Arigho

Arigho (c. 1121 – c. 1125) was the thirtieth ogiso (king) of Igodomigodo, an early kingdom that later became part of the Benin Empire. His reign occurred during the Great Famine, which had begun during the rule of his father, Ogiso Obioye. Although he had personal wealth prior to his ascension, Arigho inherited a kingdom facing economic challenges. To address the kingdom's financial instability, he implemented an economic reform known as Igho Arigho, a "double payment" taxation system aimed at reducing the amount of currency in circulation and stabilising the economy. This policy increased the royal treasury but has been described as intensifying class divisions, with some accounts noting a rise in voluntary servitude among the lower classes. Additionally, Arigho's reign witnessed the emergence of the Osogan, described in oral traditions as a man-eating entity that disrupted commerce and travel.

Arigho's reign lasted four years until his death in 1125. He left a treasury stored in the Uye Ihiron ("seven deeps"). He was succeeded by his only surviving son, Owodo. The kingdom continued to experience instability during this period. Historians recognise Arigho for his economic policies during the Ogiso period, which are considered a significant point in precolonial West African economic history.