Esigie

Oba Esigie was from 1504 to 1550 the Oba, ie ruler of the Kingdom of Benin, a once powerful empire, which was located in present-day Nigeria. Artistic works that Esigie had commissioned, are now held in major museums such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art or the British Museum in honor.

At the time of his father's death Oba Ozolua controlled Esigie Benin City, which is the capital of the empire, while his brother Arhuaran the city about 25 kilometers north- west of this location, Udo dominated, which was roughly comparable in size and influence. After a bitter power struggle with Aruaran, the Esigie with the strong support of his mother Queen Idia led, was Esigie Oba of Benin. Later, he fought off an attack even by the neighboring Igala.

On Esigie the tradition goes back to equip the mother of the king with the title Iyoba and to make her a palace in Uselu available.