Uwakhuahen was the second Oba of the Kingdom of Benin, reigning from 1235 AD to 1243 AD. He was the son of Eweka I, the initiator of the Oba dynasty and the inaugural ruler to bear the title Oba. Upon the demise of his father, he ascended to the throne, although he did not designate an heir apparent.
Uwakhuahen, along with Idu and Ehenmihen, were the progeny of Eweka I. As per oral tradition, following the death of Eweka I, the Uzama resolved that one of his sons should be inaugurated as the new Oba. They favoured Uwakhuahen over his elder brother Idu, who was the rightful heir according to the principle of primogeniture.[1] The Uzama conspired and requested Idu to provide a cow with a bird's nest built upon its head for the purpose of their father's royal funeral ceremonies. Idu was persuaded to go to Umoghumwun, his mother's village, to procure the cow. Meanwhile, Uwakhuahen procured a cow and planted a bird's nest upon its horn, and presented it before the elders, who immediately declared him the successor to the throne.[1]
Upon learning of the deception, Idu lodged a protest and threatened to declare war on Benin. He garnered the support of his maternal relatives and a majority of the elders in Iyekorhionmwon, who also pledged to rectify the perceived injustice.[1] The elders of Benin, alarmed by the situation, sought to placify Idu by partitioning the kingdom. The entire southeast region was granted to him, leading to the establishment of the kingdom of Ugu, with Umoghumwun as its capital. He adopted the title Oba n'Ugu (king of Ugu) and became the progenitor of the Ugu dynasty.[1]
Uwakhuahen ruled Benin for eight years, but he did not have any children. He died in 1243 and was succeeded by his younger brother Ehenmihen, who was the third son of Eweka I.[2]
Uwakhuahen is recognised as the second Oba of Benin and the sibling of Idu, the originator of Ugu. He is attributed with the establishment of the Egharevba title, a highly esteemed title in Benin. It is also reported that he constructed a palace at Uselu, which subsequently became the dwelling of the Edaiken (the crown prince).[3]
Izevbigie, Alfred Omokaro (1978). Olokun : a focal symbol of religion and art in Benin. [Seattle, Wash.]: Izevbigie. OCLC6574926.
Osadolor, Osarhieme Benson (2001). The military system of Benin kingdom, c. 1440-1897=Das Militärsystem des Königreichs Benin, ca. 1440-1897. OCLC248739742.
