Emotan: Her Influence In The Lives Of Benin Children And The Ascension Of Oba Ewuare I To The Throne Of Bini Kingdom. .

Emotan, whose real name was Uwarraye, lived during the 15th century in the ancient kingdom of Benin. She was a market woman at the Oba Market and played a significant role during the reigns of Oba Uwaifiokun and Oba Ewuare the Great. Emotan was not only known for her successful trade, but also for her compassion towards children and her pivotal involvement in Prince Ogun’s (later known as Oba Ewuare I) journey to reclaim the throne.

Despite not having any biological children, Emotan opened her heart and home to numerous children. Parents would entrust their children to her care, allowing them to learn various trades under her guidance. Additionally, she provided shelter and training to many orphans, who went on to become valuable and industrious members of society.

Emotan formed a strong alliance with Prince Ogun, secretly planning to overthrow the usurper, Oba Uwaifiokun. She played a crucial role by providing invaluable intelligence to Ogun while he was in exile, ensuring his safety and aiding his eventual return to the throne. Emotan’s humble abode at the Oba Market served as a refuge for Prince Ogun, becoming a sanctuary where she acted as his eyes and ears in the city. Owaifiokun, desperate to maintain his ill-gotten kingship, sought to eliminate Ogun, but the prince foiled his plans by swiftly confronting and defeating his younger brother.

Ogun’s victory not only secured his rightful place as ruler but also ended the succession crisis that had plagued the kingdom. In recognition of Emotan’s unwavering support, Ogun adopted the title Ewuare (Oworuare), meaning ‘the heat has abated’ or ‘the trouble has ceased.’ Emotan’s passing occurred shortly after Oba Ewuare I’s coronation. To ensure her memory endured, the newly crowned king issued a decree honoring her. He deified Emotan by planting a sacred Uruhe tree at her grave, which coincided with the spot she once resided beside the Oba Market. Oba Ewuare I also commanded that every titleholder and funeral procession pay homage to Emotan’s grave.

The Uruhe tree, symbolizing Emotan’s legacy, thrived for over three centuries until the reign of Oba Osemwende when it finally withered away. In its place, Oba Osemwende planted a new Uruhe tree approximately 150 years ago, providing support with an Iroko tree. However, due to a severe storm that struck 50 years prior, causing the last two trees to fall, the British Council in Benin, during the reign of Oba Akenzua II in 1954, replaced the Uruhe tree with a life-sized bronze statue of Emotan herself. This decision aimed to preserve her memory and honor her enduring legacy within the kingdom.