Ehenneden

Ehenneden, also spelled Hennenden, (born Egiebo, reigned c. 1095 – c. 1110) was the twenty-sixth Ogiso (king) of Igodomigodo, the early state that preceded the Benin Empire. His reign is documented as having involved economic expansion, administrative restructuring, and increased activity among guilds and artisans. Ehenneden strengthened the role of royal guilds in weaving, carving, and trade, which contributed to production and commerce. He also reorganised the Edionnisen ("Great Nobles"), granting them the authority to appoint sub-chiefs, oversee regional courts, and construct noble residences, actions that contributed to the governance structure. Following his death without a direct heir, succession disputes arose; ultimately, the Edionnisen selected Ohuede, a distant royal relative, as his successor, thereby marking the end of the Oriagba dynasty.