 He was not allowed to reside in Abomey or travel freely, but was allowed to visit Abomey to perform ceremonial functions during the Annual Customs by the French administration.French Dahomey administration remained over the area from 1900 until 1960 when the country gained independence and took the name Republic of Dahomey.In 1975, the name of the country was changed from Republic of Dahomey to Benin.