| Osemwende | |
|---|---|
| Oba of Benin | |
 A bronze head of a king (Oba) in the style of Oba Osemwende, Metropolitan Museum of Art | |
| Oba of Benin | |
| Reign | 1816–1848 |
| Predecessor | Ogbebo |
| Successor | Adolo |
| Born | Eredia-uwa c. 1780 Benin City, Kingdom of Benin |
| Died | 1848 Benin City, Kingdom of Benin |
| Burial | Royal Cemetery, Benin City |
| Father | Obanosa |
Osemwende (c. 1780–1848), originally known as Prince Eredia-uwa, was the thirty-third Oba of Benin who reigned from c. 1816 AD – c. 1848 AD. He was the son of Oba Obanosa and the brother of Ogbebo, whom he defeated in a civil war to claim the throne. He restored peace and stability to the kingdom after a turbulent period of succession crisis and expanded and consolidated his empire through military conquests and diplomatic alliances. He also promoted trade and commerce with foreign nations, especially the Portuguese, and fostered art and learning among his people. He was revered as a wise and benevolent ruler who brought good tidings to his kingdom.