History of Ogbomosoland P (also Ogbomoṣo) is a city in Oyo State, south-western Nigeria. The Oyo Empire, like many empires before it, used both local and tributary forces to expand its domains. New York: Macmillan Limited, 1995. History. The index of urbanization in 1950 was close to that of the United States, excluding Ilorin. [7], Under his successor, Abipa, the Yoruba repopulated Oyo-Ile and rebuilt the original capital. Oyo State was carved out of the Western State in 1976. Oranyan made an agreement with his brother to launch a punitive raid on their northern neighbors for insulting their father Oduduwa, the first Ooni of Ife. [32] Each chief had a state duty to perform at court every morning and afternoon. [35] Aside from taxes on trade products coming in and out of the empire, Oyo also became wealthy off the taxes imposed on its tributaries. [26], The Oyo Empire was not a purely hereditary monarchy, nor was it an absolute one. [46], After the death of Awole, there was a scramble for the throne by numerous contenders; some were reported to have spent less than six months on the throne; there was also a period of interregnum of almost twenty years where the various factions could not agree on a candidate. [24] Oyo was known to punish disobedience by wholesale slaughter of the erring community, as it accomplished in Allada in 1698.[12]. They were regarded as Ekeji Orisa, meaning "deputy of the gods." Your email address will not be published. [22] This was the hub of the empire, where the Yoruba spoke the Oyo dialect. Celebrated regularly, it would retain much significance among the Yoruba long after the fall of Oyo. [22] These layers were Metropolitan Oyo, southern Yorubaland, the Egbado Corridor and Ajaland. He left all his treasures in Ife and allowed another king to rule there.[4]. Chief Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala is a significant political gladiator. [23] After the Bere festival, peace in Yorubaland was supposed to last for three years. The Oyo army was able to attack defensive fortifications, but it was harder to supply an army, and they withdrew when supplies ran out. [7] Despite a failed attempt to conquer the Benin Empire sometime between 1578 and 1608,[7] Oyo continued to expand. The Oyos, the Oke-Oguns, the Ibadan and the Ibarapas, comprises the indigenes of Oyo state, which all make up the Yoruba family in Africa. Eventually these provinces broke free as well. This was done by sending Bashorun (The prime minister) to present either an empty calabash or a dish of parrot's eggs to him and pass a sentence of rejection, known as Awon Eniyan Koo (i.e. It was formed in 1976 from the former Western State, and originally included Ọsun State, which was split off in 1991. [25] At the beginning of the Oyo Empire, the Alaafin's eldest son usually succeeded his father upon the throne. The Oyo Empire grew to become the largest Yoruba state. The oba (meaning 'king' in the Yoruba language) at Oyo, who was referred to as the Alaafin of Oyo (Alaafin means 'owner of the palace' in Yoruba), was the head of the empire and supreme overlord of the people. It was founded in the mid 17th century. [15] The origin of the cavalry is disputed; however, the Nupe, Borgu and Hausa in neighbouring territories also used cavalry and may have had the same historical source. Ilorin was a war camp headed by the Are-Ona Kakanfo Afonja. It is believed that the name "Sango" was given by his maternal grandfather or he adopted it from the local name for the God of Thunder. Oyo state comprises of thirty-three (33) local government areas. [12] The Oyo often demanded tribute in slaves. On the way to the battle, the brothers quarreled and the army split up. The Yoruba continue to be the most urbanized African ethnic group today. During the colonial period, the Yorubas were one of the most urbanized groups in Africa. INDEPENDENCE DRIVE: Here’s a brief history about Oyo stateCULTURE & TOURISM BY QUICKSILVER [sup][/sup] Oyo State, popularly referred to as the “Pace Setter” is one of the 36 States of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Oyo State is homogenous, mainly inhabited by the Yoruba ethnic group who are primarily agrarian but have a predilection for living in high-density urban centers. [43] Because of this, Alaafin Awonbioju spent 130 days on the throne, while Alaafin Labisi only spent 17 days on the throne. Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau. 2009. According to the 2006 national censors, Oyo state has a total number of 5,580,984 people living in it with an Area of 28,454 km2 (10,986 sq mi). Fasanya, Akin (2004). The peace talks eventually broke down, and Oyo subsequently attacked Dahomey. Oyo State, popularly referred to as the “Pace Setter” is one of the 36 States of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This Arm of the State is headed by the chief judge of the State to ensure justice in all areas. Oyo state was one of the three states carved out of the old western state of Nigeria on the 3rd of February 1976 during states creation exercise which originally included Osun state but was later divided in 1991. It is popularly referred to as the “pace setters”. Clapperton also noticed a shortage of horses, even though the Oyo were renowned as a great cavalry force; this might have something to do with the fact that most of the empire's soldiers and hence cavalry were stationed at Ilorin under the command of Afonja (and later Alimi's successors). Ogbomoso is the second biggest town in Oyo state. Although the State is home to various ethnic groups, it is predominantly filled with the Yoruba. [30] The hundreds of Ilari were divided evenly between the sexes. Afonja took cause with Awole when the latter commanded him to attack Alaafin Abiodun's maternal home, Iwere-Ile. The paramount ruler of Badagry, Oba Babatunde Akran, the Whenu Aholu Menu Toyi has just celebrated his … [40] Lesser war chiefs were known as Balogun, a title carried on by the soldiers of Oyo's successor state, Ibadan.[41]. The Prince with a future to look with. Oyo Empire. The Oyo Empire therefore entered the 19th century with a serious constitutional crisis and a weak army. History of Iganna Town. [22] These were agents appointed by the Alaafin of Oyo to oversee his interest and monitor commerce. Taking a cue from their Nupe enemies (whom they called "Tapa"), the Yoruba rearmed with armor and cavalry. [8] The Nupe sacked the capital, destroying Oyo as a regional power until the early 17th century. The university, whose conception began in 1987 during the administration of Adetunji Olurin, the then Military Governor of Oyo State, came with the first challenge as Osun State … All infantry in the region carried shields, swords and lances of one type or another. Chief among the responsibilities of the Bashorun was the all important festival of Orun. Oyo could not maintain its cavalry army in the south but could raid at will. The Oyo Empire grew to become the largest Yoruba state. [52] The center of Yoruba power moved further south to Ibadan, a Yoruba war camp settled by Oyo commanders in 1830. [29] The leader of the Ogboni, the Oluwo, had the unqualified right of direct access to the Alaafin of Oyo on any matter. Long time ago, the paramount ruler of the Oyo Kingdom, Iku Baba Yeye, The Alaafin of Oyo had a beloved son in whom he is well pleased with. [23] The most important of these was the Bere festival, marking the acclamation of successful rule by the Alaafin. Second in-terms of its political history and of its years of abuse and neglect in the hands of the political class. Oyo State covers approximately an area of 28,454 square kilometers and is ranked 14th by size. A prince with innocence, an heir to the throne he is. Oyo became the southern emporium of the Trans-Saharan trade. It was the most restive and distant, and kept in line with threats of expeditions against it. Oyo state consists of thirty-three (33) local government areas. This area was inhabited by the Egba and Egbado, and guaranteed Oyo's trade with the coast. The heart of metropolitan Oyo was its capital at Oyo-Ile (also known as Oyo Katunga or Old Oyo or Oyo-oro). [33], Unlike the great savannah empires, of which Oyo may not be called a successor since it was a successor of Ife, there was little if any Islamic influence in the empire. Inorder to prevent this occurrence, it became traditional for the crown prince to be made to commit ritual suicide upon his father's death. