He is credited with moving the seat of his government from Usama to the present palace site, introducing various gods and laws, and changing the name of the country from Ile or Ile-Ibinu to Ubini (Benin).
[1] According to oral tradition, it was founded by the Ogiso (meaning "kings of the sky" or "rulers of heaven") who ruled from a mythical city called Igodomigodo.
[12] Following his father's demise, Prince Efabo returned home and ascended to the throne as Oba at Usama, assuming the regal title Ewedo.
[12] Prior to his coronation, he grew increasingly concerned about the influence and authority wielded by the Uzama Nihinron (Kingmakers), which rivalled that of the Oba.
[12] Collaborating with Ogiamwen, a formidable chief who owned the land designated for the palace, Ewedo discreetly arranged the necessary preparations for his move without prior notification to the Uzama Nihinron until the day of his coronation.
[12] To overcome this obstacle, a bridge was constructed, and Isekherhe permitted passage upon payment of a fee, comprising a wife and a sum of money known as ugiamwen, now equivalent to six shillings and sixpence.
[12] Ewedo, in asserting his supreme authority, implemented significant ceremonial changes, compelling all chiefs to stand in his presence—a departure from the previous practice where the Uzama remained seated.
[14] Despite this reduction in their status, the Uzama retained considerable influence in Benin, and historical accounts suggest that in a subsequent reign, they led a rebellion against the Oba.
[17] These officials aspired to climb a meticulously graded ladder of ranks, culminating in specific titles bestowed by the Oba at his discretion.
[23] The third association, Ibiwe, was responsible for serving the Oba's wives and children, with its senior chief, Osodin, tracing its origins to Ewedo.
[24] The strict division of functions and confinement of each association to its designated quarters within the palace fostered rivalry and emulation—a crucial element in Benin's political structure,[25] enabling a shrewd Oba to balance factions and maintain independence as the ultimate arbiter among powerful subjects.
[32] Ewini music originated from the Ilaje people, who lived along the West African coast, in a town called Ugbo Maghan, which the British colonialists referred to as Mahin.
[37] Ewedo established the groundwork for Benin's expansion through military conquest, a departure from the previous slow colonisation that had only allowed for minimal territorial growth.
[40] The implementation of new organisational methods, which led to a more specialised state function and autocratic control, likely contributed to Benin's ability to efficiently mobilise its resources for war.
[49] During these events, Obas received brass symbols of power from the spiritual leader of their dynasty, known in Benin as the Oghene or Great Lord.
[50] Oba Oguola, Ewedo's successor, is said to have procured the services of a brass-worker from the Oghene, who introduced the art of lost-wax casting in brass to Benin, thereby establishing a craft closely tied to the dynasty's temporal and spiritual powers.