Leopold I of Belgium vs Oba Akenzua II

Following Belgium's independence from the Netherlands, the National Congress elected Leopold of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha as king. He accepted the throne on condition of a constitutional monarchy and took the oath on July 21, 1831.

Leopold I married Princess Louise of Orl

Leopold I strongly supported railway construction in Belgium. The first continental European railway opened between Brussels and Mechelen in 1835, and Belgium developed one of the densest rail networks in the world.

Leopold I secured the Treaty of London, which guaranteed Belgian neutrality and independence. The treaty was signed by the major European powers and remained in force until Germany violated it in 1914.

Leopold I used his extensive family connections to influence European politics. He advised his niece Queen Victoria and helped arrange the marriage of his nephew Prince Albert to Victoria, strengthening British-Belgian relations.

Oba Akenzua II was installed as the Oba of Benin, restoring the monarchy that had been abolished after the 1897 Punitive Expedition. The British allowed the restoration as part of their indirect rule policy in Nigeria.

Oba Akenzua II promoted the preservation and revival of Benin cultural heritage, including the arts, festivals, and traditional institutions. He supported the documentation of Benin history and the return of some artifacts looted in 1897.

Oba Akenzua II led the Benin monarchy's integration into the independent Nigerian federation. He worked to maintain the traditional institution's relevance within the modern Nigerian state, balancing customary authority with constitutional governance.