Military organisation

Overview of Military Organisation

The 16th century saw significant changes in military organisation, characterized by territorial expansion under leaders like Ozoluwa, Esigie, and Orogbua, extending the kingdom's boundaries to Lagos and the lands of the Igbo. The Oba's responsibility was to declare war and oversee high-ranking military officers, although by the late 16th century, this duty shifted to the iyase, the leader of the eghaevon rè, or town chiefs.

Developments by the 17th Century

By the 17th century, Dapper noted that the standing army of Benin reached 20,000 men, with reserves varying from 80,000 to 100,000 during times of need. The command in the field was led by the owe-asery, who held supreme power in battle, with both nobles and commoners engaged in campaigns, often against neighbouring kingdoms, resulting in considerable plunder.

Positions in the Benin Army High Command (1440-1600 AD)
The Oba of Benin

  • Supreme Military Commander of the army.

  • Hereditary military position.

  • Commanded all war and regimental leaders.

  • Front Commander of the Benin warriors.

  • Issued recruitment and mobilization orders with chief assistance.

  • Received the largest share of tribute and war booty.

The Iyase of Benin

  • General Commander of the army and head of the eghaevon rè.

  • Non-hereditary military role.

  • Second in command to the Supreme Military Commander.

  • Optional to engage in war or lead state administration during the Oba's absence.

  • From the late 16th century, the iyase could not return to Benin City after a campaign.

The Ezomo of Benin

  • Senior War Commander of the army and ranked third in the military hierarchy.

  • Non-hereditary position but rewarded for outstanding contributions to the Benin Empire.

  • Commander of the Metropolitan Regiment and responsible to the Oba.

  • Directed national campaigns.

The Edogun

  • Hereditary war chief and Commander of the Ekàwè, the royal regiment of the Benin army.

  • Fourth in command hierarchy.

  • Responsible for public declaration of war and cessation of hostilities.

  • Briefed the Oba on war strategies and military strength.

  • Military importance means he must not be killed in battle.