Accompanying Oba Ovonramwen after his capture by the British
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 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]
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]
