Apeh Chidera Jeniffer
230108515
Iwatannaye Emmanuel Ademola
230104543
The characterization of the trial of Oba Ovonramwen by
Ahmed yerima
Ahmed Yerima’s The Trial of Oba Ovonramwen is a historical drama that portrays the fall of
the Benin Kingdom under British colonial rule in 1897 and each characters represent an
Ideology, belief and conflict thereby making them able to convey themes of resistance,
betrayal, power, and colonial . These are the characters:
1. Oba Ovonramwen Nogbaisi:
He is portrayed as a dignified and wise king or ruler who is deeply connected to the Benin
tradition and spiritual belief embodying his people’s culture and belief. he
also faces betrayal and opposition in the hands of the colonial masters but despite the colonial
falls he remains composed and defiant. he is presented as a tragic hero as he symbolizes the
fall of the African Kingdom and due to external operation and internal betrayal. His character
represents the African Kingdom and rulers while his trial represent the injustice of colonial
rule.
2. Captain Philip (Acting consul-general)
Captain Philip is the Acting consul general Who is next in charge of the mission in Benin. He
is a strategic, manipulative power greedy person who is determined to impose the British
authority over being all in the terms of acquiring more power as a consul general so he follows
orders without question and supports the prosecution of Oba Ovonramwen. He views the
Benin kingdom religion and tradition through the lens of European superiority as he disregards
the news and information that was given to him not to Visits the Oba during the Ague
ceremony.
3. Iyase (Chief of Benin )
Characterization:
He is one of the Oba’s closest allies, Known for being wise and politically stable . he
understands and knows the strengths and weakness of the Benin Kingdom position and
advises the Oba on actions to take. His character adds more depth to the theme of betrayal
versus loyalty as he represents the African leadership navigating through colonial pressure
4. The Benin Chiefs & Elders( Chief Ologbose ,Ugaiagbe,Uso,Erin,Osodin, uzazakpo,
obiro,
Obaradesagbon and Okavbiogbe)
Characterization:
Some chiefs remain steadfastly loyal, while others betray the Oba in hopes of self-
preservation Influenced by fear and greed : like Chief Ologbose who is one of the key figures
in the play as he represents the military strength of the Benin Kingdom. Ologbose is the son-
in-law of the Oba and also one of the war chiefs of Benin, responsible for defending the
kingdom against external threats. His bravery and combat skills make him a respected figure
in the Oba’s court. Unlike some chiefs who betray the kingdom, Ologbose remains committed
to resisting British rule. But Like the Oba, Ologbose faces a tragic fate as the British
overpower Benin. His downfall symbolizes the collapse of indigenous military resistance
against colonial powers.
While some chiefs were weakened in the face of challenge of colonial pressure and power eg
chief Obaseki who works for the colonial masters despite being good friends and benefactors
with the Oba just so he can gain a new title. His character role in the play highlights the theme
of betrayal showing how colonialism tribes and exploiting internal division reinforcing the
tragic downfall of Benin as a kingdom weakened from within.
5. The British Officials and Soldiers(Captain Moor, Carter etc) Characterization:
CAPTAIN MOOR : He is ruthless manipulative power greeting arrogance person who has no
regards for the traditions of the beginning Kingdom As he disregards that tradition all in the
name of the European superior nature or European imperialism. he act as an enforcer of
British rule, showing little regard for Benin’s culture or sovereignty. His character represents
the physical force used to suppress indigenous resistance as unlike the Benin warriors, who
fight with tradition and spirit, the British soldiers represent the industrialized warfare of the
empire.
6. Eyebokan:
He serves as a messenger within the royal court, delivering important news and updates
regarding the kingdom and the British invasion. His role places him in a position to witness
the downfall of the kingdom firsthand. He sees the tension between the Benin chiefs, the
resistance of warriors like Ologbose, and the eventual submission to the [Link] a
messenger, Eyebokan represents the bridge between different factions—royalty, warriors, and
even the colonial forces. His character embodies the theme of movement and change,
particularly as Benin transitions from independence to colonial rule.
7. Obiro (The Court Seer)
Obiro, the court seer, is a symbolic and spiritual character in The Trial of Oba Ovonramwen.
His role represents the connection between the physical and spiritual worlds, as well as the
foreboding fate of the Benin Kingdom. As the Oba’s seer, Obiro possesses spiritual insight and
the ability to foresee the future. He Is one of the few who remains faithful to the king, offering
guidance based on spiritual revelations. Unlike some chiefs who betray the kingdom, Obiro
stays committed to the traditional authority of the Oba. His Role in the play reinforces the
spiritual dimension of African leadership, where kings are not only political figures but also
divine representatives.
8. The Benin Warriors and Guards:
The Benin warriors and palace guards embody the military strength and cultural pride of the
kingdom. They are characterized as brave, disciplined, and loyal, but ultimately, they are
unable to withstand the superior firepower and strategic deception of the British forces. Their
role in the play underscores the tragic loss of independence and the inevitable downfall of the
kingdom.
Summary of Characterization in the Play
The play ’ s characterization is crucial in illustrating the historical conflict between the Benin
Kingdom and British colonization. The main conflict revolves around Ovonramwen’s
resistance and the British imperialist strategy to subjugate Benin. The characters can be
categorized into four key groups:
1. Benin Royalty and Chiefs – Figures like Oba Ovonramwen, Chief iyase, and obaseki
represent traditional power and the internal struggles within the kingdom.
2. Warriors and Guards – Ologbose and the Benin warriors embody military strength and
resistance, though they ultimately succumb to British forces.
3. British Officials – Captain Moor, Captain Philip, Carter, and other colonial officers
symbolize the political manipulation and brute force of imperialism.
4. Women and Commoners – Queen, messengers, and slaves provide emotional and
societal perspectives on the impact of colonial rule.