Orhogbua
Seventeenth Oba of Benin, expanded realm and traded with Europeans.
Orhogbua, who reigned around 1550, was the seventeenth Oba of Benin, succeeding his father Esigie. He was exposed to Christianity and Portuguese education in his youth, including baptism and study abroad, and later expanded Benin's influence through military campaigns and the establishment of a base at Lagos Island. He maintained trade with Europeans and is credited with introducing native cooking salt.
Quick Facts
- Reign
- c. 1550 (1578)
- Predecessor
- Esigie
- Successor
- Ehengbuda
- Issue
- Ehengbuda
- Ashipa
- Eleko of Eko
- House
- Eweka I
- Mother
- Elaba
- Died
- 1578
Facts from the source article.
Early life and education
He was born during his father's reign, a period marked by religious and cultural changes after Benin's contact with the Portuguese. Following the Benin–Idah war around 1516, Esigie promoted Christianity in the kingdom and directed royal court members, including the crown prince, to adopt the new faith. Churches and chapels in Benin City, staffed by Portuguese priests, combined religious instruction with basic literacy, and Orhogbua attended a Portuguese colonial school where he learned Portuguese and was baptised around 1516 as a Catholic. He later pursued formal studies abroad, first on São Tomé and then in Lisbon, training with the intention of becoming a Catholic priest. At Esigie's death, Orhogbua was still abroad; upon returning, he chose kingship over priesthood, ending his religious ambitions but carrying the influence of his education into his reign.
Reign, achievements and death
Orhogbua, the seventeenth Oba, took the throne around 1550 after his father Esigie. His rule came at a time when Benin was a major regional force, blending military strength with expanding trade along the western lagoons. Early in his reign, he led a large army against towns that had stopped paying tribute. Later, he pushed westward with war canoes, attacking places like Iddo Island, likely to keep control over European commerce. He set up a permanent military camp on Lagos Island, naming it Èkó, which became a base for Benin’s power. He also conquered Mahin, executing its king Olague for treason and taking his wealth back to Benin. Orhogbua then appointed his grandson Ashipa as ruler of Èkó, though stories about Ashipa’s origins differ. He traded with Europeans; in 1553, an English expedition under Thomas Wyndham arrived, and Orhogbua allowed pepper trade at Ughoton. Disease later wiped out most of that crew. Orhogbua died around 1578, and his son Ehengbuda took over.
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