DADAH GANFON Gangnihoun GBaguidi XV: King of Savalou

ABOUT THE KING

The King of Savalou, a recognized monarch and philanthropist of Benin, will make his first official visit to South Florida. The Kingdom of Savalou has endured for over 500 years, predating and surviving the transatlantic slave trade. As one of the few officially recognized royal leaders within Benin’s constitutional framework, the King embodies continuity, legitimacy, and cultural pride.

Revered as both a cultural custodian and a modern leader, King Gbaguidi XV champions philanthropy, education, healthcare, and cultural preservation. His presence in South Florida represents not only a symbolic reconnection with the West African diaspora but also a concrete opportunity to strengthen partnerships that benefit communities in both Benin and abroad.

ABOUT SAVALOU

Savalou: From humble beginnings to a thriving kingdom – The untold story of Benin’s cultural and historical jewel

Nestled in the heart of Benin, Savalou stands as one of the country’s most historically significant towns. With a rich cultural heritage and a fascinating past that intertwines with the rise of powerful dynasties and shifting geopolitical dynamics, Savalou is a town that holds many untold stories. From its humble beginnings to its strategic role in the region, Savalou has shaped the cultural and political landscape of Benin.

In this blog post, we will explore the history of Savalou, its founding, the remarkable lineage of its rulers, and how this town became a key player in the development of the Kingdom of Dahomey and beyond. Join us as we delve into the fascinating past of Savalou, where the journey of a son from a small village transformed the course of history.

The origins of Savalou: a journey from Mitogbodji to Damè

The story of Savalou begins long before it became the thriving town it is today. The foundation of Savalou can be traced to the 16th century and centers around a key historical figure: Ahoussou Soha Gbaguidi I (1557-1618). He was born to Dessou Atolou from the Houéda ethnic group, and grew up in Mitogbodji, a village located near Sègbohouè, on the shores of Lake Ahémé in southwest Benin.

As a young man, Ahoussou Soha’s destiny took a pivotal turn when he left his ancestral home in Mitogbodji. Like many leaders of the time, Ahoussou Soha sought to expand his influence and build his own future beyond the confines of his village. He moved to Damè, a village located in Fon country, a region known for its rich political and cultural history.

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ABOUT OUR NOV. 15TH, 2025, EVENT

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The King of Savalou, a recognized monarch and philanthropist of Benin, will make his first official visit to South Florida. The Kingdom of Savalou has endured for over 500 years, predating and surviving the transatlantic slave trade. As one of the few officially recognized royal leaders within Benin’s constitutional framework, the King embodies continuity, legitimacy, and cultural pride.

This visit is especially meaningful to the Haitian community and Afro-descendants in South Florida. Benin has historically welcomed Haitians with visa-free entry and extended honorary citizenship to Afro-descendants, honoring shared ancestry and deep cultural ties.

His Majesty Dadah Ganfon Gangnihoun Toffa Gbaguidi XV, the current sovereign of Savalou, embodies this heritage.

Revered as both a cultural custodian and a modern leader, King Gbaguidi XV champions philanthropy, education, healthcare, and cultural preservation. His presence in South Florida represents not only a symbolic reconnection with the West African diaspora but also a concrete opportunity to strengthen partnerships that benefit communities in both Benin and abroad.

Savalou: From humble beginnings to a thriving kingdom – The untold story of Benin’s cultural and historical jewel

Nestled in the heart of Benin, Savalou stands as one of the country’s most historically significant towns. With a rich cultural heritage and a fascinating past that intertwines with the rise of powerful dynasties and shifting geopolitical dynamics, Savalou is a town that holds many untold stories. From its humble beginnings to its strategic role in the region, Savalou has shaped the cultural and political landscape of Benin.

In this blog post, we will explore the history of Savalou, its founding, the remarkable lineage of its rulers, and how this town became a key player in the development of the Kingdom of Dahomey and beyond. Join us as we delve into the fascinating past of Savalou, where the journey of a son from a small village transformed the course of history.

