Udagbedo (reigned c. 1299 – c. 1334) was the seventh Oba ("king") of Benin, having succeeded his brother, Oba Edoni. He implemented a series of agricultural reforms, expanded territorial control, and established early trade links with Saharan states as well as, indirectly, with later European traders. His reign is noted as the earliest recorded period in which Benin extended its influence beyond its traditional core, as evidenced by the migration of Ga settlers from Benin to what is now Ghana.

Born as the second son of Oba Oguola, Udagbedo ascended to the throne following the death of his elder brother, Edoni. He was inaugurated as Oba circa 1299.^[1] He acquired a reputation for his bravery, industriousness, and compassionate character.^[2][1]

Throughout his rule, Udagbedo actively promoted agriculture during a period marked by expansion in farming.^[2][3] Concurrently, Benin’s trade networks were strengthened under his leadership, especially with states in the Sahara. The kingdom exchanged ivory, pepper, and cotton textiles for horses and copper.^[3] Although his reign occurred before direct contact with Europeans, his economic policies laid the foundation for later trade with Portugal and other European powers in the 15th century.^[3]

Udagbedo’s tenure also marked a turning point in Benin’s territorial expansion. Circa 1300, a notable migration of the Ga people from Benin to Accra, present-day Ghana, is recorded.^[4][5] By 1334, his rule had extended Benin's influence into the Ga region. Some scholars contend that the inclusion of outlying, independent regions into Benin’s domain signifies the early formation of an empire.^[6] Urhobo communities also emigrated during this period and settled in the Kwale district.^[7]

A notable internal conflict emerged over funerary customs during his reign. Benin tradition dictated that only the reigning Oba could be interred in the Ogbe ("palace sector"). However, a nobleman named Agbodo defied this rule by insisting he be buried at his residence within Ogbe.^[4] After his death, Agbodo’s sons conducted a ritual in which they placed a magical stone upon his chest, causing his body to sink into the ground.^[4] In response to this breach of custom, Udagbedo ordered an excavation; however, Agbodo’s remains were never recovered, and a pond eventually formed at the site, later known as Agbodo pond.^[4]

In the 15th century, the sons of Oba Ozolua—namely Ogidogbo, Esigie, and Aruanran—used this pond as a test of strength by attempting to leap across it.^[4] Between 1935 and 1937, Oba Akenzua II oversaw the filling of the pond, which had long stood as a historical landmark. A decade later, in 1949, the site became home to the Benin Divisional Council Public Works Department.^[4]

Under Udagbedo’s rule, the mastery of ivory carving advanced significantly among Benin’s artisans, resulting in artworks that were highly valued. Some carvings—including depictions of Portuguese coats of arms and Christian symbols—were later collected by European royalty, notably among the Medici family and Augustus of Saxony.^[3]

Udagbedo is recorded to have had at least one child, Princess Omorefe, who was united in marriage through a customary royal ceremony with the Iyase ("prime minister") of Benin.^[5]

Oba Udagbedo's reign continued until approximately 1334, when he died.^[3] He was succeeded by his brother, Ohen, who was the third son of Oguola.^[4]