Died 1550
King Of Benin

Communicator. A ruler with many skills, Oba (king) Esigie was known for his hospitality, literacy, and abilities as a communicator. Benin was one of two major, wealthy Yoruba states west of the lower Niger delta. During his reign, which began in 1504, Esigie established peaceful relations with Portuguese ambassadors as well as the Christian missionaries who had come from Lisbon at the request of his predecessor, Oba Ozolua, in 1486. In 1516 missionary Duarte Pires reported that Oba Esigie was a man of learning who could speak and read Portuguese and practiced astrology (which then included what is now known as the science of astronomy). Oba Esigie maintained a strong connection to Portugal throughout his reign, and in 1540 he sent an ambassador to the Portuguese capital.

European Trade. Oba Esigie encouraged extensive trade with the Europeans but kept Benin independent of European rule. During his...