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. [15] There were drawbacks to this. The Oyo Empire was a Yoruba empire of what is today Benin and Western Nigeria (including Southwest zone and the western half of Northcentral zone). It was divided into four layers defined by relation to the core of the empire. [25] The Alaafin of Oyo was also expected to give his subordinates honours and presents. [49] Oyo immediately demanded a huge tribute from King Gezo for the unauthorized incursion, to which Gezo dispatched his Brazilian viceroy, Chacha Francisco Félix de Sousa, to the Alaafin at Oyo to make peace. [25] The Oyo Mesi selected the Alaafin. Ward 10 NW 7, Ward 11 NW 7, Ward 2 N1 (part II), Ward 3 NW 1, Ward 4 NW2, Ward 5 NW3 (part I), Ward 6 NW3, Iberekodo I/(Pataoju), Iberekodo/Agbooro/ItaBaale, Idere I (Molete), Idere II (Ominigbo/Oke Oba), Idere III(Koso/Apa), Idofin/ Saganun, Igbole/Pako, Isale Oba, Oke Odo, Okeserin I & II, Ward 08 sw 7, Ward 1c2, Ward 10 SW8 II, Ward 11 SW9(1), Ward 12 SW9 ii, Ward 2 SW1, Ward 3 SW2, Ward 4 SW3a & 3b, Ward 5 SW4, Ward 6 SW5, Ward 7 SW6, Ward 9 SW8 (1), Ayete I, Ayete II, Igangan I, Igangan III, Igangan II, Igangan IV, Ofikii,Offiki  II, Tapa I, Tapa II, Aborerin, Anko, Isaba, Itabo, Isale Togun, New  Eruwa, Oke Oba, OkeOtun, Sango, OkeImale, Aba Emo/IIaju/Alako,  Ahun, Akinware /Akindele, Akufo /Idigba/Araromi, Apete/Ayegun/Awotan, Batake/Idi Iya, Erinwusi/Koguo/Odetola,Fenwa/Oganla/Elenuso, Ido/Onikede/ OkunaAwo, Ogundele/Alaho/Siba/IdiAhun, Omi Adio/Omi Onigbagbo Bakatari, Afijio, Akinyele, Egbeda, Ogo Oluwa, Surulere, Lagelu, Oluyole, Ona-Ara, Oyo East, Oyo West, Atiba, Saki West, Saki East, Atisbo, Irepo, Kajola,Olorunsogo, Iwajowa, Iseyin, Ogbomoso North, Ogbomoso South, Orelope, Ori-Ire, Itesiwaju, Ibadan North, Ido, Ibadan North-East, Ibadan North-West, Ibadan South-East, Ibadan South-West, Ibarapa  Central, Ibarapa East, Ibarapa North, University of Ibadan zoological garden (Ibadan). [1] It reached the height of its power in the 18th century. The history of Broadcasting in Nigeria is connected to the era of colonization in the country. At one time, Oyo-ile was at war with the Bariba of Borgu, who wanted to subjugate the new city still under construction. Required fields are marked *. The Sabiganna of Iganna origin is traceable to Adebiyi, one of the grandsons of Oduduwa known as Onisabe. The Oyo State Government has set aside the sum of #732million in the year 2021 budget to cater for community development capital and recurrent expenditure projects under the State’s Community and Social Development Project (CSDP). Oyo never encompassed all Yoruba-speaking people, but it was the most populous kingdom in Yoruba history. The Yoruba invaded Dahomey seven times before finally subjugating the small kingdom in 1748. "Letter of Lionel Abson, Governor of the English fort at Whydah, 26 Sept. 1783" Public Records Office, London, Dalzel, Archibald. the people reject you, the world rejects you and the gods reject you also). [11] By the end of the 16th century, the Ewe and Aja states of modern Benin were paying tribute to Oyo. Gaha, in his quest for absolute power, conspired with the Oyo Mesi and probably to some extent the Ogboni to force four successive Alaafins to commit ritual suicide after they had been presented with the symbolic parrot's eggs. Although the State is home to various ethnic groups, it is predominantly filled with the Yoruba. The influence of an aggressive Yoruba