The story of Oba Ovonramwen Nogbaisi, the last independent Oba of Benin, is a tale of bravery, betrayal, and the clash of cultures. Born around 1857, Ovonramwen Nogbaisi ascended to the throne in 1888, ruling the Kingdom of Benin with wisdom and strength. However, his reign was marked by increasing pressure from British colonial forces, who sought to exploit the kingdom' s rich natural resources.

In 1896, British Vice- Consul James Robert Phillips led an expedition to overthrow Oba Ovonramwen, disguising his troops as bearers and hiding their weapons in baggage. Despite warnings from the Oba' s messengers, Phillips proceeded, sending his stick to the Oba as a deliberate insult. The resulting ambush led to the deaths of nearly all the British party, sparking a massive retaliatory expedition.

In 1897, a British force led by Harry Rawson launched a punitive expedition against Benin, burning down the city, destroying the royal palaces, and killing countless inhabitants. Oba Ovonramwen escaped, but later returned to formally surrender on August 5, 1897. He was richly dressed and accompanied by hundreds of attendants, showcasing his dignity and authority.

Despite offering a substantial bribe to Consul General Ralph Moor, Ovonramwen was exiled to Calabar, where he spent the remainder of his life. He died around 1914 and was eventually buried in the grounds of the royal palace in Benin City. His legacy as a symbol of Benin' s independence and resistance against colonialism endures.