Unuamen also spelt Unuame is an ancient village community by Ovia river in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. Unuame is about from Benin City and from Benin Airport. Unuame is believed to be one of the ancestral homes of Oba Esigie's maternal grandfather and home town to some group of Binis (Benin people). The people of Unuame have remained loyal to the monarch since the establishment of the ancient Kingdom of Benin. Being a part of the Kingdom of Benin, Unuame is at the heart of the tropical rainforest in the southern part of Nigeria, way to the west of the delta of the Niger River and inland from the coast.
Unuame and the sub-camps within the domain it covers is strategically along the swampy terrains on the east bank of the Ovia/Osse river. In other words, the community is naturally bounded in the west by the Ovia/Osse river, the largest river in the Kingdom of Benin, and most of its economic activities revolve around it. The Ovia/Osse river flows through Unuame in the south-westerly direction to Ite, Ikoro, Gelegele and the Ughoton (Gwato) creeks; into the Benin River, which empties into the Atlantic Ocean at the Bight of Benin.
Background The exact time of arrival of the people of Unuame to its land is not precisely known. But oral narration and different books by Nigerians and European explorers and Archaeologists agreed that the first settlers at Unuame date back to the first period (Ogiso era). Osamuyimen (2000) and Adodoh (2006) also believed that Unuame is one of the crucial villages which already existed in the Ogiso era (first period) in the 10th century. Unuame is known to have had a direct boundary with Omi village to the east at the time of the Ogisos, Oba Ewuare (1440-1473), Oba Ozolua (1480-1504) and Oba Esigie (1504-1547) among others. Today, between Unuame and Omi is Adeyanba, Okabeghe and Iguzama villages. Migrants originally founded these villages from Unuamen and Unuamen elders (edion) pegged the foundation tree (Ikhimwin) for Adeyanba, Okabeghe and Iguzama in keeping with the Benin tradition. From the Ogiso era, until Oba Esigie conquered Udo, the Ovia river at Unuame was reputed to be the boundary to exit or enter Igodomigodo land (Benin Kingdom). Giving weight to this claim, studies by Wesler and Allsworth-Jones (1998) maintained that the Ovia river at Unuame, between Benin and Udo, acted as the final boundary for the exiled and dead on their way out of Benin land, and also the point of entry for the Ife-based dynasty at Benin.
Traditional head The traditional head of Unuame is the "Okao of unuame", a recognised chieftaincy title, and a viceroy to the Benin Monarch in Unuame since the reign of Oba Ewuare (I) (1440-1473). The traditional stool of the Okao of Unuamen is hereditary, and officially documented and validated in Gazette No. 16 of the Bendel State Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Edict of 1979.
Economy The main occupation of the people of Unuame includes farming, palm wine tapping, basket weaving, the local distillation of gin, trading, mud sculpture, fishing, animal trapping and hunting. Although, it has clay, bitumen, kaolin and river/sharp sand, among other minerals. Harnessing most of its natural resources will bring a lot of economic benefits to the community and the state. Factories that use sharp sand and clay as raw materials could establish in the community.
Unuame, like most communities in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State, is highly affected by urban migration as young and educated sons and daughter migrate to larger cities and abroad for more lucrative job opportunities. One of the festivals celebrated in Unuame is Ovia festival, a very colourful and crowd-pulling festival. Ovia festival and other celebrations throughout the year could provide occupation for many locals, such as in cultural dances, catering and costume making. The village is mainly accessed from the capital city (Benin) by road. However, the people also use the boat and canoe to transport themselves from one end of the Ovia/Osse river to the other while selling their goods, and during their fishing escapade.
Historical Events in Unuamen Surrounding Different Obas Since time immemorial, Unuame has been at the centre of most historical events surrounding Obas, such as Oranmiyan (1170), Oguola, Orobiru, Ewuare, Ozolua and Esigie, among others, in the Kingdom. Perhaps, due to Unuame's location as the entry and exit point of the then Benin Empire.
Events in Unuame Relating to Oranmiyan (1170 A.D.) Oranmiyan about 1170 A.D. was received and hosted by Unuame "edion", during a brief stay, on his way to Benin from Ife. However, Nyame (1977) argued that the archaeological evidence at Unuame and Udo could mean that the advent of Oranmiyan and Ife traditions may have arrived later than most previous estimates.
Oranmiyan arrived Unuame from Ife via the western route, which was the "Uhe-Ayere-Ikare-Ogho-lfon-Usen-Unuame-Ego-Benin" route, on his way to Benin. Supporting this claim, Wesler and Allsworth-Jones (1998) pointed out that river Ovia between Benin and Udo at Unuame, was the point of entry for the Ife-based dynasty at Benin. Oranmiyan descended from a canoe at Unuame where he first had his legs on Benin land at a location known as "Eghute-Oba" (Oba's sea/river-shore) by the Ovia River. He was lodged at "Aro-Oleku" for a period before leaving Unuame for Benin through Ego. Although, it is uncleared how long Oranmiyan stayed at Unuame before continuing to Benin through Ego.
