King Myeongjong of Joseon vs Ovonramwen Nogbaisi

Myeongjong became king of Joseon at age 11 after the death of his half-brother Injong. His mother, Queen Munjeong, served as regent, effectively ruling the country for the first years of his reign.

Queen Munjeong, acting as regent, ordered a purge of the Yun Won-hyeong faction, executing many officials. This event, known as the Eulsa Literati Purge, eliminated political rivals and consolidated the regency's power.

Myeongjong began his personal rule after the death of his mother, Queen Munjeong. He attempted to stabilize the court but faced ongoing factional strife and was unable to reverse the damage from earlier purges.

King Myeongjong died without a male heir, ending his direct line. His death led to the accession of his nephew, King Seonjo, who would later face the Japanese invasions of Korea.

Ovonramwen refused British demands to sign a treaty granting exclusive trading rights and extraterritorial jurisdiction. He maintained Benin's independence and restricted European access to the kingdom's interior.

British forces launched a punitive expedition against Benin City after the killing of a British delegation. The expedition captured and burned the city, looting thousands of bronze and ivory artworks from the royal palace.

Ovonramwen was captured by British forces and deposed as Oba of Benin. He was exiled to Calabar in southeastern Nigeria, where he lived under British supervision until his death in 1914.

Following Ovonramwen's exile, the British incorporated Benin into the Niger Coast Protectorate. The ancient kingdom lost its sovereignty and became part of British colonial Nigeria, ending centuries of independence.