Battle of Ekiokpagha

Battle of Ekiokpagha
Part of the battle between the Obas of Benin and Ogiamien family
Date 1255 AD Location Plains of Ogboka, Benin City 6°19′51″N 5°37′43″E / 6.3307°N 5.6287°E / 6.3307; 5.6287 Result Victory for Oba Ewedo
Belligerents
Benin Empire	Ogiamien family
Commanders and leaders
Ewedo	Ogiamien III
class=notpageimage| Location within Nigeria

The Battle of Ekiokpagha was a military conflict that took place in 1255 on the Plains of Ogboka, near Benin City. Its designation as a battle is a mere historical formality as there was no fighting, but Ewedo's forces killed Chief Oliha, a senior ally of Ogiamien. The battle was fought between Ewedo, the recently coronated Oba of Benin, and Ogiamien III, the head of a royal family in the Benin Empire who disputed his claim to the throne. Oba Ewedo was victorious and established his palace at the site of the battle. Ewedo recognised Ogiamien III as a chief under his kingship.

The battle and its aftermath have been reenacted in the coronation rituals of the subsequent Obas of Benin, as a symbol of the historical and traditional enmity between the Oba and the Ogiamien family.