Ọba Ọzolua vs Egbaẹn
The Raid on Iwu
Continuing our series on Ọba Ọz̩olua, the formidable warrior king who fought 201 wars, we delve into his epic clash with Egbaẹn n’ Iwu, a mighty warrior and farmer from the town of Iwu. This tale of rivalry, cunning, and fierce combat showcases the relentless pursuit of power and the enduring legacy of these two iconic figures.
Egbaẹn n’ Iwu: A Warrior and Farmer
Egbaẹn n’ Iwu was no ordinary man. Although he was hard of hearing and had intellectual disabilities, he was of colossal stature and had a fearsome reputation. It is said that a cluster of bees coalesced around his beard. He wielded a mighty sword and was revered not only as a warrior but also as a dedicated farmer. His town, Iwu, located more than twelve miles from Benin City, was the stage for a dramatic confrontation that would etch his name in history alongside Ọba Ọz̩olua.
The Challenge Begins
The challenge was set not with words but with actions. One day, Ọba Ọz̩olua was astonished to find his palace surrounded by floodwaters. Confounded, he dispatched his guards to uncover the source of the deluge. They returned with news that the flood was caused by a stream flowing into the palace, originating from Egbaȩn’s house in Iwu. When the guards arrived, they found Egbaȩn calmly sharpening his sword, water streaming down from the stone.
Intrigued and Perturbed
Intrigued and somewhat perturbed, Ọba Ọz̩olua sent his emissaries to inquire about Egbaȩn’s intentions. Egbaȩn, with a disarming calm, explained that the sword was for farming, meant to feed the nation, and sent his greetings to the Ọba. His wife, overhearing this exchange, was incensed. She berated Egbaȩn for his perceived passivity, arguing that a real warrior would have sent a message of defiance and strength.
Defiance and Retaliation
Spurred by his wife’s fiery words, Egbaȩn summoned the messengers back and followed her advice to the letter. He killed two messengers, rendered one deaf, and the other dumb, sending them back to Ọba Ọz̩olua with a grim message of his own. Enraged by this bold act of defiance, Ọba Ọz̩olua was tempted to strike back instantly. However, his trusted advisor and jester, Akaronmwon, urged caution.
A Strategic Gift
Heeding this wise counsel, Ọba Ọz̩olua opted for a different approach. He ordered the fabrication of a massive sword, a gift for Egbaȩn, delivered by two hundred men, with a message encouraging him to ‘continue his great farming work’. Egbaȩn and his wife were fooled into believing the gift was a gesture of peace. Little did they realise that the monarch was waiting for the right time to strike.
A Surprise Attack
Three years passed, and the memory of the affront still burned in Ọba Ọz̩olua’s mind. He launched a surprise attack on Iwu, leading his soldiers in a brutal assault.
The town was thrown into chaos, and Egbaȩn’s mother took up arms in defence, buying time for a message to reach Egbaȩn on his farm. Egbaȩn, invoking the spirits of the land, rushed back to his besieged home.
A Tragic Mistake
In the midst of the battle, Egbaȩn, foolishly, issued a blind order to kill anyone fighting with a sword similar to his. Tragically, his own mother fell to this command. Devastated and enraged, Egbaȩn fought with unmatched fury, eventually confronting Ọba Ọz̩olua in a fierce duel that lasted days.
The Turning Point
Egbaȩn managed to capture and imprison the Ọba, who then sent for aid from the warriors of Benin City. Initially reluctant, some warriors saw an opportunity for personal gain and demanded chieftaincy titles as a condition for their support. Ọba Ọz̩olua, desperate, granted their wishes, but many remained jubilant and unconcerned with the ongoing battle.
Escape and Victory
Despite the odds, fortune favoured Ọba Ọz̩olua. He escaped captivity, returned to Benin City, and assembled a larger force. With renewed strength, he launched a final, successful assault on Iwu, ultimately defeating and killing Egbaȩn.
Another Victory For The Warrior King
This confrontation between Ọba Ọz̩olua and Egbaȩn remains a powerful narrative of ambition, strategy, and the relentless drive for dominance. It highlights the conquests and legendary exploits of Ọba Ọz̩olua, cementing his legacy as one of Benin’s most formidable warrior kings.
Is the current area called Iwu, to the West of Ekiadoro, the same town that was Egbaȩn's home? If so, do they celebrate the story there, or is it not well known?
Yes it's the same Iwu. The story is very well known and recounted in that area