The first of the traditional "twelve kings of Dahomey".

Gangnihessou may have ruled around 1620. His symbols where a male gangnihessou bird (it was a rebus for his name), a drum, and throwing/hunting sticks. It is not entirely clear whether he historically served as king or simply was an influential leader who used the power of his advice to run the affairs of the community through his younger brother, Dakodonou, who clearly was regarded as a king during his lifetime.