Succeeding his father, Orhogbua, the first Oba to initiate contact with Europeans, Ehengbuda expanded the empire's territory westward and eastward, solidifying control over tributary states like the Oyo, Ekiti and Nupe.

His death in a maritime storm while returning from a visit to his colony in Lagos marked the end of the era of warrior kings in Benin history, as the subsequent Obas delegated the command of the military to their chiefs.

During his father's absence at war, he faced an accusation of attempted usurpation by the Uwangue of Uselu,[1] a senior chief and head of the Royal Society of the House of Iwebo.

Notably, he established the title of Ohennika of Idunmwu-Ebo, a position responsible for conducting funeral rites for those who commit suicide within Benin City.

[3] Ehengbuda had two recorded issues, Princess Isiuwa (nicknamed Oghiyan), who later became wife of Ekpennede, the Iyase of Benin;[4] and Prince Odogbo, who later succeeded his father as Oba with regnal name Ohuan.

[7] Ehengbuda's conquests extended eastward, where he subjugated numerous Igbo towns and villages on the western bank of the Niger River.

Enraged by the execution of his son for adultery with one of the Oba's wives, Ekpennede embarked on a destructive rampage, killing Princess Isiuwa, the only daughter of Ehengbuda, his family and members of the populace before taking his own life.

This event led to a new regulation prohibiting the Iyase from residing in the Ogbe quarters or returning to Benin City after conquering a major town.

This event prompted a decree forbidding the execution of Uwangues and the placement of the Oba's wives under the care of any member of the Royal Society of the House of Iwebo.

[4][9] Ehengbuda claimed the telescope possessed remarkable properties, allowing him to see beyond the limitations of human sight and even communicate with celestial beings.

He intervened on behalf of Atakunmosa, the deposed Oba of Ilesha, who sought refuge in Benin after being driven out by his people due to his tyrannical rule.