INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMACY

The Holy Aruosa Cathedral in Benin City is a significant cultural and historical landmark that reflects the complex interactions between traditional Benin spirituality and international influences. The Holy Aruosa Cathedral was founded in the early sixteenth century during the reign of Oba Esigie. The Holy Aruosa Cathedral was established by the Portuguese before they set up the Roman Catholic and other churches in Benin. The Holy Aruosa Cathedral in Benin city, Nigeria has a complex and intriguing history with the Portuguese. While it is widely believed that the cathedral was a relic of Portuguese missionary presence, others suggests that the Holy Aruosa predates early Portuguese contact with the Benin kingdom.1 The Cathedral history dates back to the period when the Europeans explorers arrived Benin. The Holy Aruosa Cathedral is believed to be one of the oldest churches in Africa.