[1] Ewuare's name means "the trouble has ceased", referring to when he finally gained the throne after rebelling against Uwaifiokun.

[1] Gaining power after seizing the throne from Uwaifiokun in 1440, he reformed the administration of the Benin Empire and transformed it into an imperial state through conquest.

One day he passed by a farm when he heard a farmer call out to his son, “Ewuare!”, asking of the boy to bring him some ikan.

[4] Prior to Ewuare, the Oba of Benin was limited in their power and authority by the uzama, a group of hereditary chieftains throughout the kingdom.

[11] One popular oral history contends that while Prince Ogun was exiled he performed a favour for a jungle spirit and as a result got a magic bag, called Agbavboko.

Agbavboko had the magical qualities that no matter what Ogun put into the bag, it had more space and whenever he reached in he could pull out whatever he desired.

He arrived in Benin City surprised to find a parade for his brother Uwaifaikon while the people were in destitute circumstances.

In the confusion that ensued, he hid with a slave, named Edo, that had taken care of him when he was young and who recognized him immediately in the chaos.

[7] In Egharevba's version, during a visit to the city during his exile, Ogun was taken in by a prominent chief who hid him in a dried well but then went to tell the authorities.

[7] Ewuare is often considered a key state-reformer and crucial in many aspects of state formation in the Benin empire.

A major administrative development undertaken by Ewuare was reducing the power of the uzama chiefs which were a limiting force on the Oba.

[6] In addition, to clarify the situation, Ewuare developed the Edaiken title for the oldest son to clearly establish the lineage.

[13] These acted as administrative arms, directly appointed and accountable to the Oba, who would collect tribute, deal with legal issues, and generally take part of the affairs of state.

To foster this, Ewuare encouraged the freeborn population to work in the palace for small wages as part of these different orders.

He personally led the army against many of the Edo communities, living west of the Niger river, and key Yoruba settlements like Akure and Owo.

Oral history recount 201 victories by Ewuare over the various cities and towns creating a large empire centered in Edo.

[13] Archeological evidence has found that the walls built around the palace and the city, and even out into the country, were significant constructions taking multiple years to complete.

Ewuare is generally credited with expanding ivory and wood carving in the empire and the creation of Bronze heads for shrines to deceased Obas.

[5] One oral history says that the date of the Igue festival was set initially to the marriage between Ewuare and a wife named Ewere.