, p. 14, "Ẹwẹdo should then offer a cow, a goat, some people, an agba stool and other goods if Ubi would let him pass and take control of the city on the seventh day.".
  13. ↑ Curnow 2017, p. 14, "Ẹwẹdo followed these instructions.".
  14. ↑ Curnow 2017, p. 14, "The rooster, its presence and cloth indicating a sacrifice (perhaps in response to ominigbọn divination), was duly snatched, and Ubi fled with it, chased by the Ọba's men.".
  15. ↑ Curnow 2017, p. 14, ""He was saying 'Ọ gua, Ọ gua, Ọ gua' over and over– 'This place has contained you.' Ubi threw the chicken [when he came to where the cemetery was]. When they saw it, they left him. That became the present palace."".
  16. ↑ Curnow 2017, p. 14, ""After seven days, both parties were to meet and battle at Ẹkiokpagha, where Ubi would put up a token fight and then, as agreed, capitulate.".
  17. ↑ Curnow 2017, p. 14, "Before the royal party reached the site, however, they sighted Ogiamiẹn's Oliha and killed him, giving rise to the saying "A ma he se Ẹkiokpagha, a gbe Oliha Ogiamiẹn," or "We have not yet reached Ẹkiokpagha, but we have killed Ogiamiẹn's Oliha.".
  18. ↑ Curnow 2017, p. 14.
  19. ↑ Curnow 2017, p. 15, "This is likely historical revisionism, but whether 20th-century invention or fact, it demonstrates collusion and good will between the two formalised "enemies."".
  20. ↑ Curnow 2017, p. 15—16, "Despite the surface amity that allowed Ogiamiẹn to retain his title as a chief under the new monarchy, Ẹwẹdo apparently did not fully trust him, because he sited his Isiẹnmwẹnro bodyguard in a quarter adjacent to Ogiamiẹn's palace.".
  21. ↑ Ọmọregie 1997, p. 10.
  22. 1 2 3 Eweka 1992, p. 18.
  23. ↑ Edebiri 2003, p. 3.
  24. 1 2 "Oba Of Benin Is Supreme In Benin – Appeal Court Declares". THEWILL NEWS MEDIA - Nigeria News, Nigeria Politics, Breaking News. 17 November 2016. Retrieved 25 November 2023.
  25. ↑ Curnow 2017, p. 28-40.
  26. ↑ Edebiri 2003, p. 4.
  27. ↑ Osadolor 2001, p. 61, "...first of all, the Ogiamien and his loyalists accepted a policy of reconciliation and proclamation of peace, and all hostilities arising from the political crises which began during the period of interregnum were to cease immediately.".
  28. ↑ Osadolor 2001, p. 61, "Second, the Ogiamien accepted the kingship of Ewedo as the Oba of Benin kingdom.".
  29. ↑ Osadolor 2001, p. 61, "Third, the Ogiamien ceased to identify himself as the king of Benin kingdom and subsequently, handed over the Royal Stool of the Ogiso rulers to Oba Ewedo.".
  30. ↑ Osadolor 2001, p. 61, "Fourth, the Ogiamien was made a hereditary chief, retaining his kingship title as his new title, which will enable him and his heirs to be identified as one of the nobles of Benin.".
  31. ↑ Osadolor 2001, p. 61, "Fifth, except the Oba of Benin (Sopkonba) no other chiefs can be directly involved or interfere or exercise any form of political control over the Ogiamien in his domain.".
  32. ↑ Osadolor 2001, p. 61—62, "Sixth, there will be no resort to armed struggle and bloodshed or renewal of conflicts once the agreement has been endorsed.".
  33. ↑ Osadolor 2001, p. 62, "Finally, the peace treaty will be renewed by every new Oba of Benin with the Ogiamien, with guarantees for no action against supporters of both rival dynasties for their past political activities.".

Bibliography

This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.