The origins of Savalou: a journey from Mitogbodji to Damè

The story of Savalou begins long before it became the thriving town it is today. The foundation of Savalou can be traced to the 16th century and centers around a key historical figure: Ahoussou Soha Gbaguidi I (1557-1618). He was born to Dessou Atolou from the Houéda ethnic group, and grew up in Mitogbodji, a village located near Sègbohouè, on the shores of Lake Ahémé in southwest Benin.

As a young man, Ahoussou Soha’s destiny took a pivotal turn when he left his ancestral home in Mitogbodji. Like many leaders of the time, Ahoussou Soha sought to expand his influence and build his own future beyond the confines of his village. He moved to Damè, a village located in Fon country, a region known for its rich political and cultural history.

The strategic move: Marrying into Power

Ahoussou Soha’s journey from Mitogbodji to Damè wasn’t just about finding a new home-it was about forging alliances. In Damè, he found favor with Ligbo, the village chief, whose daughter Ahoussou Soha married. This marriage was a significant political and social alliance, positioning Ahoussou Soha as an influential figure in the region.

From this union was born Agba Rhako, who would go on to become the first monarch of the Gbaguidi dynasty, ruling as Ahoussou Soha Gbaguidi I. His reign marked the beginning of the kingdom that would later come to be known as Savalou. The legacy of this union played a critical role in shaping the town’s identity and future.

The rise of the Gbaguidi dynasty

After his marriage and the birth of his son, Ahoussou Soha was faced with a challenge. As the power dynamics in the region shifted, his former hosts, the descendants of Do Aklin, a prominent local leader attempted to impose their influence over the area.  This struggle for power pushed Ahoussou Soha to seek a new home where he could establish his dominance.

Ahoussou Soha initially settled in Houawe (modern-day Bohicon), but he soon faced opposition from the descendants of Do Aklin, whose influence in the region was growing. Determined to carve out his own space, Ahoussou Soha left Bohicon and moved to Honhoun (near Djidja), which was another critical turning point in his journey.

However, it was in Honhounngo (southeast of modern-day Savalou) where Ahoussou Soha truly began to shape his destiny. Through a combination of strategic alliances and military ingenuity, he managed to outwit and defeat the Nago people of Tchébélou, who were occupying the area.

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On November 15, 2025, South Florida will welcome His Majesty Dadah Ganfon Gangnihoun Toffa Gbaguidi XV, King of Savalou, in a once-in-a-lifetime cultural event uniting West Africa and Afro- descendants.

Sponsor the event. We invite sponsors to pledge their support and become partners in this cultural milestone.

This royal reception is a fundraiser to support education, healthcare, children’s welfare, and historical and cultural preservation in Savalou, while also honoring ancestral ties with the Haitian community and Afro-descendants worldwide.

By sponsoring this event, your organization will: gain visibility with numerous leaders, influencers, and community members; align with a historic royal visit of global significance; and deliver real, measurable impact for children and families in Savalou and across Benin.

Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime celebration!

On Saturday, November 15, 2025, the Haitian community and Afro-descendants of South Florida, led by the Kingdom of Savalou Events Committee, will welcome the King of Savalou from Benin in a historic cultural event at the Kovens Conference Center in Miami.

The royal reception is a joyful showcase of traditional music, dance, and heritage that unites West Africa and Afro- descendants in pride and resilience. Guests will enjoy a vibrant cultural performance, cocktail reception, dinner, and an evening of unity with royalty and community leaders.

The event will be both a welcoming celebration and a fundraiser to support the King’s philanthropic initiatives in Savalou. Proceeds will benefit orphanages, education, children’s health, and historical and cultural preservation, with all funds directed entirely toward philanthropic and cultural projects.

  • Saturday, November 15, 2025 | 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM
  • Kovens Conference Center
  • 3000 NE 151 St, North Miami, FL 33181

The Kingdom of Savalou, under the leadership of His Majesty Dadah Ganfon Gangnihoun Toffa Gbaguidi XV, is a historic monarchy in Benin, with a legacy that spans more than five centuries. Today, the Kingdom continues to serve as a cultural and spiritual anchor, reinforcing ancestral ties between West Africa and its diaspora while championing modern development initiatives that uplift its people.

