Oba Esigie

Oba Esigie received Portuguese missionaries at his court in Benin City, allowing them to establish a mission. He learned Portuguese and engaged in diplomatic correspondence with the Portuguese king, opening trade relations.

Esigie defeated the Igala army at the Idah River, using Portuguese firearms for the first time in Benin warfare. This victory secured Benin's northern frontier and demonstrated the effectiveness of European weapons.

Esigie sent an ambassador to the Portuguese court in Lisbon, establishing formal diplomatic relations. This mission facilitated the exchange of goods, including ivory and pepper for European textiles and weapons.

Esigie patronized the art of brass casting, commissioning numerous plaques and sculptures for the royal palace. This period saw the flourishing of Benin's famous brass art tradition, which depicted court life and historical events.