Английская Википедия:Akure–Benin War

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The Akure–Benin War, which took place in 1818 AD, was a conflict between the Benin Kingdom and the Akure Kingdom in what is now Nigeria. The origins of this conflict can be traced back to the complex history of the region, with Akure being a place of ancient settlements, some dating back to the early Ife kingdom. The Akure Kingdom emerged when these communities were consolidated under the rule of Prince Omoremilekun, who descended from Oduduwa, a revered figure in Yoruba history. Historically, the relationship between Benin and Akure had been marked by peace and mutual respect due to shared cultural heritage and ancestry.

However, this harmony was disrupted when Chief Osague, a Benin emissary, was killed by the Deji of Akure, Arakale. This incident, along with other conflicts and provocations, triggered the Benin invasion of Akure. The invasion involved military manoeuvres, with the Benin army led by top commanders, including Chief Erebo the Ezomo, General Ologbosere the Ologbosere, and the Imaran. They encountered resistance from the Akure army, led by the Deji himself. The Benin army strategically advanced through various routes, eventually capturing Akure after the destruction of the Deji's palace. This victory led to the establishment of Akure as a vassal state under Benin's control.

The consequences of the war were profound. For Akure, it marked a defeat, resulting in the loss of independence and submission to Benin's rule. The Deji of Akure had to pledge allegiance to the Oba of Benin, Osemwende, and pay tribute. In contrast, for Benin, the war demonstrated its power and expanded its territorial influence, with the Oba amassing greater wealth through tribute and plunder. The conflict had a lasting impact on the history and culture of both Akure and Benin, commemorated through various means, including oral traditions, festivals, monuments, and art.

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.Шаблон:Sfn 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.Шаблон:Sfn

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.Шаблон:Sfn 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.Шаблон:Sfn 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.Шаблон:Sfn

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.Шаблон:Sfn

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

Some other accounts have it that Chief Osague was entrusted with the task of punishing the people of Akure for choosing a Deji without the approval of the Oba of Benin.Шаблон:Sfn Around the same time, a Benin trader named Ogonto was attacked in the Akure market, causing violent riots in which some Bini people were killed.Шаблон:Sfn A similar incident occurred at Igbara-Odo, resulting in the death of many Bini people and the burning of their properties.Шаблон:Sfn

Chief Osague, dressed in the regalia of a Benin chief adorned with coral beads arrived in Akure with his entourage.Шаблон:Sfn He presented the Chalk of Good Tidings to Arakale, the Deji of Akure, who harboured covetousness for Chief Osague's splendid adornments.Шаблон:Sfn

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.Шаблон:Sfn Arakale had instigated this disagreement, which escalated into a physical altercation.Шаблон:Sfn Chief Osague intervened to assist his wife and, was murdered in the ensuing fracas. Seizing the opportunity, Deji Arakale claimed Chief Osague's coral bead adornments.Шаблон:Sfn

News of these events in Akure reached Benin City, where it was reported that the Oba's emissary had been killed.Шаблон:Sfn These incidents which occurred in 1818 AD, prompted Osemwende to declare a punitive expedition to avenge the death of his emissary and subdue Akure,Шаблон:Sfn and guns were used extensively.Шаблон:Sfn The Deji was captured and beheaded and his son, Adésọ́rọ̀ (Osupa), was taken as a prisoner to Benin.Шаблон:Sfn

Course

The punitive expedition comprised three Benin war commanders and two other front commanders, each responsible for different troops and routes.Шаблон:Sfn These commanders were Erebor, who held the position of Ezomo of Benin; General Ologbosere, serving as the Ologbosere of Benin; and Imaran, a title denoting a brave warrior.Шаблон:Sfn The front commanders were Imadiyi and Oyodo.Шаблон:Sfn The Ezomo held the highest military rank in Benin,Шаблон:Sfn while the Ologbosere was a powerful and influential chief.Шаблон:SfnШаблон:Sfn

The Benin army encountered difficulties as they advanced and faced resistance from the Akure army, led by the Deji himself.Шаблон:Sfn

The Ezomo's approach to Akure was via the Okearo route, while the Ologbosere advanced through Okelisa route. Meanwhile, the Imaran followed the Isikan and Isinkin route to Akure.Шаблон:Sfn

The Benin armies came from the south and attacked Akure, Ilawe and Igara-Odo, pushing them northwards along with many of the towns of Ewi.Шаблон:Sfn The military operation was successful, partly because of the strategy of surrounding them; as Akure had also prepared to defend itself from any military threat from Benin after its rebellion.Шаблон:Sfn

The turning point of the conflict occurred when a Benin army, known as Omonoyan, fired a cannon which destroyed the Deji's palace, a symbol of Akure's sovereignty.Шаблон:SfnШаблон:SfnШаблон:Sfn Subsequently, the Benin army stormed the town, leading to its capture.Шаблон:Sfn Arakale, the Deji of Akure, was taken captive and sentenced to death by beheading.Шаблон:Sfn

