Oduwa

Oduwa (reigned c. 1112 – c. 1119) was the twenty-eighth ogiso (king) of Igodomigodo, a kingdom that eventually became part of the Benin Empire. His reign featured political restructuring, economic changes, diplomatic outreach, and internal conflicts. Oduwa ascended the throne following the death of his father, Ogiso Ohuede, amidst tensions between the Edionisen ("kingmakers") and the Edionwere ("senior village chiefs") over hereditary succession.

During his rule, Oduwa established the Ekaevbo ("provincial governors") system, which centralised governance and curbed the autonomy of rebellious factions. His reign also saw trade with the Yoruba, Itsekiri, and Ijaw peoples, along with the expansion of diplomatic relations through symbolic communication systems. However, towards the end of his reign, a severe famine c. 1119 – c. 1125 affected the kingdom.

Oduwa's death in 1119 coincided with a period of economic decline and political instability. He was succeeded by his son, Obioye, who inherited a kingdom facing challenges. Despite the difficulties at the end of his rule, Oduwa is remembered for his diplomatic and economic policies which influenced the future structure of the Benin Kingdom.