Benin Royal Museum

The Ọbas of Benin

A portrait gallery of the kings of Benin, from Ọba Eweka I, founder of the dynasty around 1200, to Ọba Ewuare II today. Each plaque records the king's reign and legacy. Select a portrait to see it in full.

👑 39 Ọbas 🏺 5 eras

Catalogue

Founding of the Eweka Dynasty

c. 1200–1440

Warrior Kings and Empire

1440–1606

The Succession Crisis

c. 1606–1713

Recovery and European Contact

c. 1713–1888

1897 and the Modern Monarchy

1888–present

No portraits match “”.

Portraits are contemporary artistic renderings in the Benin bronze style, not historical artefacts. Names, reign dates and descriptions are taken from each portrait's plaque; “c.” (circa) marks an approximate date.