Portuguese missionary priests arrive in Benin City

When the missionary priests reached Benin in August 1515 they found the Oba engaged in war at a distance from the capital, but he sent for them immediately. They remained with him in camp together with Portuguese residents Duarte Pires and João Sobrinho, enjoying his favour until he returned to Benin City in August 1516. The question of conversion was set aside during the campaign, but once in his capital the Oba sent one of his own sons with those of some chiefs to be baptised and taught to read by the missionaries.