Oba Esigie
Oba Esigie was from 1504 to 1550 the Oba , i.e. ruler, of the Kingdom of Benin , a formerly powerful empire that was located in what is now Nigeria . Artistic works commissioned by Esigie are now kept in important museums such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art or the British Museum .
At the time of the death of his father Oba Ozolua, Esigie controlled Benin City , the capital of the empire, while his brother Arhuaran ruled the city of Udo , about 25 kilometers northwest of it , which was roughly comparable in size and influence. After a bitter power struggle with Aruaran, which Esigie led with the strong support of his mother Queen Idia, Esigie became Oba of Benin. Later he fended off an attack by the neighboring Igala .
The tradition goes back to Esigie to furnish the mother of the king with the title Iyoba and to provide her with a palace in Uselu.
Individual evidence
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| personal data | |
|---|---|
| SURNAME | Esigie, Oba |
| BRIEF DESCRIPTION | Ruler of the Kingdom of Benin |
| DATE OF BIRTH | before 1504 |
| DATE OF DEATH | after 1550 |