A History of the Ezomo of Benin Kingdom

Chief Utetenegiabi speaks about the title of the Ezomo of Benin Kingdom as a member of the Ezomo family also referred to as Ezọmọ n’Uzebu. He said the title was for any prominent person in Benin who could prove himself worthy of it. Hence, there were a few Ezọmọs at that time until the reign of Ọba Ewuakpe. He narrates how the Ezọmọ title became hereditary starting with the birth of Prince Ehenua to Ọba Ewuakpe by a young maiden from Esan land. He said Ọba Ewuakpe was succeeded by Ọba Akenzua I, during whose reign Prince Ehenua led an emissary from the Isi clan to pay homage to the king and was discovered to be a very powerful young man after emerging victorious in the wrestling competition to entertain the king. He added that the king sought his assistance and pledged to enable him as the Ezomo of Benin. In addition, the Ọba promised to make the title hereditary in Ehenua’s lineage, making him a member of the Uzama and giving him the authority to use the Erhu Ede (beaded crown) and Odigba (collar bead), etc. Therefore, only the Ezọmọ of Benin Kingdom dresses like the Ọba of Benin with the full bead regalia and has a harem, and his wives wear the same hairstyle as the Oloi of the Ọba’s harem. Among Benin chiefs, only the Ezọmọ has the privilege of having a sword bearer (Omada) carry the Ada before him like the Ọba. The Ezọmọ family greeting is ‘Lagiesan’ and the response would be ‘Egiesan ovbi’ekpen, ovbi’uti gb’eni, ovbie Ogie n’nya Uloku’.