Global InformationDakodonou information
| Dakodonu | |
|---|---|
| King of Dahomey | |
 Symbol of Dako Donou's jar of indigo and war club on the wall of Place Goho in Abomey in Benin in 2020 | |
| Reign | c.1620–c.1645 |
| Predecessor | Do-Aklin |
| Successor | Houegbadja |
| Died | 1645 |
| House | Aladaxonou |
Dakodonou, Dakodonu, Dako Donu or Dako Danzo was an early king of the Kingdom of Dahomey, in present-day Benin, ruling from around 1620 until 1645. Oral tradition recounts that Dakodonu was the son (or grandson) of Do-Aklin, the founder of the royal dynasty of Dahomey, and the father to Houegbadja, often considered the founder of the Kingdom of Dahomey. In addition, it is said that Dakodonu killed a local chieftain and founded the capital city upon the site. However, some recent historical analysis contends that Dakodonu was added into the royal line in the 18th century to legitimize the ruling dynasty over the indigenous inhabitants of the Abomey plateau.