| Udagbedo | |
|---|---|
| 7thOba, Monarch of theKingdom of Benin | |
| Oba ofBenin | |
| Reign | c. 1299 – c. 1334 |
| Coronation | c. 1299 |
| Predecessor | Edoni |
| Successor | Ohen |
| Born | Kingdom of Benin |
| Died | c. 1334 |
| Issue | Omorefe (daughter) |
| Dynasty | Eweka dynasty |
| Father | Oba Oguola |
Udagbedo (reignedc. 1299 – c. 1334) was the seventhOba ("king") ofBenin, 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 ofGa settlers from Benin to what is now Ghana.
Born as the second son ofOba Oguola, Udagbedo ascended to the throne following the death of his elder brother,Edoni. He was inaugurated asOba 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 theGa people fromBenin toAccra, present-dayGhana, 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 theKwale district.[7]
A notable internal conflict emerged over funerary customs during his reign. Benin tradition dictated that only the reigningOba could be interred in theOgbe ("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 asAgbodo pond.[4]
In the 15th century, the sons ofObaOzolua—namelyOgidogbo,Esigie, andAruanran—used this pond as a test of strength by attempting to leap across it.[4] Between 1935 and 1937,ObaAkenzua 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 ofPortuguese coats of arms and Christian symbols—were later collected by European royalty, notably among theMedici family andAugustus 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 theIyase ("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 ofOguola.[4]
Udagbedo Born: Unknown Died: 1334 | ||
| Regnal titles | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by | Oba ofBenin c. 1299 – c. 1334 | Succeeded by |