Ehenneden, also spelt Hennenden, (born Egiebo, reigned c. 1095 – c. 1110) was the twenty-sixth Ogiso (king) of Igodomigodo, the early state that preceded the Benin Empire. He succeeded his father, Uwa, inheriting a stable kingdom shaped by previous economic and political reforms. His reign saw continued economic activity, administrative adjustments, and support for guilds and artisans. Ehenneden expanded the role of royal guilds, particularly in weaving, carving, and trade, contributing to increased production and regional commerce. He reorganised the Royal Council, granting the Edionnisen ("Great Nobles") authority to appoint sub-chiefs, oversee regional law courts, and construct larger residences with elaborate architectural designs. These measures reinforced the administrative structure and economic framework of the kingdom. As Ehenneden died without an heir, the Edionnisen selected Ohuede, a distant royal relative, as his successor. Ehenneden's death marked the end of the Oriagba dynasty and the transition to the Ohuede dynasty, which later faced instability that contributed to the decline of the Ogiso monarchy.

Early life and ascension

Ehenneden was born as Egiebo, the only recorded son of Ogiso (King) Uwa of Igodomigodo (present-day Benin Kingdom).[1][a] He was raised in a society where trade, craftsmanship, and territorial expansion played significant roles in governance.[3] Egiebo spent his early years learning weaving techniques for raffia and cotton.[1] His familiarity with these crafts influenced his later policies in supporting craftsmen and guild workers.[3] Upon the death of Ogiso Uwa in 1095 AD, Egiebo ascended the throne as Ehenneden.[1] His coronation continued the primogeniture system introduced by Ogiso Oriagba more than forty years before Ehenneden's ascension.[4] By this time, the kingdom had developed extensive trade routes connecting it with Dahomey, Ghana, and the Niger basin.[5] Unlike his father, who faced opposition from nobles, Ehenneden inherited a relatively stable kingdom.[6]

His early policies emphasised economic development.[5] He expanded royal patronage for guilds by reorganising and enlarging those of weavers and carvers, increasing artisan participation, while also fostering trade growth at Ogiso market (modern-day Agbado market)[b] and promoting the wider use of cowries as currency.[3] This facilitated broader engagement in woodworking, farming, hunting, and trading.[5] Ehenneden also initiated architectural reforms, focusing on the royal palace and noble residences.[5] He introduced red-mud wall polishing techniques and established a rotational system where women regularly scrubbed and polished the palace walls.[5] He also promoted corrugated wall designs to distinguish the royal residence and the homes of accredited chiefs.[7][5]

Governance and economic policies

Ogiso Ehenneden reorganised the guild system, ensuring increased royal support for blacksmiths, weavers, traders, and farmers to boost economic production.[1] Luxury trade items, such as rare beads, were introduced through long-distance commerce.[5] Ehenneden expanded the role of the Edionnisen ("Great Nobles"), granting them authority to appoint sub-chiefs, construct palaces, and establish local law courts.[7][5] This decentralised governance approach reduced administrative burdens while maintaining noble allegiance to the monarchy.[6][5] Unlike some of his predecessors, Ehenneden's reign was largely peaceful. Political stability encouraged trade and migration, contributing to population growth.[6][7] The rise of artisans and merchants strengthened the kingdom's economic foundation.[5]

Death and succession crisis

Ogiso Ehenneden's only son died in infancy, and his death in 1110 challenged the primogeniture system, restoring the Edionnisen's authority to select a successor.[8] The primogeniture law dictated that in the absence of a direct heir, the next-of-kin should ascend the throne.[9] However, debates arose over whether eligibility was determined by direct lineage or noble status.[10] With no surviving siblings, the Edionnisen traced the succession line to Ehenneden's great-uncle, Oboite of Ihinmwirin, a younger brother of Ogiso Odoligie, selecting Oboite's only surviving son, Ohuede, aged 56, as Ehenneden's successor.[11] Ehenneden's death ended the Oriagba dynasty, leading to the rise of the Ohuede dynasty.[12]

Notes

  1. ^ The Kingdom of Benin no longer exists as a governing entity, but the Oba of Benin still rules a tribal kingdom and holds an advisory role in the government of Benin City, Nigeria.[2]
  2. ^ Agbado market is situated in Aviama, a traditional village in the center of Benin City close to Ramat Park.

References

Citations

  1. ^ a b c d Ọmọregie 1997, p. 65.
  2. ^ Parks 2023.
  3. ^ a b c Ọmọregie 1997, pp. 65–66.
  4. ^ Ọmọregie 1997, pp. 3–4.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Ọmọregie 1997, p. 66.
  6. ^ a b c Egharevba 1968, p. 2.
  7. ^ a b c Aiguobarueghian 2020, pp. 395–396.
  8. ^ Ọmọregie 1997, pp. 67–68.
  9. ^ Ọmọregie 1997, p. 3.
  10. ^ Ọmọregie 1997, p. 68.
  11. ^ Ọmọregie 1997, pp. 68, 70.
  12. ^ Ọmọregie 1997, pp. 68, 75.

Works cited

Ehenneden
Born: Unknown Died: 1110
Regnal titles
Preceded by Ogiso of Igodomigodo
c. 1095 – c. 1110 		Succeeded by
Allikas: Https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ehenneden
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