HISTORY

Before he became a soldier, Asoro was a sword bearer to Oba Ovonramwen Nogbaisi (who reigned between 1888 and 1897). He was a symbol of strength, courage, and patriotism; qualities that earned him the coveted titled of a General in the Benin Army.

General Asoro is one remarkable historical figure Benin Kingdom will not forget in a hurry. He was one of the most outstanding warriors who fought gallantly during the Benin-British war. He led other warriors in resisting the entry of British invaders in 1897 into Benin City.

"Almost single-handedly, Asoro held the invader at bay for 5 days, defying blazing guns and ploughing maniacally into the enemies midst to deal out death and mutilation among them. Steeped to his back teeth in magic, Asoro would not fall to gun or sabre.

His deadly poisoned arrows and his huge broad-sword hit their marks with devastating accuracy all around. When he fought in the midst of any of the enemy groups,He never left until every man in it bit the dust. Then he moved on. There was only one condition he had to obey to in order to stay alive. It was that he should never looked back over his shoulder.

Asoro fought and fought and fought. Then suddenly he quiver of arrows that hung from his shoulder seemed to have been snatched away. He looked right and left but could not find it. The pressure was on him from all directions. Inadvertently, he looked back on his shoulder and saw Ofoe" which in benin means {the messenger of death}and after days of fight he was finally brought down in the exact location were his statue is located today in modern day benin, which led to the final invasion of the kings square. rumor has it that both ASORO and his counterpart EBE-IKHIMWIN were responsible for the death of more than five thousand British soldiers.

His statement "no other person dare pass this road except the Oba" (So kpon Oba) was later translated to "SAKPONBA", the name of a well-known road in Benin. To commemorate his contribution, his statue was erected at what is now Oba Ovonramwen Square, at the beginning of Sakponba Road, Benin City. According to tradition, that was the very spot Chief Asoro died.