BENIN KINGDOM - GENERAL ASORO

 


A valiant and brave man who died resisting the invading British forces during the Benin-British war.

Before he became a soldier, Asoro was a sword bearer to Ovonramwen Nogbaisi (1888-1897). He was a symbol of strenght, courage and patroitism, qualities that earned him the title of a general in the Benin army.

He led warriors resisting the entry of British invaders in 1897 into Benin city. His statement "No other person dare pass this road except the oba" translated to the local Edo dialect as "SAKPONBA" is now the name of a well known road in Benin. To honour him, his statue was erected at the Oba Ovonramwen square that is at the beginning of Sakponba road. Which according to oral history, is the very spot he died.

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