Akure–Benin War

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.[2] 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.[3]

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.[4] 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.[5] 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.[3]

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.[6]

The relationship between the Benin Empire and the Akure Kingdom was generally characterized by peace and mutual respect, given their shared cultural heritage and common ancestry.[7][6] The Akure Kingdom acknowledged the authority of the Oba of Benin, paying tribute and showing reverence.[8] In return, the Oba of Benin maintained friendly relations by sending envoys and gifts to the Deji of Akure.[9] However, this harmonious relationship was disrupted by an incident of greed and violence, ultimately leading to conflict.

The immediate cause of the conflict was the murder of a Benin emissary named Chief Osague by the Deji of Akure, Arakale.[10] Chief Osague held a prominent position in the Iwebo Chancellery of the Palace[11] and was entrusted with the task of punishing the people of Akure for choosing a Deji without the approval of the Oba of Benin.[12] 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.[13] A similar incident occurred at Igbara-Odo, resulting in the death of many Bini people and the burning of their properties.[14]

Somehow, Arakale ordered the murder of Chief Osague.[15]

These incidents which occurred c. 1818 triggered the Benin invasions, where guns were used extensively.[16] The Deji was captured and beheaded and his son Osupa was taken as a prisoner to Benin.[17]

The punitive expedition comprised three Benin war commanders and two other front commanders, each responsible for different troops and routes.[18] 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.[18] The front commanders were Imadiyi and Oyodo.[18] The Ezomo held the highest military rank in Benin[19], while the Ologbosere was a powerful and influential chief.[20][21]

The Benin army encountered difficulties as they advanced and faced resistance from the Akure army, led by the Deji himself.[22]

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.[23]

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.[24] 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.[24]

The turning point of the conflict occurred when a cannon shot from the Benin army struck and destroyed the Deji's palace, a symbol of Akure's sovereignty.[25][26] This event demoralized the Akure army and its people. Subsequently, the Benin army stormed the town, leading to its capture. Arakale, the Deji of Akure, was taken captive and sentenced to death by beheading.[17]

Following the capture of Akure, the Benin military effectively quelled the uprising in Akure.[27] They seized numerous captives, cattle, and valuables and imposed a substantial annual tribute of three slaves,[28] ivories and corals on Akure, payable to the Oba of Benin.[29] This resulted in Akure's status as a vassal state of Benin, marking the loss of its independence and dignity.[30][31]

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.[26] The Deji of Akure was compelled to pledge allegiance to the Oba of Benin and offer tribute and homage.[8]

In contrast, for Benin, the war served as a triumphant assertion of its power and prestige.[6] Benin expanded its territorial reach and extended its influence over Akure and neighbouring regions.[32] 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.[8]

After their triumph in Akure, both the Ezomo and the Ologbosere suffered from mysterious illnesses and passed away during their return journey to Benin.[33] 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.[34]

Upon the successful reconquest of Akure, the two leading commanders of the Benin army, Imadiyi and Oyodo, established a military base at Otun to continue their military campaigns in the Ekiti region and other parts of eastern Yorubaland.[35] They managed to conquer and bring several towns and chiefdoms under Benin's control.[36] For a brief period, the Ekitis remained loyal to the Oba of Benin but later rebelled.[37] This led to another military operation under the command of Omuemu, one of the front commanders of the Benin army. 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.[38]

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.[26]

A cannonball at the Benin Museum which may have been used in the destruction of the Deji's palace is recorded by Historian Egharevba.[25]