Akure–Benin War

Akure–Benin War
Part of Benin Empire
Date 1818 AD Location Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria Result Benin victory Territorial changes Akure became a vassal state of Benin
Belligerents
Benin Kingdom	Akure Kingdom
Commanders and leaders
Osemwende, Oba of Benin Erebor, Ezomo of Benin Ologbosere, Ologbosere of Benin Imaran, Imaran of Benin	Arakale, Deji of Akure
Strength
Unknown	Unknown
Casualties and losses
Unknown	Unknown

The Akure–Benin War was a military conflict that occurred in 1818 AD between the Benin Empire and the Akure Kingdom. The war was triggered by the murder of a Benin emissary, Chief Osague, by the Deji of Akure, Arakale, who coveted his coral beads adornment. The Oba of Benin, Osemwende, declared war on Akure and sent a punitive expedition led by three war commanders: Erebor, the Ezomo of Benin; Ologbosere, the Ologbosere of Benin; and Imaran, the Imaran of Benin. The Benin army attacked Akure from three different directions and captured the town after a cannon shot destroyed the Deji's palace. Akure became a vassal state of Benin and had to pay tribute and homage to the Oba.

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. 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.

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. 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. 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.

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. During the 15th and 16th centuries, under the rule of Oba Ewuare the Great and his successors, the Benin Empire reached its zenith in terms of power and influence. The empire boasted an advanced political and administrative system, a rich cultural and artistic heritage, and a formidable military force. Its sphere of influence extended over numerous neighbouring kingdoms and city-states, including Akure, Owo, Ekiti, Ondo, Lagos, and parts of present-day Ghana.

The relationship between the Benin Empire and the Akure Kingdom was generally characterized by peace and mutual respect, given their shared cultural heritage and common ancestry. The Akure Kingdom acknowledged the authority of the Oba of Benin, paying tribute and showing reverence. In return, the Oba of Benin maintained friendly relations by sending envoys and gifts to the Deji of Akure. 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. 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. 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.

Chief Osague, dressed in the regalia of a Benin chief adorned with coral bead necklaces, armlets, anklets, and a neck-choke, arrived in Akure with his entourage. He presented the Chalk of Good Tidings to the Deji, who received it with joy, offering prayers for the well-being of the new Oba and the prosperity of the Empire. However, Arakale, the Deji of Akure, harbored covetousness for Chief Osague's splendid adornments.

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. It was suspected that Arakale had instigated this disagreement, which escalated into a physical altercation. Chief Osague intervened to assist his wife and, tragically, lost his life in the ensuing fracas. Seizing the opportunity, Deji Arakale claimed Chief Osague's coral bead adornments.

News of these events in Akure reached Benin City, where it was reported that the Oba's emissary had been killed. This incident occurred in 1818 AD, prompting Osemwende to declare war on Akure. He assembled a punitive expedition to avenge the death of his emissary and subdue Akure, considering the incident a grave affront to his dignity and authority.

Course

The punitive expedition comprised three Benin war commanders, each responsible for different troops and routes. These commanders were Erebor, who held the position of Ezomo of Benin; Ologbosere, serving as the Ologbosere of Benin; and Imaran, a title denoting a brave warrior. The Ezomo held the highest military rank in Benin, while the Ologbosere's role was that of the chief executioner and jailer.

The expedition unfolded along multiple routes, each presenting its unique challenges and obstacles, including dense forests, rugged terrain, rivers, and potentially hostile villages. The Benin army encountered these difficulties as they advanced and faced resistance from the Akure army, led by the Deji himself.

The Ezomo's approach to Akure was via the Okearo route, while the Ologbosere advanced through the Oba-Ile route. Meanwhile, the Imaran followed the Ijare route to Akure. These commanders utilized cannons and military tactics to overcome the obstacles and breach the town's defenses.

The Ezomo was the first to reach Akure, laying siege to the town from the Okearo side and bombarding it with cannon shots, causing panic among the inhabitants. The Ologbosere arrived next, attacking from the Oba-Ile side and using cannons to weaken the town's defenses. The Imaran completed the encirclement from the Ijare side, also employing cannons to breach the town's walls.

