Oba Ewuare the Great || Reformer of the Benin Kingdom

Oba Ewuare the Great is one of the most powerful and respected kings in African history. He ruled the ancient Benin Kingdom in the 15th century and brought major changes that transformed the kingdom into a well-organized and powerful empire. Through his leadership, spiritual authority, and city reforms, Oba Ewuare created a system that helped the Benin Kingdom grow in strength, culture, and influence.

Today, he is remembered not only in Benin City (in present-day Edo State, Nigeria) but also across Nigeria and Africa for his remarkable achievements. His impact is still visible in many traditions, festivals, and institutions in the Benin Kingdom.

Early Life and Rise to Power

Oba Ewuare was born as Prince Ogun, one of the sons of Oba Ohen, a former king of Benin. As a young prince, Ogun was known to be brave, intelligent, and ambitious. However, after some family disagreements and political challenges, he was forced into exile. During his time away from the kingdom, Prince Ogun traveled widely and learned many things about leadership, culture, and spiritual practices. He also gathered magical charms and support from different parts of the land.

When his brother, who had taken the throne, died, Prince Ogun returned to Benin. He defeated his enemies in battle and took control of the kingdom. Upon ascending the throne, he changed his name to Oba Ewuare, meaning “the trouble has ceased,” to mark a new beginning of peace and reform in the land.

He is often referred to as Ewuare Ogidigan, which means “Ewuare the Great.” His reign is believed to have started around 1440 AD and lasted for over three decades.

Reforms and Achievements of Oba Ewuare

Oba Ewuare made many important reforms that strengthened the kingdom and changed its structure. His reforms affected politics, city development, religion, and culture.

1. Political Reforms

Before Oba Ewuare, the chiefs and elders (known as the Uzama) had too much control over the throne. The power of the Oba was weak, and the government was divided. Oba Ewuare changed this by reducing the political power of these chiefs and making the position of Oba (king) the supreme authority in the kingdom.

He introduced a system of centralized governance, where the king had full control over the army, laws, land, and leadership. This change brought unity, peace, and respect to the throne. He also introduced primogeniture, meaning that the king’s first son would automatically succeed him, which helped reduce conflict over succession. Ewuare created different royal titles and ranks in the palace and the wider kingdom. These included:

Uzama N’Ihinron (noble chiefs)

Eghae Oba (palace chiefs)

Iwebo, Ibiwe, and other palace guilds

These groups helped manage palace affairs, ceremonies, and crafts.

2. Expansion and Fortification of Benin City

Oba Ewuare made great improvements to the city of Benin. He is known for building one of the most advanced and well-planned cities in ancient Africa. He ordered the construction of deep moats and high walls around the city for protection. These moats stretched up to 11 kilometers and included gates to control entry into the city. The defensive earthworks around Benin later expanded to thousands of kilometers, making it one of the longest ancient man-made structures in the world.

Ewuare also planned the city in a grid system, with wide streets, market areas, and organized zones for different activities like trade, bronze casting, and administration. These changes impressed European visitors who later came to Benin in the 15th and 16th centuries.

3. Religious and Cultural Influence

Oba Ewuare was a deeply spiritual ruler. He was known for his use of charms, his respect for the gods, and his promotion of traditional beliefs. He declared certain religious rules and rituals, and introduced new spiritual laws across the kingdom.

One of his most notable contributions was the introduction of the Igue Festival, a spiritual festival held every year to bless the Oba and the kingdom. This festival is still celebrated in Edo State today. It is one of the oldest cultural festivals in Nigeria. He also promoted the worship of local deities like:

• Olokun, the god of the sea and wealth
• Osun and Ogun, among others

Oba Ewuare also introduced scarification as a way of identifying freeborn citizens of Benin, after he declared that childbirth should only be done with royal permission. This was part of his spiritual and political efforts to purify the kingdom after previous conflicts.

4. Support for Art and Creativity

Oba Ewuare supported the growth of Benin art, especially bronze, ivory, and brass works. During his reign, artists were grouped into palace guilds and were given special tasks to create items for royal and religious use.

The Benin Bronzes, metal plaques and sculptures made with detailed images of kings, warriors, animals, and ceremonies flourished during and after his reign. These artworks were used to decorate the walls of the royal palace and tell stories of Benin’s history. Benin’s artistic style became so famous that even European traders and explorers collected some of the works, many of which are now in museums around the world.

Legacy of Oba Ewuare the Great

Oba Ewuare’s leadership marked the beginning of the Second Benin Empire. His reforms helped the kingdom expand politically, culturally, and economically. The strong leadership system he built made it easier for future Obas to govern.

He is remembered as:

• A spiritual king
• A warrior and builder
• A reformer who brought peace and growth

Many of the traditions, festivals, and systems in the Benin Kingdom today were started or strengthened by him. His name is respected across Edo State and Nigeria, and he is honored in oral history, festivals, and cultural displays.

Interesting Facts about Oba Ewuare

He was once a banished prince who returned to become king.

He is said to have had magical powers, including the ability to control fire, according to oral history.

He created new laws to bring order and prevent rebellion.

He had multiple wives and formed alliances through marriage.

The city walls he built are considered one of the largest earthworks in ancient history.

Conclusion

Oba Ewuare the Great was more than a king; he was a visionary leader who transformed Benin into a powerful and respected empire. His political, spiritual, and cultural reforms helped shape not just the Benin Kingdom, but also Nigerian history.

By building a strong system of governance, encouraging creativity, and honoring tradition, he left a lasting legacy that is still felt today. Oba Ewuare’s story teaches us about leadership, courage, and the power of reform.