Gallwey's treaty: Oba Ovonramwen and the British protectorate of Benin

Background. Henry Gallwey became the first resident vice-consul for the Benin River district in 1891, pursuing a policy to give Europeans direct access to interior producers. Previous attempts by British consul George Annesley to visit Benin in 1890 had failed, but Gallwey prepared his mission through exchanges of messengers with Ovonramwen, who acknowledged past mistakes and indicated willingness to negotiate.

Treaty Interpretation. The treaty negotiated in 1892 aimed to allow free passage of goods and development of the palm oil industry. However, British officials interpreted the agreement as restricting Benin's political and commercial independence. This interpretation created conflict, as Ovonramwen did not view commercial freedom as abolishing customary payments, while British officials treated such practices as violations of the treaty.