He restored peace and stability to the kingdom after a turbulent period of succession crisis and expanded and consolidated his empire through military conquests and diplomatic alliances.

[3] During this time, a variety of art forms, including bronze, ivory, wood, coral, brass, clay, leather, and cloth, were commissioned to showcase the talents of Benin artists.

[6][7] Additionally, he initiated the tradition of sending the Chalk of Good Tidings to vassal potentates throughout the Benin Empire, symbolising the commencement of his rule.

[8] The Kingdom of Benin retained its influence under subsequent Obas, including Ozolua (1480–1504), Esigie (1504–1550), Orhogbua (1550–1578), Ehengbuda (1578–1606), Ohuan (1606–1641), Ewuakpe (1700–1712), Akengbuda (1750–1804), and Obanosa (1804–1816).

[9][10] While some accounts ascribe personality traits to their names, with Eredia-uwa described as gentle, kind, generous, and peace-loving, and Ogbebo characterised as violent, cruel, greedy, and warlike, these descriptions remain speculative.

[9] His studies included the history and culture of his people, customs and traditions associated with his future role, as well as proficiency in reading and writing in the Edo language, with some familiarity in Portuguese due to the Kingdom of Benin's diplomatic and trade interactions.

[9] He admired the diverse artworks adorning the palace and the city, such as bronze sculptures, plaques, masks, and statues depicting Obas, ancestors, chiefs, warriors, gods, and more.

[4][9] Prince Eredia-uwa enjoyed widespread love and respect from his family, friends, subjects, and allies, as he was seen as a promising candidate for future kingship in Benin.

[14][9] Following his victory in the civil conflict, Prince Eredia-uwa assumed the throne of Benin in 1816, adopting the regal title of Oba Osemwende, signifying "the king who brings good tidings.

The people of Udo asserted their right to choose their ruler independently and contested Oba Osemwende's authority, labelling him a usurper and oppressor.

[18] In response, Oba Osemwende dispatched a substantial army, commanded by his trusted general and adviser, Ezomo Erebo, to quell Udo's resistance and reintegrate it into his dominion.

[6][24] The expansion of Oba Osemwende's empire extended beyond these conquests, encompassing regions such as Ekiti, Igbomina, Kwara, Kogi, and Edo North.

[25][26] He fortified Benin's borders against external threats, including the Fulani, the Kingdom of Dahomey and Britain, constructing forts, walls, moats, roads, bridges, and facilitating trade routes, markets, and ports to enhance commerce and communication across his domains.

[27] He established diplomatic and economic ties, facilitating exchanges of various goods, including ivory, pepper, cloth, metalware, firearms, and enslaved individuals, for European commodities such as coral beads, brass rods, cowries, textiles, wine, tobacco, mirrors, and more.

Trade was also a means of establishing diplomatic relations with other nations, including Spain, France and Britain, who displayed interest in Benin's products and markets.

[29] He commissioned a diverse array of artistic works crafted from materials including bronze, ivory, wood, coral, brass, clay, leather, and cloth.

[31] Concurrently, Oba Osemwende encouraged the growth of literature, poetry, music, and dance, enabling the expression of Benin's rich history and culture.

He admired the artistic treasures adorning his palace and city and also collected works of art from other countries such as Portugal, Spain, France and Britain.

[33] These acquisitions resulted from trade or diplomatic exchanges and were occasionally displayed in public spaces, including temples, shrines, and markets, for the enrichment and edification of his people.

[9] Oba Osemwende further facilitated the travels of scholars and explorers to distant lands, including Egypt, Ethiopia, Arabia, India, and China, fostering cross-cultural learning experiences.

[34] Oba Osemwende received a burial in accordance with the customary rites and rituals of his office, interred in the Royal Cemetery in Benin City.

[35] Oba Osemwende's death was commemorated by his people, who regarded it as the loss of a significant monarch who had played a pivotal role in their kingdom.

[9] This trade involved the exchange of various goods, including ivory, pepper, cloth, metalware, firearms, and slaves for European commodities such as coral beads, brass rods, cowries, textiles, wine, tobacco, and mirrors.

[30] He even sponsored scholars and explorers who embarked on journeys to other lands, such as Egypt, Ethiopia, Arabia, India, and China, to gain insights from diverse civilisations and cultures.