Day 26!
Emotan, born Uwaraye, was a mainstay at the Oba Market, in the heart of 15th century Benin. The widow had been selling food there for years, and also cared for the children of other merchants at a house nearby.Â
It was a tumultuous time in Benin.  The ruler, or Oba, was appointed by a council of chiefs and nobles, but the council was torn between the feuding sons of Oba Ohen. Prince Ogun, the most talented son, was forced into exile, but he was still a threat, and his ruling brother and several of his allies plotted to murder him… though not as secretly as they would have hoped. Emotan caught wind of the plot, and with her connections from the marketplace, was able to warn Prince Ogun.  He escaped the plot, which hardened his resolve to return to Benin and claim his throne. Prince Ogun became Oba Ewuare the Great, a legendary lawgiver who expanded Benin into an empire.  He awarded Emotan the job and title of Lyeki, putting her in charge of market administration, and, after her death, planted a sacred tree where she’d once sat. Today, a statue stands in its place, still in the center of Benin City.Â
