Agaja (also spelled
Agadja and also known as
Trudo Agaja or
Trudo Audati) was a
King of the
Kingdom of Dahomey, in present-day
Benin, who ruled from 1718 until 1740. He came to the throne after his brother
King Akaba. During his reign, Dahomey expanded significantly and took control of key trade routes for the
Atlantic slave trade by conquering
Allada (1724) and
Whydah (1727). Wars with the powerful
Oyo Empire to the east of Dahomey resulted in Agaja accepting
tributary status to that empire and providing yearly gifts. After this, Agaja attempted to control the new territory of the kingdom of Dahomey through militarily suppressing revolts and creating administrative and ceremonial systems. Agaja died in 1740 after another war with the Oyo Empire and his son
Tegbessou became the new king. Agaja is credited with creating many of the key government structures of Dahomey, including the
Yovogan and the
Mehu.