In the ancient Benin Kingdom, the war leaders were known as Ezomos of Benin. After the Oba and the Iyase of the Benin Kingdom, the chief with the Ezomo title is third in the hierarchy. While the Ezomo was the military general, he was seen as the second in military hierarchy after the Iyase, who was the commander-in-chief and prime minister.
The Prestige of the Ezomos
Before Oba Akenzua I, the Oba of Benin gave the title of “Ezomo of Benin” to any noteworthy warrior in the Kingdom. However, Oba Akenzua I of the Benin Kingdom made the title hereditary to the Ehenua dynasty during the reign of Ezomo Ehenua. It is known that the Ezomo resides in the semi-independent state of Uzebu.
While not the highest in formal rank, the Ezomo differs from all other Benin chiefs in some aspects and was sometimes compared to the Oba in terms of stature and prestige. For starters, he was traditionally the most powerful and wealthy chief. He was a resident of an almost independent town called Uzebu. He was also one of a select group, including the Oba and Iyoba, who were allowed to wear a beaded coronet.
The Ezomos of Benin Kingdom
Ezomo Ehenua
It was during his time that the title was made hereditary. The Ezomo relocated to Uzebu from central Benin during his reign.
Ezomo Odia
He succeeded his father, Ezomo Ehenua. While he was still a young prince, a leopard allegedly jumped on his shoulder on his way to Ehaekpen and playing the local harp. He was said to have shrugged the leopard off but it sprung up again. This time Prince Odia hit it hard with his elbow, killing it. He brushed it off and carried on with his journey. Huge flex.
Ezomo Ekeneza
Ezomo Odia’s first son Ekeneza took over as Ezomo after his passing. Throughout his rule, no battles sprang out. He was rich and a powerful trader.
Ezomo Erebo
He assumed the title near the close of the eighteenth century, when Prince Ogbebor Nomaza assumed control of the Benin monarchy. Prince Ogbebor had forced his brother, Erediauwa, to flee to the Ishan region. Knowing that Ezomo was Erediauwa’s uncle, Prince Ogbebor made him take a specific pledge of allegiance to him. Ingeniously, Ezomo Erebo annulled the oath he had sworn. Ogbebor committed suicide as a result of this, and Oba Osewmende was called back to Ishan to ascend to the throne of Benin.
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Ezomo Osifo
The only child of Ezomo Erebo, Osifo fully inherited the title of Ezomo after his father’s passing. He did not fight a battle and did not survive to be old.
Ezomo Uzama
Around 1850, Uzama succeeded his father, Ezomo Osifo. He ruled during the reign of Oba Adolo, and he faced no conflict.
Ezomo Osarogiagbon
Around 1875, Osarogiagbon took over as Ezomo Uzama, the position he held during the Benin Expedition. He would have been one of those deported if it weren’t for his knowledge during the Benin Expenditure in 1897. According to a legend, Ezomo Ehenua foretold the events of 1897 and declared that he would reincarnate and sit on the Ezomo throne at that time. Thus, it is claimed that Osarogiagbon is a reincarnation of Ezomo Ehenua.
Ezomo Omoruyi
The Ezomo’s palace was destroyed by British forces during the 1897 expedition of Benin City. Rebuilding the palace was Ezomo Omoruyi’s first task after ascending to the monarch. He migrated to the Ehor District in 1931, specifically, at some point during his tenure.
Ezomo Asemota
Following the death of Ezomo Omoruyi in 1960, his first son, Asemota, was given the Ezomo chieftaincy title. Sadly, Ezomo Asemota did not have much time in the position before passing away the year after.
Ezomo Aiweragbon
After the passing of his father Asemota, Aiweragbon, his first child, became the tenth Ezomo since Ehenua’s time.
Ezomo Okponmwense
This is the current Ezomo of Benin.
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