List of rulers of Hogbonu (Porto-Novo) facts for kids

A territory in what is now Benin was once home to important kingdoms. This land was first known as the Hogbonu Kingdom. Later, it became known as Ajache Ipo or Ajashe (also spelled Adjatshe or Adjatché).

The rulers of these kingdoms were called Ahosu, which means King.

The Hogbonu Kingdom: Early Rulers

The Hogbonu Kingdom was a part of the Allada royal family. Its rulers belonged to the Agasuvi Dynasty, also known as the Alada-tadonu or Hwegbonu Dynasty.

• Té-Agbanlin was the Ahosu from 1688 to 1729.
• Hiakpon ruled as Ahosu from 1729 to 1739.
• Lokpon was the Ahosu from 1739 to 1746.
• Hude was a Queen who ruled from 1746 to 1752.
• Messe (also known as Messi) was Ahosu from 1752 to 1757.
• Huyi ruled as Ahosu from 1757 to 1761.
• Gbeyon was the Ahosu from 1761 to 1765.
• After Gbeyon, there was a period called an Interregnum from 1765 to 1775. This means there was no official ruler during that time.
• Ayikpe became Ahosu from 1775 to 1783.
• Ayaton was the Ahosu from 1783 to 1794.

The Ajache Ipo Kingdom: Later Kings

In 1794, the kingdom became known as the Ajache Ipo Kingdom. The rulers continued to be called Ahosu.

• Huffon was the Ahosu from 1794 to 1807.
• Ajohan ruled as Ahosu from 1807 to 1816.
• Toyi was the Ahosu from 1816 to 1818.
• Hueze ruled from 1818 to 1828.
• Toyon was the Ahosu from 1828 to 1836.
• Meyi ruled from 1836 to September 8, 1848.
• Sodji was the Ahosu from September 8, 1848, to February 3, 1864.
• Mikpon ruled from February 11, 1864, to May 23, 1872.
• Messi (also known as Messi II) was Ahosu from June 4, 1872, to June 26, 1874.
• Toffa I (also known as Tofa II) was a long-reigning Ahosu, ruling from September 16, 1874, to February 7, 1908.

French Rule: Chiefs of the Territory

After 1908, the territory was taken over by France. This is called French annexation. The rulers were no longer called Ahosu, but instead held the title of Chef supérieur, which means "High Chief".

• Gbdessin was the Chef supérieur from February 7, 1908, to October 22, 1913.
• Hudji ruled from 1913 to 1929.
• Toli was Chef supérieur from 1929 to 1930.
• Gbehinto ruled from 1930 to 1940.
• Gbesso Toyi was Chef supérieur from 1941 to 1946.
• Alohinto Gbeffa was the last Chef supérieur, ruling from 1946 to July 16, 1976.

See also

• Benin
  • Heads of Government of Benin
  • Colonial Heads of Benin (Dahomey)
• Lists of office-holders