State

Oba dynasty

c. 1180 CE · 12th century · Also known as Oba, Obas

The Oba dynasty is the royal line of the Kingdom of Benin, traditionally dated from about 1180 CE when Eweka I was installed after the Ogiso line lost legitimacy. The early Obas centralised royal authority against the hereditary uzama nobles. The dynasty ruled the Benin Empire through its expansion and decline, and it continues in a ceremonial role today.

Mentioned in 2 profiles

Benin EmpireFoundation, Socioeconomy, Military, Governance, DeclineBosporan KingdomSocioeconomy

Mentioned in 6 state histories

Igodomigodo (Ogiso dynasty)Kingdom of IfeKingdom of AgborEsan chiefdomsKingdom of LagosKingdom of Benin (restored)

See also

Cite this entry
APA
The Epoch Institute. (2026). Oba dynasty. In The Epoch Institute Encyclopedia. https://the-epoch-institute.org/encyclopedia/oba-dynasty
MLA
“Oba dynasty.” The Epoch Institute Encyclopedia, The Epoch Institute, 2026, https://the-epoch-institute.org/encyclopedia/oba-dynasty. Accessed .
Chicago
The Epoch Institute. “Oba dynasty.” The Epoch Institute Encyclopedia. 2026. https://the-epoch-institute.org/encyclopedia/oba-dynasty.
Harvard
The Epoch Institute (2026) ‘Oba dynasty’, The Epoch Institute Encyclopedia. Available at: https://the-epoch-institute.org/encyclopedia/oba-dynasty (Accessed: ).

Last reviewed October 2026Random entry ↻