Agba Nojie of Uromi

Considered an important Onojie ('king' or 'monarch') in the history of the Esan people,[1] he was instrumental in maintaining the independence of Esanland from the old Benin Empire.

[4] The general population of Esan kingdoms initially relocated from Benin City during the rule of Oba Ewuare.

These small settlements extended through interior development and recorded movements from Benin around five centuries ago.

They were driven by ousted sovereigns, bosses, culprits and others who had abandoned Benin City for the uninhabited woodland before Ewuare's reign as the Oba started in 1460.

The war lasted for many years due to a refusal of friendship from Oba Ozolua of Benin by Onojie Agba N'ojie of Uromi.

His shrine is under a tall Ceiba pentandra, or kapok, tree, where he is worshipped on every Uromi market day.