Ọba Ọz̩olua Vs Elekighidi
Betrayal and Power
Continuing our series on Ọba Ọz̩olua, the formidable warrior king who fought 201 wars!
One of the chief protagonists to Ọba Ọz̩olua was Elekighidi of Ogbelaka, a powerful magician whose screams could summon thunder and lightning. This tale of conflict and cunning reveals much about the intricate power dynamics of ancient Benin.
Defiance Against Royal Authority
Elekighidi refused to acknowledge Ọba Ọz̩olua authority and pay homage to him when he ascended the throne. This act of defiance posed a significant threat to the king’s authority, as it could inspire others to challenge his rule.
Empty Promises
To subdue the mighty sorcerer, Ọba Ọz̩olua devised a cunning strategy. He bribed Elekighidi’s wife, Eyowo, with the promise of marriage. Naively, Eyowo betrayed her husband, revealing the source of his power to the king.
The Betrayal and Demise of Elekighidi
Eyowo revealed to Ọba Ọz̩olua that Elekighidi always armed himself with magic in his shrine before any battle. Using this crucial information, the king devised a cunning plan. He stationed himself at the entrance of Elekighidi's shrine and sent his messengers to inform Elekighidi that the king was on his way. As Elekighidi ran from his house to his shrine, he was ambushed by Ọba Ọz̩olua. Without his magical charms, Elekighidi was rendered powerless and swiftly killed by the king.
The Fate of Eyowo
After Elekighidi’s death, Eyowo's wish seemed to come true as Oba Ozolua brought her back to the palace with the intention of marrying her. However, just days before the wedding ceremony, Ọba Ọz̩olua had her beheaded, fearing she might betray him as she had betrayed her husband. He explained to his generals that a woman who could betray her husband once could do it again.
Ruthless Yet Triumphant
The story of Ọba Ọz̩olua and Elekighidi is a powerful narrative of betrayal, power, and the harsh realities of political manoeuvring in ancient Benin. It serves as a reminder of the lengths to which leaders would go to secure and maintain their authority.
