Oba of Benin sends embassy to Portugal requesting missionaries and firearms

The Oba of Benin (probably Ozolua) despatched to Portugal in 1514 an embassy of two envoys — Dom Jorge and Dom Antonio — to complain about the behaviour of Portuguese subjects and to request missionaries and firearms, including cannon. The envoys carried twelve slaves to fund their travel expenses; the ship's captain extorted six of these and withheld their food. Reaching Lisbon in wretched condition, they were placed on a small daily allowance by King Manuel. By November 1514 the diplomatic business had been concluded through Carneiro's offices.