Despite the courageous defense put forth by the Deji of Akure, Arakale, who rallied his warriors and sought assistance from allies like Owo, Ekiti, and Ondo, no external aid arrived due to fear of the Oba of Benin's reprisal. Thus, Arakale found himself alone, facing the superior Benin army, which held numerical and technological advantages.

The turning point of the conflict occurred when a cannon shot from the Benin army struck and destroyed the Deji's palace, a symbol of Akure's sovereignty. This event demoralized the Akure army and its people. Subsequently, the Benin army stormed the town, leading to its capture. Arakale, the Deji of Akure, was taken captive and presented before the Benin war commanders, accused of the murder of Chief Osague and the theft of his coral beads adornment. He was sentenced to death by beheading.

Following the capture of Akure, the Benin army engaged in looting and set the town ablaze. They seized numerous captives, cattle, and valuables and imposed a substantial annual tribute on Akure, payable to the Oba of Benin. This resulted in Akure's status as a vassal state of Benin, marking the loss of its independence and dignity.

Consequences

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. The Deji of Akure was compelled to pledge allegiance to the Oba of Benin and offer tribute and homage. Additionally, as a symbol of subordination, the Deji wore an iron neck-choke, which remained in place until 1897 AD, when British forces invaded Benin City, putting an end to the Benin Empire.

In contrast, for Benin, the war served as a triumphant assertion of its power and prestige. Benin expanded its territorial reach and extended its influence over Akure and neighbouring regions. 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. The coral beads adornment originally belonging to Chief Osague was recovered and returned to Benin City.

However, the conflict also laid bare certain vulnerabilities and challenges for Benin. It revealed that Benin's vassal states did not exhibit loyalty or gratitude towards their overlord; instead, they harboured resentment and sought opportunities for rebellion or defection. The war strained Benin's resources and manpower, necessitating the maintenance of a large army and bureaucracy to govern its extensive empire. Furthermore, the conflict generated animosity and hostility from neighbouring states that either feared or envied Benin's dominance. Lastly, it attracted the attention of foreign powers, including Britain and France, who were keen on exploiting the riches and resources of Benin.

Legacy

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

In Akure, the war is remembered as a profound event that altered the town's trajectory, marking the loss of autonomy and a tragic period. Simultaneously, it is celebrated as an emblem of Akure's valor and resilience, emphasizing the heroism displayed by its people. It also serves as a cautionary tale, underscoring the perils of greed and violence. Above all, it remains a source of inspiration, instilling a determination within the Akure populace to pursue liberation and restoration.

For Benin, the war is celebrated as a moment of triumph that reaffirmed the town's stature and dignity. It is also regarded as an act of justice, avenging the murder of a Benin emissary and restoring the Oba's honor. Moreover, it is seen as an act of magnanimity, sparing the lives of some Akure captives who were granted citizenship in Benin. The war's legacy is a source of pride for the town, significantly enhancing its wealth and cultural heritage.

Both Akure and Benin commemorate the war in various ways. In Akure, the "Ogun Ologbosere" festival, meaning "the war of Ologbosere," is an annual event in October that reenacts the war's events. The festival incorporates mock battles, traditional dances, songs, and prayers. It also symbolizes the removal of the neck-choke from the Deji of Akure and his restoration to dignity.

In Benin, a monument called "Erebor," meaning "the cannon," stands at Ring Road, in front of the Oba's palace. It is a replica of the cannon used by the Benin army to destroy the Deji's palace in Akure, symbolizing Benin's might and victory.

The war has also left an indelible mark on the art and culture of both regions. In Akure, oral traditions recount the war's narratives and legends, accompanied by songs and proverbs that impart its lessons and morals. Sculptures and paintings depict its vivid scenes and prominent figures.

In Benin, bronze plaques portray images and events from the war, while coral beads necklaces represent the coveted adornments sought by the Deji of Akure and later recovered by the Oba of Benin. Ivory carvings serve as illustrations of Benin's grandeur and magnificence.

References

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