Английская Википедия:Battle of Ekiokpagha
Шаблон:Short description Шаблон:EngvarB Шаблон:Infobox military conflict
The Battle of Ekiokpagha was a historical event that took place in 1255 AD on the Plains of Ogboka, near Benin City, between Oba Ewedo of the Benin Empire and Ogiamien III, the leader of the indigenous people of the land. The battle was a result of a power struggle between the two parties, who had different claims to the throne and the territory of Benin. The battle ended with the victory of Oba Ewedo, who established his palace at the present site, and the recognition of Ogiamien III as a chief under the monarchy. The battle and its aftermath have been reenacted in the coronation rituals of the subsequent Obas of Benin, as a symbol of the historical and traditional enmity between the Oba and the Ogiamien family.
Background
The roots of the conflict between Oba Ewedo and Ogiamien III trace back to the establishment of the Benin dynasty in the 12th century AD by Prince Oranmiyan, who arrived from Ife.Шаблон:SfnШаблон:Sfn The dissatisfaction of the Benin elders with the rule of the last Ogiso, Ogiso Owodo, led to the invitation of Oranmiyan.Шаблон:Sfn Having married Princess Erimwinde, the daughter of Ogiso Owodo, at Egor, Oranmiyan fathered Eweka before departing Benin due to prevalent hostility and environmental challenges. Entrusting his son to Chief Evian, the Odionwere (head of the elders) of Benin, Oranmiyan departed.Шаблон:Sfn
Eweka, raised by Chief Evian, ascended to become the first Oba of Benin, initiating efforts to expand his influence and authority. However, he encountered resistance from indigenous chiefs, particularly Ogiamien III, who contested the legitimacy of Eweka as the Ogiso dynasty's successor.Шаблон:Sfn Ogiamien III, asserting descent from the first Ogiso, Igodo, commanded a substantial territory and possessed a formidable army.Шаблон:Sfn Refusing to pay tribute or acknowledge Oba Eweka's authority, Ogiamien III posed a persistent challenge.Шаблон:Sfn
Despite attempts by Oba Eweka and his successors to quell Ogiamien and his followers, success remained elusive over several generations.Шаблон:Sfn The conflict persisted until the reign of Oba Ewedo, who assumed the throne in 1255 AD.Шаблон:Sfn Oba Ewedo, resolute in ending Ogiamien's rebellion and establishing unequivocal rule over Benin, devised a strategic plan.Шаблон:Sfn This plan aimed to entice Ogiamien III into a carefully laid trap, culminating in a decisive battle to secure Oba Ewedo's authority.Шаблон:Sfn
Battle
Oba Ewedo crafted a secret agreement with Chief Ubi, a trusted ally of Ogiamien.Шаблон:Sfn In multiple covert meetings, Oba Ewedo assured Ubi of lavish rewards in exchange for facilitating his entry into the city and assuming a position of general rule.Шаблон:Sfn While Ubi consented, he cautioned that achieving this objective would necessitate subterfuge, considering the lingering opposition among the Edo populace to the restoration of the monarchy.Шаблон:Sfn
Following Ubi's guidance, Oba Ewedo was to meet him at the point where their respective territories were delineated—the streams in the ferryman Isekhere's domain.Шаблон:Sfn The plan involved Oba Ewedo publicly declaring his intent to enter the city while carrying a white-cloth-wrapped cock around his neck.Шаблон:Sfn Ubi, in turn, would deny entry, seize the cock, and make off with it, proclaiming that war would ensue in seven days.Шаблон:SfnШаблон:Sfn Oba Ewedo would then offer a cow, a goat, individuals, an agba stool, and other goods to persuade Ubi to allow his passage and assume control of the city on the seventh day.Шаблон:Sfn
Oba Ewedo meticulously executed the devised plan.Шаблон:Sfn The rooster, symbolising a sacrificial offering, was deftly seized, and Ubi fled with it, pursued by the Oba's retinue.Шаблон:Sfn Uttering "O gua, O gua, O gua" ("This place has contained you") repeatedly, Ubi strategically discarded the chicken near the cemetery, leading to the abandonment of the chase.Шаблон:Sfn
As stipulated, after seven days, both factions convened for a decisive confrontation at Ekiokpagha.Шаблон:Sfn However, before the royal contingent reached the designated site, they encountered Oliha, the senior chief of Ogiamien, whom they promptly slew, leading to the adage "A ma he se Ekiokpagha, a gbe Oliha Ogiamien" ("We have not yet reached Ekiokpagha, but we have killed Ogiamien's Oliha").Шаблон:Sfn According to Ogiamien III, Oba Ewedo had instructed that Шаблон:Quote
Whether viewed as 20th-century historical revisionism or factual events, this narrative highlights a collaborative and amicable relationship between the two ostensibly adversarial parties.Шаблон:Sfn Subsequently, Oba Ewedo permanently vacated Usama (his temporary palace) and established his residence at the present site, strategically connecting with the Ogiso-era "owners of the land" and local ancestors to legitimise his reign.Шаблон:Sfn Despite the appearance of amity, Oba Ewedo, perhaps due to lingering suspicions, stationed his Isienmwenro (bodyguard) in a quarter adjacent to Ogiamien III's palace.Шаблон:Sfn
