Asoro

Asoro, also known as General Asoro, was a war chief in the Kingdom of Benin who served as the sword bearer to Oba Oba Ovonramwen during the 1897 British expedition to Benin. He participated in the defense of Benin against the British expeditionary force that aimed to capture the Oba. Asoro's statement that "no other person [should] pass this road except the Oba" (So kpon Oba) resulted in a road in Benin being named "Sakponba."

In January 1897, during a religious festival, a British expedition led by Acting James Robert Phillips attempted to enter Benin without Oba Oba Ovonramwen's permission. Asoro and other warriors resisted the British officials, forcing them to retreat and killing some of them. This incident heightened tensions between the British and Benin. The British officials claimed they wanted to discuss trade issues, but their unauthorized entry and the subsequent violence led to further conflicts.

After the British defeated the Benin Empire and captured ("king") Ovonramwen, Asoro refused to accept the exile order. During the British attack on Benin led by James Robert Phillips, Asoro protected the road used by the British force, declaring that only the Oba could use that road, which was later named "Sakponba." A statue of General Asoro stands on this road in Benin City to honor his actions.

Death Asoro died at the site where he had fought against the British expedition. This location is now marked by Oba Ovonramwen Square, situated at the start of Sakponba Road in Benin City.