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Do-Aklin
Founder of the ruling dynasty of the Kingdom of Dahomey
Symbole de Gangnihessou roi du Dahomey au mur de la place Goho à Abomey au Bénin (2).jpg
Symbol of Gangnihessou on the wall of Place Goho in Abomey in Benin in 2020
Reign c. 1600-1620
Successor Dakodonou
House Aladaxonou

Do-Aklin (also known as Gangnihessou or Dogbari) is believed to be the person who started the royal family of the Kingdom of Dahomey. This kingdom was located in what is now the country of Benin. He is often called the first king of Dahomey. However, the kingdom was actually formed after his time.

Not much is known about Do-Aklin. Most of what we know comes from old stories and traditions. It is generally said that around 1620, he led a large group of Aja people from a place called Allada. They settled on the Abomey plateau, living among the people already there. His son, Dakodonu, later built a palace in this area. This was the beginning of the Kingdom of Dahomey.

Symbols and Motto of Gangnihessou

Gangnihessou had special symbols that represented him. These were a bird, a drum, and a club. Each symbol had a meaning.

His motto was very strong. He said he was the biggest bird and the loudest drum. This meant that no one could stop him or prevent him from doing what he intended.

How Do-Aklin Settled in Abomey

Old stories tell us that the Aja people were led to Allada by a king named Agassou. King Agassou came from a city called Tado. Some stories say Agassou was the son of a princess from Tado and a leopard. Other stories say his father was a brave Yoruba hunter.

Agassou tried to take control of Tado but was defeated. So, he and his followers moved away. They then founded the city of Allada.

The Journey to Abomey

Around the year 1600, there was a disagreement among Agassou's descendants. Three brothers (or two, in some stories) argued about who should become the next ruler. They decided that each brother would go and start a new territory.

This agreement was made at a place called Houégbo. One brother, Teagbanlin, went to start a state where Porto-Novo is today. Another brother took control of Allada. Do-Aklin was the one who went to settle on the Abomey plateau, which was to the north.

Founding the Fon People

It is said that Do-Aklin brought many valuable gifts for the people already living on the Abomey plateau. Because of these gifts, he and his followers were allowed to live peacefully among them. Over time, the Aja people from Allada and the local people mixed together. This mixing created a new group of people, who are known today as the Fon.

Do-Aklin's son, Dakodonu, is credited with building the first palace and officially starting the Kingdom of Dahomey. This happened around 1640, after Dakodonu defeated a local chieftain. Some experts believe that the stories connecting the Dahomey kings to the royalty of Allada were created later. This might have been done to make the conquest of Allada seem more rightful. It also helped explain why Dahomey and Porto-Novo were often rivals.

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