Asoro, also known as General Asoro was a war chief in the Kingdom of Benin who served as the sword bearer to Oba Ovonramwen (the Oba of Benin) during the 1897 British expedition to Benin.[2] He participated in the defense of Benin against the British expeditionary force that aimed to capture the Oba. Asoro's statement "no other person [should] pass this road except the Oba" (So kpon Oba) resulted in the naming of a road in Benin as "Sakponba".[2]
General Asoro | |
|---|---|
| Born | Ancient Benin Empire |
| Died | 1899 Sakponba, Benin City[1] |
| Nationality | Ancient Benin Empire |
| Known for | Accompanying Oba Ovonramwen after his capture by the British |
History edit
General Asoro was from Iguogho in present-day Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State.[3] In January 1897, during a religious festival, a British expedition led by Acting Consul General James Philips attempted to enter Benin without the permission of Oba Ovonramwen. Asoro and other warriors resisted the British officials, causing them to retreat and killing some of them. This incident increased tensions between the British and Benin. The British officials said they wanted to discuss trade issues, but their unauthorized entry and the subsequent violence led to more conflicts.[4]
After the British defeated the Benin Empire and captured Oba Ovonramwen, Asoro refused to accept the exile order. During the British attack on Benin led by James Robert Phillips, Asoro protected the road used by the British force. He stated that only the Oba could use that road, which was later named "Sakponba".[5] A statue of General Asoro stands on this road in Benin City to honour his deeds.[3]
Death edit
Asoro died at the place where he had fought against the British expedition. This spot is now marked by the Oba Ovonramwen Square, located at the start of Sakponba Road in Benin City.[6]
See also edit
References edit
- ^ Taylor, Mildred Europa (2021-09-14). "Like Lot's wife, this great Benin warrior was punished for looking back while fighting the British". Face2Face Africa. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ^ a b "Benin, Oba of Godfrey Okoro, (1899–1978)". Who Was Who. Oxford University Press. 1 December 2007. doi:10.1093/ww/9780199540884.013.u152217.
- ^ a b Omozusi, N.O. (1997). The Benin Kingdom a Century After British Invasion. Mufti International Services. p. 49. ISBN 978-978-2692-14-6. Retrieved 25 October 2023.
- ^ Taylor, Mildred Europa (2021-09-14). "Like Lot's wife, this great Benin warrior was punished for looking back while fighting the British". Face2Face Africa. Retrieved 2023-08-31.
- ^ "Remarkable Historical Figures of Ancient Benin Kingdom". Google Arts & Culture. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ^ Taylor, Mildred Europa (2021-09-14). "Like Lot's wife, this great Benin warrior was punished for looking back while fighting the British". Face2Face Africa. Retrieved 2023-08-31.