• Source: Olua

Olua was the fourteenth Oba of Benin who reigned from c. 1473 AD – c. 1480 AD. He was the second child of Ewuare. Olua's reign is noted for his actions and the establishment of the Itsekiri kingdom through his son Iginuwa.




Early life and accession


Olua was the child of Oba Ewuare and one of his consorts, who was executed by Ewuare for a transgression in the harem. She was denied the funeral rites typically given to the wives of the Oba. When Olua became the Oba, he conducted the final rites for her, despite advice that this could risk his reign. This action led to animosity towards him among the people of Benin.
Olua was not Ewuare's firstborn, but was chosen by his father as the successor (Edaiken). According to Benin tradition, the Edaiken was expected to live outside the capital among the hereditary chiefs, but Olua chose not to do so out of fear of his elder brother Okpame. His elder sister, Edeleyo, was asked to rule in his place, but she fell ill and died. The Uzama and Eghaevbo then enacted that no woman should be allowed to reign in the future. The chiefs persuaded Olua to accept the crown and sent his younger son, who later became Ogie Eho, to Eho to guard against Okpame's attack.




Reign






= Reputation

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Olua was known for his actions of kindness. He sometimes paid other people's debts when they were unable to pay, and he gave gifts to those in need. He gave a cow's leg to an old woman who wanted meat, and a coral bead to a man whom he saved from drowning. However, these actions were not always appreciated. The old woman fell and injured herself on her way home and blamed Olua for giving her the meat. The man said that Olua gave him the coral bead because they were common in the palace. Olua's actions also depleted the royal treasury.
Olua faced opposition from some of his officials and subjects. In one instance, he requested wine from the royal wine-maker, who responded that there was none and suggested that Olua should produce it himself. In another situation, he asked the Omare, the caretaker of the royal dogs, to provide a dog for a sacrifice to Osun, the deity of royal medicine. The Omare replied that he had three dogs, one of which he had given to the Oliha, another to Edohen, and the third he had sacrificed to his own god. These responses upset Olua, who sought advice from his son Iginuwa on how to handle them. Iginuwa suggested strict punishment, which Olua implemented. However, this action led to Iginuwa becoming disliked by the Binis for his advice, leading them to decide not to accept him as their Oba after Olua's death.




= Establishment of the Itsekiri Kingdom

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Knowing his elder son Iginuwa's lack of popularity, Olua decided to create a kingdom for him by the sea. Iginuwa, aware of his negative reputation, accepted the offer. To keep the plan hidden from his chiefs, Olua asked them to send their sons with Iginuwa to perform a sacrifice for him by the sea. Iginuwa was given the necessary regalia and the title Odihi-n'ame, meaning "the one who owns the sea". He became known to the Itsekiris as Olu of Itsekiri, after Olua's name. He also gained the nickname "Iginua the Proud".
Olua prepared a large box filled with royal attire and other items for Iginuwa, placing sacrificial victims on top to conceal the contents. He had previously arranged for Ijaw men to transport Iginuwa and his entourage in their canoes to their destination. Thus, Iginuwa became the first Olu, or Odihi-n'ame, and founded the Itsekiri Kingdom.
According to some traditions, the Iginuwa migration encountered beings referred to as umale upon arrival. While most left, some stayed and accepted Iginuwa's leadership. One of them, named Itsekiri, was welcoming to Iginuwa, leading to the new kingdom being named in his honour. The name Itsekiri is also thought to have been derived from the Ijaw word "Seikiri", which translates to a "playground". The Ijaw taught the Benin immigrants skills such as swimming, fishing, and adapting to the marine environment. The Ijaw also intermarried with Iginuwa and his men, leading to a mixed Itsekiri population.




Death and succession


Olua's reign ended after a period of about seven years, around 1480. His brother, Ozolua, succeeded him, ascending the throne after a three-year interregnum during which a republican form of governance was in place. Ozolua, an Oba known for his military campaigns, conquered several lands and peoples, including the Idanre, the Igala, and the Nupe. He also maintained connections with his nephew Iginuwa and the Itsekiri kingdom, providing them with gifts and support.




Legacy and assessment


Olua is a complex figure in Benin's history. His actions led to the establishment of the Itsekiri kingdom, but he is also known for his disregard for traditions and his decisions that led to conflict. His reign was marked by opposition from his subjects and officials. He is remembered as "Olua nokpetukporozo no-ha-osa no-ma-re", '"Olua the prodigal, who pays the debt he does not owe"'.




References






= Citations

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= Bibliography

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Further reading


Otite, O. (2003). The Urhobo People. Shaneson C. I. Retrieved 12 February 2024.
Adele, Bamgbose Jimoh (2001). Political Parties and Democracy in Nigeria. ISBN 978-978-047-727-1.

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