| Conflict: | Igala–Benin War (1515 – 1516) |
| Partof: | European exploration of Africa |
| Date: | 1515-1516 |
| Place: | Present day Nigeria |
| Result: | Benin Decisive Victory |
| Combatant1: | Kingdom of Benin Portuguese Empire |
| Combatant2: | Igala Kingdom Traitor from Benin |
| Commander1: | Queen Idia Oba Esigie |
| Commander2: | Ata of Igala Chife Ohliah |
| Strength1: | Unknown but Portuguese mercenaries and artillery deployed |
| Strength2: | Unknown |
| Casualties1: | Unknown |
| Casualties2: | Unknown |
The Igala–Benin War was a short conflict between the Igala Kingdom and the Kingdom of Benin that happened from 1515 to 1516.
The Igala–Benin War was declared when the previous Oba of Benin converted to Christianity to trade with Portuguese, some of Benin nobles did not accept that and betrayed the Oba for the Ata of Igala.
The Igala–Benin War's outcome was significantly influenced by two key factors. Firstly, the war took a dramatic turn when the servant of Queen Idia managed to assassinate the Igala general, disrupting their command structure and weakening their forces. Secondly, under the reign of Oba Esigie, the Benin Kingdom benefited from Portuguese firepower and military assistance, giving them a significant advantage in terms of weaponry and tactics. These combined factors played a crucial role in Benin's victory and the relatively easier path to success during this historical conflict.
This 'minor' war played a significant role in the Afro-Portuguese relations in the 16th century. It also played a role in slavery by the Europeans since the Benin Kingdom sold slaves to the Portuguese and other European merchants.