Aftermath and legacy
The Battle of Ekiokpagha marked a decisive conclusion to the protracted conflict between previous Obas of Benin, including Oba Ewedo, and Ogiamien family, signifying the unification and fortification of the Benin monarchy. Oba Ewedo earned the epithet "Ewedo the Great" for skilfully redefining the authority structures within the Benin nation.Шаблон:Sfn His reign ushered in a series of transformative measures, including the establishment of the Uzama (kingmakers), the expansion of city walls, the institution of a guild system, and the promotion of trade and commerce.Шаблон:Sfn
In the aftermath, Ogiamien III assumed a subservient role as a chief under the Oba, retaining specific privileges and influence. He retained possession of his palace and title, securing a share of tribute from the villages under his jurisdiction.Шаблон:Sfn Exempted from certain customary obligations such as prostrating before the Oba or wearing a cap in his presence, Ogiamien III was acknowledged as the representative of the indigenous people of the land and the custodian of the Ekiokpagha Treaty.Шаблон:Sfn
The Battle of Ekiokpagha and its repercussions are ritually reenacted during the coronation ceremonies of subsequent Obas of Benin, symbolising the historical and traditional tensions between the Oba and the Ogiamien family.Шаблон:Sfn The reenactments occur at a constructed "bridge" adorned with fresh palm fronds, representing the crossing from Isekhere's territory to Ogiamien's domain, where the Oba is ceremonially challenged. Another enactment unfolds at Ekiokpagha, where a simulated conflict transpires between the Oba and Ogiamien, ultimately culminating in reconciliation. These ritualistic performances serve to renew the terms of the treaty, averting potential displeasure of the land that might result in plagues and afflictions upon the city.Шаблон:Sfn
In recent times, particularly surrounding the 2016 coronation of Oba Ewuare II, the Battle of Ekiokpagha has become a focal point of controversy and debate. The Ogiamien family, led by Arisco Osemwengie, asserted their rightful claim to the Benin throne, challenging the authority and legitimacy of the Oba.[1] Refusing participation in the coronation rituals, they demanded recognition as a distinct kingdom.[1] In response, the palace dismissed these claims as unfounded, labelling them rebellious and disrespectful, and contending that the Ogiamien family lacked ancestral ties to the Ogiso dynasty, considering them as former slaves.Шаблон:Sfn
The Battle of Ekiokpagha stands as a pivotal event in the history and cultural heritage of Benin, embodying the intricate and dynamic relationships between the Oba and the Ogiamien, as well as between the monarchy and the indigenous inhabitants of the land. It underscores the significance of coronation rituals in preserving and transmitting the historical and traditional memory of Benin.Шаблон:Sfn
Treaty
A formal accord, recognised as the Treaty of Ekiokpagha, was solemnly ratified by both Ogiamien III and Oba Ewedo.Шаблон:Sfn The Ogiamien and his adherents unequivocally embraced a policy of reconciliation and the proclamation of peace. Immediate cessation of all hostilities stemming from the political crises that originated during the interregnum period was mandated.Шаблон:Sfn
Acknowledgment of Oba Ewedo's kingship over the Benin kingdom was a fundamental tenet of the treaty. The Ogiamien formally recognised Oba Ewedo as the legitimate ruler.Шаблон:Sfn
The Ogiamien relinquished his identification as the king of the Benin kingdom and, subsequently, handed over the Royal Stool of the Ogiso rulers to Oba Ewedo.Шаблон:Sfn
In recognition of his hereditary status, the Ogiamien was conferred the title of a hereditary chief, preserving his kingship title. This bestowed upon him and his descendants the distinction of being recognised as esteemed members of the Benin nobility.Шаблон:Sfn
Explicitly stipulated in the treaty was the directive that, except the Oba of Benin (Sopkonba), no other chiefs were granted the authority to directly intervene or exercise political control over the Ogiamien within his domain.Шаблон:Sfn
A paramount provision emphasised the commitment to abstain from armed conflict, bloodshed, or the renewal of hostilities subsequent to the endorsement of the agreement.Шаблон:Sfn
The Treaty of Ekiokpagha established a mechanism for periodic renewal by each successive Oba of Benin with the Ogiamien. This renewal carried guarantees against reprisals or punitive actions targeting supporters of both rival dynasties for their prior political activities.Шаблон:Sfn
References
Bibliography
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