Events in Unuame Relating to Oba Oguola (1280-1295) During the reign of Oba Oguola (1280-1295), his daughter (Uvbi) made a stop at Unuame on her way to her betrothed husband Akpanigiakon in Udo. However, the princess did not like the idea of the marriage. Hence, she stayed briefly at Unuame where she was sheltered and protected by the elders before returning to Benin City. Uvbi's refusal to marry Akpanigiakon and her decision to return to Benin from Unuame prompted the war menace from Akpanigiakon which ended when Oba Oguola defeated him at the battle of Urhezen (Urhoezien).
Events in Unuame Relating to Oba Orobiru (1400-1432) In the reign of Oba Orobiru (1400-1432), elders welcomed and supported Prince Ogun (Ewuare I) when he arrived Unuame to cross the Ovia river and exit Benin. While at Unuame, Prince Ogun stayed a while before crossing the Ovia river to many different places, including Usen. Omoregie (1972) reiterated what Oba Orobiru said to his brother Prince Ogun on a quote: "Prince Ogun! I have ordered my guards to take you to Unuame on the Ovia River. You will cross that river, and if you return to my Kingdom during my lifetime, you will be killed".
Events in Unuame Relating to Oba Ewuare (I) (1440-1473) Following his accession in 1440, Oba Ewuare (1440–1473), founder of the Benin Empire, visited Unuamen to participate in the Ovia Festival (Ehor-Ovia) and undergo initiation (Ógua) into the Ovia cult. There, he encountered Ogiemwanre, a young Ovia priest and distinguished warrior, whose military prowess had been instrumental in the campaign against Udo (Pers. Comm.). In recognition of his service, Oba Ewuare (1440-1473) bestowed upon him the title of Okao of Unuame (Pers. Comm.).
Before ascending the throne, the east bank of the Ovia (Osse) River—where Unuamen sits—marked the final frontier for people entering or departing Benin territory in the west. At the edge of the kingdom, Unuamen served not only as a geographical boundary but as a spiritual and cultural threshold.
When Oba Ewuare (1440-1473) ascended the throne, he inherited a fractured realm—a kingdom evolving from scattered chiefdoms into a centralised empire. At the heart of this transformation lay fierce opposition, most notably from Udo, a powerful settlement on the west of Unuamen. Udo’s chiefs defied Ewuare’s authority, controlling vast fertile lands and key trade corridors. The looming threat from Udo demanded more than military might—it required spiritual fortitude.
In a bid to seek spiritual fortification ahead of the impending war with Udo, Oba Ewuare (1440-1473) journeyed to Unuame to participate in the Unuamen Ovia festival (eho-Ovia) and undergo initiation into the Ovia cult. This sacred rite was officiated by Ogiemwanre (Pers. Comm.). His dual role as Ovia priest and a fearless fighter would prove decisive in the battles to come.
After the ovia festival at Unuame, Ogiemwanre joined Oba Ewuare (1440-1473) in the Udo war. Oral history says Benin warriors including the young Ogiemwanre, under Ewuare’s leadership, laid siege to Udo. Battles were fought near the Unuamen Ovia Riverbank, with Benin using both superior military strategy and spiritual warfare. Udo was subdued, its leaders displaced, and its people absorbed into the Benin Kingdom. This victory solidified Ewuare’s control and allowed him to expand Benin’s influence westward and southward.
Impressed by Ogiemwanre’s courage and loyalty, and to prevent the Empire from invasions through Unuame riverside frontier, Oba Ewuare (1440-1473) rewarded him with the title of Okao of Unuamen— the traditional head of the community. He was installed with the Ada (sword of state, symbolising authority) and the Eben (ceremonial sword, symbolising power), making the Okao of Unuamen the first hereditary Okao title in Benin history.
Oral tradition records that Okao Ogiemwanre continued to fulfill the duties of the Ovia priest alongside his role as Okao until old age, when he eventually delegated the priesthood to a family member during the reign of Oba Esigie (1504–1550).
Oba Ewuare’s (1440-1473) participation in the Unuamen Ovia Festival and initiation into its Ovia deity may have been influenced by his earlier exile to Unuame as Prince Ogun, following his banishment by his brother, Oba Orobiru. His brief stay there likely left a lasting spiritual impact.
Oba Ewuare (1440-1473) held Unuamen in high regard and often referenced it in his proverbs. High Priest Osemwengie Ebohon, in a 2016 lecture on Ewuare’s legacy, quoted one of the Oba’s sayings:
"Igbevb' Etete, Igbevb' Unuamen; Ovbokhan I y' ugieyonyonmwen". Meaning, "I danced in festivals at Etete village, I danced in festivals at Unuame village; No child can deride me with festivals".
Events in Unuame Relating to Oba Ozolua (1480-1504) Oba Ozolua (1480-1504) was a conqueror who also frequented Unuame during his reign to make vows before the Ovia of Unuame and offer sacrifices to it in order to have a peaceful reign in Benin. According to Jungwirth (1968), “when he got to Ovia N’Unuame he declared again if he returned safely from Ora he would offer a sacrifice with a ram, four feathers from a parrot, chalk and some cowries”.
Events in Unuame Relating to Queen Idia and The Fierce Battle Between Esigie (1504-1550) and Arhuanran Upon Oba Ozolua’s death in the early 1504, a succession crisis erupted. Ozolua’s two sons fought for the throne. Esigie, backed by his mother Idia, was based in Benin City; Arhuaran ruled from Udo (reviving Udo’s ambitions). Arhuaran’s faction in Udo challenged Esigie, sparking another internal conflict.