Following the capture of Akure, the Benin military effectively quelled the uprising in Akure.Шаблон:Sfn They seized numerous captives, cattle, and valuables and imposed a substantial annual tribute of three slaves,Шаблон:Sfn ivories and corals on Akure, payable to the Oba of Benin.Шаблон:Sfn This resulted in Akure's status as a vassal state of Benin, marking the loss of its independence and dignity.Шаблон:SfnШаблон:Sfn

Consequences

According to historical accounts by Jacob Egharevba, a significant portion of Akure, known as Isolo (Usolo), was besieged and captured by the Ologbosere faction.Шаблон:Sfn Subsequently, the Deji of Akure, Arakale, sought refuge with the Ewi of Ado Ekiti after escaping the Ologbosere's onslaught.Шаблон:Sfn Unfortunately, the Ewi declined support, fearing potential repercussions from the Benin invasion.Шаблон:Sfn Arakale's journey led him to Uju and Uhen (Ise), where the Arinjale of Uhen, prioritising the safety of his own town, directed him to the Ezomo.Шаблон:Sfn Following a trial, Arakale was executed, and his severed head was sent to the Oba Osemwende in Benin City.Шаблон:Sfn

During this military expedition, the Imaran narrowly escaped capture by the Isikan people.Шаблон:Sfn When faced with imminent danger, he defended himself by employing a pistol.Шаблон:Sfn When returning to Benin with captives and spoils, the Ezomo succumbed to smallpox and was interred near Akure by the Imaran and Ezabayg, his head servant.Шаблон:Sfn James Fawckner Nicholls' account in 1825 revealed that the Ezomo, aged about sixteen, had recently lost his father in battle.Шаблон:Sfn Additionally, the Ologbosere, approaching from another route, also met his demise and was buried by his followers at Okemue.Шаблон:Sfn The deaths of these two chiefs were mourned more than their victory was celebrated by Oba Osemwende.Шаблон:Sfn

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.Шаблон:Sfn The Deji of Akure was compelled to pledge allegiance to the Oba of Benin and offer tribute and homage.Шаблон:Sfn

In contrast, for Benin, the war served as a triumphant assertion of its power and prestige.Шаблон:Sfn Benin expanded its territorial reach and extended its influence over Akure and neighbouring regions.Шаблон:Sfn 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.Шаблон:Sfn

After their triumph in Akure, both the Ezomo and the Ologbosere suffered from mysterious illnesses and passed away during their return journey to Benin.Шаблон:Sfn Their deaths were regarded as occurring while in active service. However, their victory in the war was made possible by the additional support of troops and supplies from the Ikerres in the eastern Yorubaland and from Irrua, an Esan chiefdom.Шаблон:Sfn In recognition of the Onojie of Uromi's support during the war, the Oba granted him the special privilege of inheriting the properties of individuals in Uromi who passed away without children.Шаблон:Sfn

Upon the successful reconquest of Akure, the two leading commanders of the Benin army, Imadiyi and Oyodo,Шаблон:Sfn established a military base at Otun to continue their military campaigns in the Ekiti region and other parts of eastern Yorubaland.Шаблон:SfnШаблон:Sfn They managed to conquer and bring several towns and chiefdoms under Benin's control.Шаблон:Sfn They compelled Ekiti princes to pay an annual tribute to the Oba of Benin, acknowledging his imperial authority.Шаблон:Sfn For a brief period, the Ekitis remained loyal to the Oba of Benin but later rebelled.Шаблон:Sfn This led to another military operation under the command of Omemu, one of the front commanders of the Benin army. Omemu convened Ekiti's leading chiefs at Igbara Oke, but they adopted a hostile stance, resulting in their defeat in the fierce battle.Шаблон:Sfn With the success of this campaign, the Ekitis renewed their allegiance to the Oba of Benin, and the payment of tribute continued until the British occupation in 1897.Шаблон:SfnШаблон:Sfn

Oyodo was later tasked by the Ore of Otun to combat their enemies, the Araye.Шаблон:Sfn However, due to his harsh and frugal leadership, coupled with fatigue, Oyodo's soldiers deserted, leading to his capture and beheading by the Araye.Шаблон:Sfn Upon hearing the news, Imadiyi resumed the war, and after a decisive battle near Otun, the Araye surrendered, establishing peace.Шаблон:Sfn Despite his victory, Imadiyi succumbed to fever and died at Ijero while returning to Benin.Шаблон:Sfn

Legacy

In 1834, years after the Akure conquest, the Oba of Benin released Adésọ́rọ̀, the son of Arakale, from captivity and was then appointed as the Deji of Akure.Шаблон:Sfn He assumed the title of Osupa I (Osupa lati Ado wa) and was tasked with safeguarding Benin's interests in the Ekiti region.Шаблон:Sfn Notably, a man named Orhuon (Orhuonkedo), (likely the king named "Osuon," in Akure history, said to be a brother of Osupa), who had proclaimed himself Deji of Akure, committed suicide upon learning of Osupa I's arrival with the Oba's messengers.Шаблон:Sfn

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

A cannonball at the Benin Museum which may have been used in the destruction of the Deji's palace is recorded by Historian Egharevba.Шаблон:Sfn

References

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