The Iy’Ọba of Uselu

The Ọdiọnwere Chief Eguaogie prays for the interviewer, himself and the Ọba of Benin Kingdom. He informs us that Iy’Ọba Iheya was the mother of Ọba Ovonramwẹn, who was sent to Uselu town in 1889 by the Ọba. Her court was built at Iheya street before the moat. Iy’Ọba Iheya was one of the renowned Iy’Ọbas who walked from Benin City to Uselu town to be crowned. Chief Eguaogie explains why her altar was relocated from Iheya Street to Ikpema Street in lower Uselu. His account describes the supremacy of Iy’Ọba Idia overall seventeen Iy’Ọbas that have been installed at Uselu since the sixteenth century. Pa Ogaimueyen corroborates the Ọdiọnwere’s account by narrating how Ọba Ọzọlua and his Omada (sword bearer) engaged in a war of sy at Utekon. He recounts how Ise prepared a special Umozo, which he used against Ọba Ọzọlua. He further explains how Iy’Ọba Elaba was found and betrothed to Prince Osawe, later Ọba Ẹsigie, by his mother, Idia.