Egbeka

Oba of Benin (1370 AD–1400 AD)

Princess Evbu
Princess Iwua
Princess Iduzuwa

FatherOhen

Egbeka was the ninth Oba of Benin, ruling from 1370 AD to 1400 AD. He was the eldest son of Oba Ohen and took over the throne after his father's death.^[1]

Early life

Information about Oba Egbeka's early life is limited. As the eldest son of Oba Ohen, he was next in line for the throne. His ascension was preceded by a period of civil unrest and power struggles within the kingdom.^[1]

Reign

Egbeka's reign was marked by several civil wars with the Uzama Nihinron.^[1] His governance skills were limited, and his death did not significantly affect the kingdom.^[1] During his reign, the Sobos (Urhobos) migrated from Benin, founding Abraka and other towns.^[1]

Conflict with the Uneme

Egbeka's rule was marked by conflict with the Uneme people, who were skilled ironmakers. He suspected them of being involved in his father's death.^[2] His actions led to the departure of the Uneme and the establishment of their community around 1390 AD.^[2] The Uneme were known for their ironmaking skills, and their departure affected the kingdom's economy and military capabilities.^[3]

Military campaigns

Oba Egbeka's military campaigns, particularly against the Uneme people, were not successful.^[3] He attempted to subdue the Uneme by forming military alliances with neighbouring Yoruba kingdoms and using spiritual warfare.^[3]

Personal life, death and succession

Egbeka's daughters married prominent chiefs, which helped to reduce opposition from the Uzama and brought peace during the latter part of his reign.^[4] Oba Egbeka died around 1400 AD, ending a period of unrest. The throne was succeeded by Oba Orobiru, who sought to stabilise the kingdom after Egbeka's reign.^[1]

References

Citations

^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f Egharevba 1968, p. 13.
^ ^a ^b Ọmọregie 1998, p. 118–120.
^ ^a ^b ^c Harunah 2003, p. 187–189.
^ Egharevba 1973, p. 11.

Bibliography

Egharevba, Jacob (1968). A Short History of Benin. CMS Press. p. 13. ISBN 9789781212390.
Ọmọregie, Osarẹn S. B. (1998). The Ironmakers of Great Benin: A History of Unẹmẹ People. Neraso Publishers. pp. 118–120.
Harunah, Hakeem B. (2003). A Cultural History of the Uneme from the Earliest Times to 1962. The Book Company Limited. pp. 187–189. ISBN 978-978-36778-0-7.
Egharevba, Jacob (1973). Concise Lives of the Famous Iyases of Benin. Kraus Reprint. p. 11.