Àjàṣẹ́

Àjàṣẹ́, also called Hogbonu and Porto-Novo, grew beside a lagoon near the Bight of Benin. Yoruba communities had settlements here before the arrival of Aja royal lineages from Allada. Their traditions tell of Tê Agbanlin, who sought a new home in this country and founded a kingdom whose people drew on several neighbouring communities.

After Dahomey conquered Allada in 1724, refugees from its ruling line established themselves in the lagoon country. Hogbonu developed as an outlet for the Yoruba kingdom of Oyo, whose protection helped it withstand Dahomey. Captives brought from the interior were sold to Atlantic traders, including merchants connected with Bahia in Brazil. In 1775 the king invited the governor of Bahia to establish a fort, praising the abundance of captives brought to his market.