Akengbuda (c. 1720 – 1804) was the Oba of Benin from 1750 to 1804. He was the son and successor of Eresoyen, and the father of Obanosa. He is regarded as one of the most powerful and influential obas in the history of the Kingdom of Benin, as he expanded the kingdom's territory, improved its administration, and promoted its arts and culture. He also maintained a strong trade relationship with the Europeans, especially the Portuguese and the British, and acquired firearms and other goods from them. He was known for his military prowess, his diplomatic skills, and his patronage of arts and learning.

Background

The Kingdom of Benin was a pre-colonial African state that existed in what is now southern Nigeria. It was founded by the Edo people in the 11th century AD, after they rebelled against their previous rulers, the Ogisos. The first oba of Benin was Eweka I, who was the son of Oranmiyan, a prince from Ife, another powerful West African kingdom.^[1] The obas of Benin claimed descent from Oranmiyan and the Yoruba people, but they also adopted and adapted the culture and traditions of the Edo people.^[2] The obas ruled over a centralized and hierarchical system of government, with a large bureaucracy and a complex network of chiefs, nobles, and officials. The obas also had absolute authority over religious matters, as they were seen as divine representatives of their ancestors and gods.^[2]

The Kingdom of Benin reached its peak of power and glory under Ewuare the Great, who reigned from 1440 to 1473. He expanded the kingdom's borders, built a massive wall around its capital city, Benin City, and reformed its political and social institutions.^[3] He also initiated a golden age of art and culture in Benin, as he commissioned many bronze sculptures, ivory carvings, and coral beads that depicted the history and achievements of the obas and their courtiers.^[2] These artworks are collectively known as the Benin Bronzes, and they are considered some of the finest examples of African art.

After Ewuare's death, his successors continued to rule over a prosperous and stable kingdom, but they also faced some challenges and conflicts. Some of these were internal, such as succession disputes, civil wars, and rebellions by some provinces or vassal states.^[3] Others were external, such as wars with neighbouring kingdoms like Oyo, Dahomey, and Nri. The Kingdom of Benin also had to deal with the increasing presence and influence of European traders, missionaries, and explorers along its coast. The Portuguese were the first to arrive in Benin in the late 15th century, followed by other Europeans such as the Dutch, the French, and the British.^[4] The obas of Benin established trade relations with these Europeans, exchanging their goods such as pepper, palm oil, ivory, cloth, and slaves for European goods such as firearms, metal tools, textiles, alcohol, and beads.^[5] The trade was mutually beneficial, but it also had some negative effects, such as the depletion of Benin's resources, the disruption of its social order, and the introduction of new diseases.^[4]

Early life

Akengbuda was born around 1720 in Benin City, the capital of the Kingdom of Benin. He was the son of Oba Eresoyen, who reigned from 1735 to 1750, and Iyoba Eweba I, who was one of Eresoyen's many wives and the mother of his heir. Akengbuda was named after his grandfather, Oba Akengbedo, who reigned from 1684 to 1689. Akengbuda grew up in the royal palace, where he received a privileged education and training in the arts of war and governance.^[2] He also learned about the history and culture of Benin, as well as the languages and customs of other peoples, especially the Europeans. He was exposed to the works of art and literature that adorned the palace walls and halls, and he developed a keen interest and appreciation for them.

Akengbuda was also groomed to be the next oba, as he was the eldest son and designated successor of Eresoyen.^[2] He accompanied his father on several military campaigns and diplomatic missions, where he gained experience and reputation as a brave and capable leader. He also participated in various rituals and ceremonies that affirmed his royal status and prepared him for his future role.^[6] He married several wives from different families and regions, as a way of forming alliances and ensuring his legitimacy.^[6] Some of his wives were Iyoba Idia and Iyoba Emotan. He had many children with them, but his first son and heir was Prince Obanosa, who was born around 1740.

Reign

Akengbuda became the oba of Benin in 1750, after the death of his father Eresoyen. He was crowned in a lavish ceremony that involved various rites and festivities. He took the title of Omo N'Oba N'Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, meaning "the king of Benin, great among kings".^[2] He also chose his royal name, Akengbuda, meaning "the one who makes things happen".^[7] He moved into the royal palace, where he presided over a large and elaborate court that consisted of his wives, children, relatives, chiefs, nobles, officials, priests, warriors, artists, and servants. He also appointed his son Obanosa as the edaiken, or crown prince, who would rule over the town of Uselu as his representative.^[2]

Akengbuda's reign was marked by several achievements and challenges. He expanded the territory and influence of Benin by conquering or subjugating several neighboring kingdoms and peoples, such as the Igala, the Idah, the Esan, the Ishan, the Ika, the Urhobo, the Isoko, the Itsekiri, and the Ijaw.^[8] He also fought against some enemies who threatened Benin's security or sovereignty, such as Oyo, Dahomey, Nri, and some European powers.^[9] He maintained a strong army that was well-equipped with firearms and other weapons that he acquired from his European trade partners. He also built or repaired several fortifications and roads that facilitated his military campaigns and administration.^[10]

Akengbuda also improved the administration and governance of Benin by reforming its political and legal institutions. He reorganized the bureaucracy and appointed competent and loyal officials to various positions. He also strengthened the authority and prestige of the oba by enforcing strict laws and regulations that ensured order and justice in his realm.^[8] He punished any offenders or rebels with harsh penalties, such as fines, imprisonment, exile, or death. He also rewarded any loyal or meritorious subjects with honours, titles, or gifts.^[8] He maintained a close relationship with his chiefs, nobles, priests, and elders, who advised him on various matters and represented him in different regions or domains.^[11]

Akengbuda also promoted the arts and culture of Benin by patronizing various artists and scholars who produced works that celebrated his reign and achievements.^[12] He commissioned many bronze sculptures, ivory carvings, coral beads, wood carvings, cloth paintings, leather works, pottery works, metal works, musical instruments, and books that depicted his history and achievements.^[2] Some of these artworks are now displayed in various museums and galleries around the world, such as the British Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the National Museum of African Art.^[13] He also supported various scholars and writers who recorded and preserved the oral traditions and histories of Benin and other peoples. He also encouraged the learning and use of different languages, especially Portuguese and English, which he used to communicate with his European trade partners and allies.^[14]

Death

Akengbuda died in 1804, after ruling for 54 years.^[15][8] He was one of the longest-reigning obas in Benin's history.^[8][16][17] He was buried in the Royal Cemetery in Benin City, where his ancestors and successors were also laid to rest.^[15] His funeral was attended by thousands of people who mourned his passing and celebrated his life. He was succeeded by his son Obanosa, who became the next oba of Benin.^[15]

Legacy

Akengbuda is remembered as one of the greatest and most influential obas in Benin's history.^[16] He is credited with expanding and consolidating Benin's territory and power, improving its administration and governance, and promoting its arts and culture.^[15] He is also admired for his military prowess, skills, and patronage of arts.^[8]

References

Further reading

• Bradbury, R. E. (16 August 2018). Morton-Williams, Peter (ed.). Benin Studies. Routledge. doi:10.4324/9781351031264. ISBN 978-1-351-03126-4.