The kingdom of Dahomey was in part of this present-day African country (5)

I believe the answer is:

benin

(Other definitions for benin that I've seen before include "West Africa country, formerly a French colony" , "West African republic" , "Country W. of Nigeria" , "City formerly known as Dahomey" , "French-speaking West African country" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sunday Times and The Times.

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