before_revision: James Robert Phillips (1863 - 1897) was the deputy commissioner and consul for the Niger Coast Protectorate. He is remembered for his part in the events that led to the Benin Expedition of 1897. In 1897, Phillips set out to depose the Oba of Benin, although his reasons for doing so remain unclear. He and his party was ambushed and slaughtered as they approached Benin City, with Philips being among the casualties. Though Philips had acted without consulting the Royal Niger Company authorities, after his death the British government dispatched an punitive force against the Benin monarchy, which the force defeated and deposed, leading to the kingdom's eventual absorption into colonial Nigeria. Life James Phillips was the eldest son of Rev. Thompson Phillips, vicar of Ivegill and later Archdeacon of Furness in the Diocese of Carlisle, and Eliza, daughter of General James Wallace Sleigh. The Benin massacre Boisragon and Locke, the two British men to survive the ambush Captain Phillips statue, Museum of Black Civilisations, Dakar On 17 December 1896, Phillips set off from Old Calabar in the yacht Ivy on the expedition to Benin. He also sent a message through Chief Dogho (Itsekiri Chief) to Ovonramwen, the 36th Oba of Benin, that he was on his way to visit. Although they had given word of their intended visit, they were later informed that their arrival must be delayed, because no foreigner could enter the city while rituals were being conducted;Benin Diplomatic Handbook, p. 21. however, the travellers continued on their expedition. His true intentions were not clear to Oba Ovonramwen, who replied asking him to wait for some days whilst he and his Council of Chiefs investigated claims that the whitemen are bringing war to Benin. He also informed Phillips that he was currently engaged in 'worshipping his father's head' in the Ague Festival. Phillips failed to heed the Oba's advice, as well as pleas from his Itsekiri advisors, and on 4 January 1897 he pressed ahead with his plan.
after_revision: James Robert Phillips (1863 - 1897) was the deputy commissioner and consul for the Niger Coast Protectorate. He is remembered for his part in the events that led to the Benin Expedition of 1897. In 1897, Phillips set out to depose the Oba of Benin, although his reasons for doing so remain unclear. He and his party was ambushed and slaughtered as they approached Benin City, with Phillips being among the casualties. Though Phillips had acted without consulting the Royal Niger Company authorities, after his death the British government dispatched an punitive expedition against the Benin monarchy, which the force defeated and deposed, leading to the kingdom's eventual absorption into colonial Nigeria. Life James Phillips was the eldest son of Reverend Thompson Phillips, vicar of Ivegill and later Archdeacon of Furness in the Diocese of Carlisle, and Eliza, daughter of General James Wallace Sleigh. The Benin massacre Boisragon and Locke, the two British men to survive the ambush On 17 December 1896, Phillips set off from Old Calabar in the yacht Ivy on the expedition to Benin. He also sent a message through Chief Dogho (Itsekiri Chief) to Ovonramwen, the 36th Oba of Benin, that he was on his way to visit. Although they had given word of their intended visit, they were later informed that their arrival must be delayed, because no foreigner could enter the city while rituals were being conducted;Benin Diplomatic Handbook, p. 21. however, the travellers continued on their expedition. His true intentions were not clear to Oba Ovonramwen, who replied asking him to wait for some days whilst he and his Council of Chiefs investigated claims that the whitemen are bringing war to Benin. He also informed Phillips that he was currently engaged in 'worshipping his father's head' in the Ague Festival. Phillips failed to heed the Oba's advice, as well as pleas from his Itsekiri advisors, and on 4 January 1897 he pressed ahead with his plan.
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