Origin of Iyasẹ of Benin

Chief Iyasẹ says that during the reign that became the last Ogiso, a prince who was condemned to be executed was let go by the executioners. The Ogiso himself was also executed for committing a crime that was abhorred by the people. It was during this time that a carnivorous bird began to torment the people of Benin, which led to the invitation of Evian, who, having killed the bird, was praised and appointed administrator by the Edion. As a result of the crisis that ensued between the Edion and the Ogiamien, Oronmiyan was sent to Benin by his father, Ikaladeran. He said Oronmiyan instructed that his first son should be made Ọba. He also narrated the story of the test of princes between Elegbe, a grandchild of the Ọba, and Uwakhuaihen, Elegbe’s uncle. He said Elegbe established a boundary at Oka which he called Umogunhen (where the battle starts). He mentioned other rebellious acts that were occurring, but the one which led to the creation of the Iyasẹ title was that which Ọba Ewedo had to suppress at Ekiokpagha, now between Ogbelaka Street and Ohuoba Street covering the site of St Matthew Anglican Cathedral, Sokponba Road. He said Ọba Ewedo had enlisted an Ibuoya boy named Odigie to join his army in the fight against the Ogiamien anti-royalist forces. He also narrated how the Ogiamien submitted to Ọba Ewedo and was made Uzama N’Ibie. So when Ewedo finally settled at Ogbe, he gave Odigie the Iyasẹ title and demoted the Edion from their authoritative position. He said the Edion could not be seated before Ọba Ẹwedo because the Ọba planted an Ukhure on their stool, thereby compelling them to stand before him.