1440 - 1473 Ewuare / Ewuare the Great
1440 - c.1470
Under Oba Ewuare, the kingdom of Benin becomes an empire through conquests which range from Idah to the north, and from Owo and Akure to Igboland, west of the Niger. The Oba give Benin a strong central government that weakens opposing political factions
1504 - 1550 Esigie contacts the king of Portugal to ask him to send priests to Benin. He also allows churches to be built in the city at Ogbelaka, Idumwerie and Akpakpava. The Oba and the king of Portugal exchange gifts and a Portuguese ambassador is accredited to Benin