OUR MISSION

To support the philanthropic endeavors of the Kingdom of Savalou, Benin.

To reinforce the ancestral ties between West Africa and Afro-descendants.

To promote and elevate the cultural and artistic treasures of West Africa and the Kingdom of Savalou.

The Kingdom of Savalou Inc. aims to inspire, empower, and support the population of Savalou by:

  •  Expanding access to quality education for children and youth.
  •  Creating business opportunities that foster entrepreneurship and economic stability.
  •  Building modern infrastructure that connects communities and drives progress.
  •   Improving access to healthcare for families.
  •  Promoting West African religion, art, and culture as living traditions that inform identity and resilience.

The Kingdom of Savalou Events Committee is presenting this historic visit of the King of Savalou to South Florida.

Bringing together cultural leaders, professionals, artists, and community organizers, the Committee serves as the central body coordinating programming, fundraising, and protocol for the event. Its mission is to honor the ancestral ties between Benin, Savalou, and Afro-descendants while ensuring that the celebration fulfills its philanthropic purpose: raising meaningful funds to support the King’s humanitarian work in Savalou.

 

 

PRESS

Benin officially launches the “My Afro Origins” platform for applications for recognition of Beninese nationality by Afro-descendants

|Press releases|Justice

Cotonou, July 4, 2025 – The Government of the Republic of Benin today announced the official launch of the digital platform www.myafroorigins.bj, an exclusive portal dedicated to receiving applications for recognition of Beninese nationality for people of African descent. This concrete step forward is part of the implementation of Law No. 2024-31 of September 2, 2024, relating to the recognition of Beninese nationality for people of African descent, a founding text that, for the first time in the country’s legal history, enshrines the right of return and citizenship for the descendants of sub-Saharan Africans deported from the African continent during the slave trade and the triangular trade.

Benin enshrines in law the right of return of Afro-descendants

This initiative reflects the country’s desire to assume its historical responsibility, to re-establish ties with its children scattered throughout the world, and to make its territory a land of welcome, memory and the future.

A multilingual, accessible and secure interface 

Accessible at www.myafroorigins.bj , the platform offers each applicant a fully digital, multilingual (French, English, Portuguese, Spanish) process that complies with international standards for the protection of personal data. It allows you to obtain information, compile your file, pay the processing fee of USD 100 and track the progress of the procedure via a personal account.

Once the application is duly completed and compliant, the certificate of eligibility for Beninese nationality by recognition is issued after review and a favorable decision. This document, issued by the Beninese administration, constitutes a key first step toward obtaining nationality and registration in the national register of natural persons.

The Beninese Government invites all interested persons to consult the platform to learn about the eligibility conditions, the required documents and the application review process.

According to Mr. Yvon DETCHENOU, Keeper of the Seals, Minister of Justice and Legislation: “This measure gives substance to a law of justice and recognition. By opening the path to Beninese nationality to people of African descent, we are honoring a fundamental principle: that of the right of return.”

About the myafroorigins.bj platform:

My Afro Origins.bj is the official digital platform established by the Government of the Republic of Benin to allow people of African descent to apply for Beninese nationality. Accessible at www.myafroorigins.bj, this multilingual, secure, and entirely digital interface is the only portal dedicated to this process.

More information on: www.myafroorigins.bj

  Press contacts:

  • Ministry of Justice and Legislation
  • Name: Cyrille ZOUHON
  • Email: support.adan@gouv.bj

ABOUT SAVALOU

Savalou is a city located in the Collines Department of Benin. The commune covers an area of 2,674 square kilometres and as of 2012 had a population of 35,433 people. It is the birthplace of Olympic Beninese hurdler Odile Ahouanwanou. Savalou, like many areas of Benin, is home to a constituent monarchy.

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