THE EUROPEAN MISSION IN BENIN BETWEEN 15TH AND 19TH CENTURIES: A HISTORICAL STUDY OF GELEGELE

SUMMARY

The synopsis of Gelegele revealed, that Ughoton waterside, which is now popularly called Gelegele functioned as one of the Benin villages before and during the advent of European interventions. All the institutions that it takes for community to run well was in place, and this institutions and structures enable the community to administer and carry out their functions perfectly. The institutions helped to guide the day to day affair of the village. The Portuguese and other European nations came to intercourse with Benin based on the potentiality of the Kingdom between 15^th and 19^th centuries Gelegle experienced a lot surge in both human and goods that came into Benin through this entrance which was connected to the Benin River to trade. The overview of this research exposes the relationship that was established between the Benin Kingdom the Europeans, it was so clear of the mission of Ruy de Sequeira in 1472 to meet Oba Ewuare the 1^st and this visit led to the second visit by the Affonse d’ Aveiro in 1545 in the reign of Oba Ozolua. These Obas from Ewuare the 1^st to Ovoramwen played significant role in the acceptance of the Portuguese and other Europeans. Gelegele was very instrumental to these white men in the area of accommodation, infact they were hospitable. The Europeans coming to the Kingdom stated clearly that their aims were on trade, evangelization, diplomacy and cordial relations between them and the host kingdom. It happened that Gelegele took part in the all activities that went on in Benin Kingdom. Gelegele was said to be gateway in which the Europeans and their goods came through in the 15^th and the 19^th centuries and the role of the village was so numerous.