How many kings has the kingdom of benin have?

The Kingdom of Benin (also known as the Edo Kingdom) has had a rich and complex history, spanning over several centuries. The kingdom was founded by the Edo people in the 11th century and lasted until the late 19th century when it was annexed by the British Empire.

Throughout its existence, the Kingdom of Benin was ruled by a series of kings known as the Obas of Benin. The Obas were considered divine rulers and held significant political, religious, and cultural authority within the kingdom. The succession to the throne followed a specific lineage and was based on the principles of primogeniture, with the eldest son typically becoming the next Oba.

The exact number of Obas who ruled the Kingdom of Benin is a matter of historical debate and differing accounts. However, based on various historical sources and oral traditions, it is generally estimated that there have been around 39 Obas of Benin.

Here is a list of the Obas of Benin, starting from the earliest recorded rulers to the last Oba before the kingdom's annexation:

1. Oranmiyan (11th century)

2. Eweka I (12th century)

3. Ewuare the Great (15th century)

4. Ezoti

5. Olua

6. Ekenuwa

7. Uwaifiokun

8. Esigie

9. Orhogbua

10. Ewuakpe

11. Ohuan

12. Esigie II

13. Aruanran

14. Akengboi

15. Osemwengie Ero

16. Akenzua I

17. Eresoyen

18. Akengbedo

19. Obanosa

20. Akenzua II

21. Eweka II

22. Osemwende

23. Erediauwa I

24. Ikengobo

25. Egbedo

26. Ovonramwen Nogbaisi (ruled until the British annexation in 1897)

It's important to note that there may be variations in the names, spellings, and exact order of the Obas listed here due to different interpretations of historical records.