Obanosa

Little is known about Obanosa's early life, including specific details about his birth date and place of birth.[1] However, historical records indicate his royal lineage within the Benin Kingdom, and he ascended to the throne following the passing of his predecessor, Oba Akengbuda.[2][3][4]

The rivalry between Obanosa and Osopakharha, two young men in the Benin Kingdom during the early 19th century, was a defining feature of Obanosa's reign as Oba.[5][6] This intense competition had far-reaching consequences that left a lasting imprint on the history of Benin.[5][4][2]

Obanosa, originally known as Prince Osifo, was the son of Oba Akengbuda, while Osopakharha, the son of Chief Ahiye, held the position of warlock in the Eniwanren-Aso, a powerful witches coven in Benin.[7] The two young men, though not related by blood, shared a striking resemblance in both age and appearance, which added an intriguing dimension to their rivalry.[2]

The genesis of their rivalry stemmed from a clash of personalities and aspirations. Osopakharha was known for his popularity, audacity, and flamboyant lifestyle.[6] He relished the attention and was unapologetic about flaunting his charm and influence.[1][4] On the other hand, Prince Osifo, who would later be crowned as Obanosa, possessed remarkable intelligence and wisdom, endearing him to both his peers and elders.[5] His nickname, "Obanosa," which translates to "Oba with the wisdom and attributes of God," reflected the high regard in which he was held.[1][3]

However, beneath the veneer of admiration and respect, a simmering rivalry began to emerge.[5] Prince Osifo grew increasingly resentful of Osopakharha's popularity, flamboyance, and what he perceived as pretentiousness.[5][3][4] It is said that he harbored a deep-seated grudge against Osopakharha, which would eventually lead to a series of confrontations and clashes.[8][9][10]

Before ascending the throne, Prince Osifo made repeated public threats against Osopakharha, vowing to order his death once he became the Oba of Benin.[11][2] These threats were initially met with skepticism, as many believed that Prince Osifo would outgrow his animosity and youthful impulsiveness.[5] His elders, who recognised his intelligence and promise, hoped that he would mature into a more measured and wise ruler.[6][5][3][4]

However, the enmity between the two young men only deepened as time went on. Their rivalry played out in the social and political arenas of Benin City, where they competed for influence and recognition.[11] Osopakharha, refusing to be outdone, embraced the title "Oba Aso," signifying the "king of the night." This title not only challen[4]ged Obanosa's authority but also added to the intrigue surrounding their feud.[6]

To further complicate matters, Osopakharha developed a close and controversial relationship with Iyoba Ose, the mother of Prince Osifo and the matron of the Eniwanren-Aso witches coven.[5] His frequent visits to her palace at Uselu raised eyebrows and fueled the rivalry, with some viewing Osopakharha's actions as an affront to Obanosa's authority.[10][4]

The rivalry eventually reached a boiling point, culminating in a violent and destructive conflict known as the Okpughe.[5] Street fighting erupted, resulting in the tragic deaths of approximately five thousand people and the abandonment of streets near Ugbague quarters for decades.[12] The city was torn apart by the bitter and often deadly confrontation between the supporters of Obanosa and Osopakharha.[8][7][2]

In the aftermath of the conflict, Obanosa's health began to deteriorate rapidly. An oracle, consulted to identify the source of his illness, attributed it to Iyoba Ose.[3] In a shocking and unprecedented act, Obanosa ordered the public execution of his own mother by stoning, using molded bricks of esorhue (sea chalk).[11] This event marked a tragic turning point in Obanosa's reign and further demonstrated the depths of his enmity with Osopakharha.[11][10]

A few days after the execution of Iyoba Ose, Obanosa himself succumbed to illness, fulfilling a prophecy made by Osopakharha: "obo no biekhu, kevbe ekhu, era gba yowa," meaning, "the hand that opens a door goes with the door in the direction the door takes." With the deaths of both rivals, a chapter of intense conflict and turmoil in the Benin Kingdom came to a close.[10][11][7]

Obanosa's reign left a significant impact on Benin's history, characterised by conflicts, power struggles, and the influence of the Eniwanren-Aso witches coven.[5][4] His legacy, marked by both admiration and controversy, continues to be a subject of historical analysis and interpretation.[5][4]

In 1804, upon inheriting the throne, Obanosa also bestowed the title of "Mother of the Oba" (Queen Mother) and erected a royal altar in her honor.[5][4]