Ogiso Ere

After the death of Ogiso Igodo, instead of returning to the traditional gerontocracy or the rule of Odionwere, they were convinced to invite Ere from Udo to succeed his grandfather. Ogiso Ere became the second Ogiso and was widely regarded as the most celebrated among the Ogisos of Benin. Ere ruled for approximately two generations (fifty years) and significantly contributed to strengthening the monarchical system. He is still fondly remembered in Edo history, with many names such as Esesogie, Otamere, Erebo, Eresoyen, Eregbowa, Eresuyi, Erediauwa, Eregie, and others associated with him.

Ere, Igodo’s grandson, was raised in Udo, Igodo’s ancestral village. After Igodo's death, Ere was appointed Ogiso in Ugbekun by the Edionisen, who placed Igodo's unused cowrie crown on his head. Ere transformed the Edionisen into lifelong titles: Oliha (leader), Edohen, Ero, Ezomo, and Eholon’ Ire, who became kingmakers and the council of state. He also retained and consulted with the Iko-Edionwere.

Ere's installation as Ogiso faced opposition from some in Ugbekun, so he relocated to Uhunmwidumwun, built a new palace, and adorned it with Eken nagbeen reliefs, a design still used by Benin's rulers. To distinguish himself from title holders and Edionwere, he introduced the Ada and Eben scepters as symbols of authority and created the royal dress and stool, Agba. The Ughoron people, professional recorders and storytellers, were organized into a guild serving the palace, enhancing the monarchy's appeal. A peace lover, Ogiso Ere banned quarrelling and fighting, establishing the Avbiogbe guild to proclaim this ban, using the phrase “A wua ne Ere” to reinforce it.

The tranquility during Ere's rule facilitated the flourishing of trade. He founded a central market called Eki-Ogiso, which is now known as Agbado market. Traders and various professions were organized into guilds to oversee their activities. These guilds included the iron smiths, carvers of Igbesamwan, cloth weavers of Owinna n 'Ido, blacksmiths of Eyanugie, hunters of Oregbeni, leather workers, and pot makers. Ere also enhanced communication facilities in the kingdom by expanding roads and clearing pathways to connect villages, towns, farms, and rivers. He encouraged farming, which helped boost the economy and improve the people's welfare.

He demonstrated a strong interest in religion. Under his rule, the population became more devout, worshipping many gods such as Ogun, the god of iron, and the sun, alongside ancestral worship. Each village created its own deity, and the kingdom established a collective ancestor shrine called Edion Evbo, or the spirit of departed ancestors. He promoted the use of mud or clay sculpturing for creating religious objects, which reinforced their religious beliefs. The priests of communal gods and deities were elevated to high social ranks, further solidifying his rule.