One of the greatest kings of Benin was King Ewuare. He ruled over 500 years ago. Before he became king he was called Prince Ogun. The young prince was away on his travels when his father the king died. His wicked brother Uwaifiokun made himself king in his stead.
The afternoon sun was already starting to sink in the sky when the procession reached Ekioba. Prince Ogun watched secretly from Emotan’s house as the air became filled with the noise of singing and drumming. The procession drew nearer to Emotan’s house. First came the Ukpkpe dancers running like soldiers to and from the Oba. They were singing praise songs and war songs. Some of them broke off branches from the trees nearby and held them high as they ran along.
“If I could find my way into the Ukpukpe group I could get at Uwaifiokun easily” said Prince Ogun. “Even among the dancers there are people I have already won to your side” said Emotan. “You met some the other day. They hate Uwaifiokun. They will support you” she encouraged.
Dressed as one of them in his raffia skirt, the prince stepped out to join the dancers. Amidst the waving swords and branches of the dancers, no one noticed his three-pronged spear, the Ogala.
Emotan prayed silently to the gods. Slowly the Oba drew near. Occasionally he halted and looked up into the sky as though a voice was warning him to stop and turn back. Did he realize his danger? It seemed as though he didn’t, for still he advanced. His Okhuen or raffia robes hanging beautifully from his waist, his neck hugged thickly by beads. Two chiefs supported him on either side and his beaded crown shone in the scorching sun. At last the Oba was so near that Prince Ogun could see his blood shot eyes. This was the moment!
“Uwaifiokun!” He shouted above the noise. “Will you not greet the brother you have wronged?”
Oba Uwaifokun was frozen in his stride. He stood as still as a dead man. A soldier at the Oba’s side raised his spear but an arrow from one of Ogun’s men pierced his throat. The Oba opened his mouth as if to speak but before he could do so, Prince Ogun’s spear sank into his chest. Oba Uwaifokun was dead before his body touched the ground.
Horrified, the chiefs stepped back. Ogun leapt forward and with his sword cut off the Oba’s head. The chiefs fled, shouting “Ogun re e!” “Ogun has come! Ogun has come!”
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