Eresoyen
Oba of Benin (c. 1735 – c. 1750)
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Eresoyen was the twenty-ninth Oba (king) of the Kingdom of Benin who reigned in the eighteenth century, generally dated to c. 1735 – c. 1750. He was the eldest son of Oba Akenzua I and succeeded him on the throne. His reign is noted for reinforcing royal authority following earlier decentralisation, marked by renewed territorial control and direct participation in Atlantic trade. His rule was associated by oral traditions with the large-scale use of cowrie shells as currency and with artistic patronage, including the construction of the Owigho ("House of Money") and support for brass casting. Eresoyen also introduced ritual changes, such as replacing the Ovia masquerade with the Ododua masquerade, and restructured royal marriage practices while creating new titles within the court.
| Eresoyen | |
|---|---|
| Oba of Benin | |
Throne stool of Eresoyen made of brass and commissioned by the Igun Eronmwon, on display in Museu Afro Brasil | |
| Oba of Benin | |
| Reign | c. 1735 – c. 1750 |
| Predecessor | Akenzua I |
| Successor | Akengbuda |
| Died | c. 1750 Benin City |
| Issue |
|
| Dynasty | Eweka dynasty |
| Father | Akenzua I |
Early life and accession
Eresoyen was the eldest son of Oba Akenzua I and came to power around 1735.[1][2] His succession followed the consolidation of authority under his father, who had restored stability after disputes and civil strife.[3][4] He inherited a political setting in which primogeniture had been reasserted and the influence of chiefs reduced.[4] His son Ogiomo was described by historian Jacob Egharevba as light-skinned, "tall and very handsome".[5]
Reign
Eresoyen's reign is described in Benin traditions as a turning point in restoring monarchical power after chiefs had dominated politics and trade.[6] Following the decline of central authority after Oba Ehengbuda, local chiefs had controlled coastal trade, but Eresoyen's rule reversed this.[6] His reign is linked with renewed royal influence, territorial expansion, and direct trade with Europeans.[6]
During his reign, Agbor rebelled against Benin. Eresoyen sent Ezomo Ehennua to suppress the revolt,[a] leading to the capture and execution of the Agbor ruler.[1] Agbor remained under Benin until a later rebellion in the nineteenth century.[1] He also intervened in succession disputes in the Kingdom of Aboh, installing a claimant as Obi or Eze[b] with insignia from Benin, while a rival claimant was subdued.[1]
His reign was associated with wealth and trade, particularly through cowrie shells.[1][6] Oral traditions connect this to reconciliation with the sea deity Olokun, while scholars attribute it to Atlantic imports during the slave trade era.[2][6] The influx of goods such as textiles and metals stimulated Benin's artistic production.[8]
Eresoyen is remembered for artistic patronage.[9] He built the Owigho ("House of Money"), decorated with cowries, symbolising wealth and spiritual power.[1][4][2] Chiefs such as the Ezomo also adopted similar decorations.[4][2] Brass works, including stools and leopard figures, were produced in greater numbers.[10] He commissioned a brass stool modeled on earlier royal designs, linking his reign to Oba Esigie.[11] Many notable bronzes are attributed to Akenzua I and Eresoyen.[9]
He expanded ceremonial kingship, emphasising sacred and dynastic authority.[11] He introduced the Ododua masquerade, honouring dynastic lineage traced to Oranmiyan, replacing the Ovia masquerade.[1][12] Eresoyen reformed royal marriage customs, ending the practice of princesses residing in Ulegun for suitors.[1][13] Instead, marriages were arranged directly with chiefs and citizens.[1] Princess Omosede married the Iyase, Princess Osana married the Edogun, and Princess Akesogie's case reflected royal involvement in elite discipline.[13]
He introduced ivory flutes known as akehen.[1][10] He also created new titles such as Imaran, Osula, Osague, Osonlaye Obamagiagbonrhia, and Ebagua.[1] His reign formalised festival observances, including adjustments to the Ehiekhu festival.[1]
Personal life and family
Eresoyen had several daughters, including Princess Omosede, Princess Osana, and Princess Akesogie. Princess Omosede married the Iyase,[c] while Princess Osana married the Edogun. Princess Akesogie married the Ihaza, but her conduct was criticised in oral traditions, leading to intervention by the Oba, who admonished her for disrespectful behaviour towards her husband and his family.[13]