Omo N’Oba N’Edo Esigie (1504 A.D.-1550 A.D.) receiving the Portuguese envoy João Afonso de Aveiro at his palace in Benin City. The monument is situated in the area known as Ring Road by Forestry Junction, the historic heart of the Benin Kingdom.

It is said that João Afonso de Aveiro came to Benin City for the second time during his reign, Afonso de Aveiro first visited Benin Kingdom and introduced guns and coconut in about 1485 A.D., during the reign of Omo N’Oba N’Edo Ozolua (r. 1483 A.D.–1504 A.D.). He advised the Oba to become Christian, and said that Christianity would make his country better. Oba Esigie therefore sent Ohen-Okun of Ughoton “Gwatto with him as an ambassador to the King of Portugal, asking him to send priest who would teach him and his people the faith. In reply the King of Portugal sent Roman Catholic missionaries and many rich presents, such as a copper stool (Erhe), coral beads and a big umbrella, with an entreaty that Oba Esigie should embrace the faith. At the same time he also gave presents to the Ambassador Ohen-Okun of Ughoton “Gwatto” and his wife. The King of Portugal also sent some Portuguese traders who established factories at Gwatto (Ughoton) the old port of Benin. They traded in ivory, palm oil and kernels, Benin clothes, pepper and other commodities in the King of Portugal’s interest.

João Afonso de Aveiro with the other missionaries remained in Benin to carry on the mission work, and churches were built at Ogbelaka, Idunmwun-Erie and Akpapava (Ikpoba Road), the last named being the “Holy Cross Cathedral”. The residence of the Fathers was situated between the Roman Catholic School and John Holt’s Store. They had another at Idunmwun-Ebo, and the missionary cemetery was where the Government School now stands. The work of the Mission made progress and thousands of people were baptized before the death of João Afonso de Aveiro, who was buried in Benin with great lamentations by the Oba and the Christians at Benin City.

The missionaries including João Afonso de Aveiro went with Oba Esigie to the Benin-Idah War in (1515-1516). This war was caused by the then Oliha who had a beautiful wife named Imaguero.- Jacob U. Egharevba, Short History of Benin., 1953

Photo Credit: Artist- Leo Oronsaye

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