Hall of Fame
BENIN’S BIGGEST NAMES
Some of the influential people who helped to shape the Kingdom of Benin throughout its long history
Ozolua
unknown – c.1504
Oba Ozolua was famed for his expansion of the Benin Kingdom. After he became oba in the 1480s, he was committed to expanding the boundaries of the kingdom both the east and west. His military escapades earned him the title ‘the Conqueror’ and he claimed to have won over 200 battles against neighbouring states. Ozolua is also credited with being the one of the first obas to make contact with the Portuguese who were exploring Africa during this period. Trade between Benin and Portugal was welcomed by Ozolua and he even allowed Portugal to send Christian missionaries to the kingdom.
Some sources have suggested that Oba Ozolua visited Portugal at some point during his reign, although this cannot be confirmed.
Bronze bust of an oba