Oba Ewuare (also Ewuare the Great) was the king of the Benin Empire from 1440 until 1473. Ewuare became king in a violent coup against his brother Uwaifiokun which destroyed much of Benin City. After the war, Ewuare rebuilt much of the city of Benin, reformed political structures in the kingdom, greatly expanded the territory of the kingdom, and fostered the arts and festivals. He left a significant legacy and is often considered the first King of the Benin Empire.
Prior to Ewuare, the Oba of Benin was limited in their power and authority by the uzama, a group of hereditary chieftains throughout the kingdom. The uzama were able to appoint the Oba of Benin upon the death of an Oba and could limit any efforts by the Oba.
The rise of Ewuare to a position of power is chronicled by various different oral folktales and his lineage and specifics of his rise are disputed. The general tale starts with Ewuare being born as the eldest son to Ohen. At this point, Ewuare was known by the name Prince Ogun. A controversy arose upon the death of Ohun when the uzama appointed his younger brother Uwaifaikon as the Oba and exiled Prince Ogun. Ogun then traveled widely throughout the region during his exile vising many different kingdoms. A.F.C. Ryder contends that it is possible that Ewuare was an outside military leader and that the lineage story was created to establish legitimacy of his rule. Local historian Jacob Egharevba, in contrast, says that after the death of Orobiru, both Ogun and Uwaifaikon were banished from the city, but then Uwaifaikon was able to return, lied to the uzama, and was named king.
that's just the way it is
made my way back to the top
never thought you'd see me again
but guess who's beatin'
that's just the way it is
played the game and now you're gone
open your eyes and look around
there's a new sheriff in town
ah yeah surprise surprise
bet you never thought you'd see me burn so bright
yo soy caliente como el sol
bet you didn't know what i would be like
when i found my pride
when i hit my stride
don't even try put out the fire
you lie estupido
oh no
not even a notion of emotion
with the motion of the ocean
on my soul
get me down
your foolish ways will only serve to make you drown
that's right
whatever trick
tu lo veras
you'll see
i pee pee now
bounce
that's just the way it is
made my way back to the top
never thought you'd see me again
but guess who's beatin'
that's just the way it is
played the game and now you're gone
open your eyes and look around
there's a new sheriff in town
hay cono
porque
can you tell me why
there's always got to be some fucking negativity
basta ya
you'd think by now and after everything we've been through
we'd put our differences aside
and say whassup fool
but nevermind
i'm not here for preaching
just for rock 'n roll
a little dash of azuquita sweeten up my flow
latina mama finally got her time
pave the way
cock the glock
you will obey
now muevete
that's just the way it is
made my way back to the top
never thought you'd see me again
but guess who's beatin'
that's just the way it is
played the game and now you're gone
open your eyes and look around
there's a new sheriff in town
que pasa dude
te sorprende que yo
he llegado a tanto
como los tiempos han cambiado
a mi no me importa lo que diga la gente
no me importa lo que piensen
las malas lenguas siempre seguiran hablando y criticando
a mi no me ofenden
los que se dediquen a rebajar a los demas
son los mismos que pagaran
y algun dia se tendran
que enfrentar con la verdad
no escupes pa' arriba
porque en la cara te caera
that's just the way it is
made my way back to the top
never thought you'd see me again
but guess who's beatin'
that's just the way it is
played the game and now you're gone
open your eyes and look around
there's a new sheriff in town
that's just the way it is
that's just the way it is
that's just the way it is
no no no no no no no no no
what's the matter what's the matter
lost your swagger
now you're fronted out
thought you'd be all the rage
assuming you could keep me down
i know
it's such a blow to your self-confidence
you got no defense
too bad
you should've recognized the opportunity you had
you could've been an ally
now you're all alone and mad
mopin' around outside my gigs
watchin' my peoples comin' in
party on
oppera house packed
prackata
that's just the way it is
made my way back to the top
never thought you'd see me again
but guess who's beatin'
that's just the way it is
played the game and now you're gone
open your eyes and look around
there's a new sheriff in town
that's just the way it is
made my way back to the top
never thought you'd see me again
but guess who's beatin'
that's just the way it is
played the game and now you're gone
open your eyes and look around
there's a new sheriff in town
that's just the way it is
made my way back to the top
never thought you'd see me again
but guess who's beatin'
that's just the way it is
played the game and now you're gone
open your eyes and look around