culture is exemplified in the standards placed on the oba (king) and the roles of his council. Oyo State is homogenous, mainly inhabited by the Yoruba ethnic group who are primarily agrarian but have a predilection for living in high-density urban centers. Oyo is bounded by the states of Kwara on the north, Osun on the east, and Ogun on the south and by the Republic of Benin on the west. Seyi Makinde stated this at the. Oyo State is homogenous, mainly inhabited by the Yoruba ethnic group who are primarily agrarian but have a predilection for living in high density urban centers. First in-terms of origin. Ajaka returned to the throne thoroughly more warlike and oppressive. The lead representative of Oyo in the corridor was the Olu, ruler of the town of Ilaro. The suicide ceremony took place during the Orun festival. A testament to how widespread the institution was is the fact that there were (and still are) Ogboni councils at nearly all sub-courts within Yorubaland. [30], All sub-courts of Oyo had Ilari who acted as both spies and taxmen. In 1728, the Oyo Empire invaded the Kingdom of Dahomey in a major campaign of its cavalry. Oyo was also affected by the Fulani Jihad waged by Muslims on its northern frontier. [10], The key to Yoruba rebuilding of Oyo was a stronger military and a more centralized government. MICHAEL ADEYOMO ADEYEMI is the present speaker of the State Assembly. Metropolitan Oyo corresponded, more or less, to the Oyo state prior to the Nupe invasion. This religious divination, held every year, was to determine if the members of the Mesi still held favour with the Alaafin. 115. [25] The government was able to provide unity for a vast area through a combination of local autonomy and imperial authority. Afonja, being bound by an oath and also desirous not to fall under a curse from a previous Alaafin made to the effect that any Aare Ona Kakanfo who attacked Iwere-Ile (his paternal home) was to die miserably, refused to comply. This led the noted historian S. Johnson to observe: "The father is the king of the palace, and the son the king for the general public". Ọyọ State is homogenous, mainly inhabited by the Yoruba ethnic group who are primarily agrarian but have a predilection for living in high density urban centers. This blog was founded for the sole purpose of enlightenment. The State Governor, Engr. Ibadan had been the centre of administration of the old Western Region since the days of Britishcolonial ru… Ajibade/Alabata/Elekuru, Akinyele/Isabiyi/Irepodun, Ayede/Alugbo/Koloko, Egbeda, Erunmu, Olodan/ Ajinogbo, Olode /Alakia, Olodo ii, Olode i,  Olodo/ Kumapayi  I, Olubadan Estate, Osegere/ Awaye, Owobaale/Kasumu, Ajaawa  I, Ajaawa  II, Ayede, Ayetoro, Idewure, Lagbedu, Mowolowo/Iwo Ate, Odo Oba, Opete, Otamokun, Ajara/Opeodu, Lagun, ofa Igbo, Apatere/Kuffi/ Ogunbode/Ogo, ArulogunEhin/kelebe, Ejioku /Igbon /Ariku, Lagelu Market/ Kajola/Gbena,  Lalupon  I, Lalupon II, Lalupon iii, Ogunjana/Olowode/Ogburo, Ogunremi/Ogunsina, Oyedeji/Olode/Kutayi, Sagbe  / Pabiekun, Ayegun, Idi Iroko/Ikereku, Idi Osan /EgbedaAtuba, OdoOnaNla,  Muslim /Ogbere, Okanhinde /Latunde,  Onipe, Olomi/Olunde, Olonde / Aba  Nla, Orisunbare/OjoEkun, Akanran/Olorunda, Araromi /Aperin, Badeku, GbadaEfon, Odi Odeyale/ Odi Aperin, Ogbere, OgbereTioya, Ojoku/Ajia, Olorunsogo, Oremeji/Agugu, Agboye/Molete, Ajagba, Oluajo, Alaodi/Modeke, Apaara, Apinni, Balogun, Jabata, Oke Apo, Oluajo, Owode/Araromi, Ajokidero/Akewugberu, Iyaji ,Akeetan, Fasola/Soku, Iseke , Isokun, Ojongbodu, Opapa, Owode, Pakoyi/Idode, Agunpopo  I, Agunpopo II, Agunpopo III, Aremo, Ashipai,  Ashipa II, Ashipa III Bashorun, OkeAfin I, OkeAfin II, Aare, Alepata, Bonni, IgiIsubu, Igbope /Iyeye I, Igbope/Iyeye  II, Onibode I, Onibode II,  Onibode III, Onigboho /alomo /Okere, Agbonle, Ago Amodu I, Ago Amodu II, Ogbooro  I, Ogbooro II, OjeOwode  I, OjeOwode  II, Sepeteri I, Sepeteri II, Sepeteri III, Sepeteri IV, Aganmu/Kooko, Ajegunle, Bagii,  Ekokan Mua, Iya, Oyidigbo /Kinnikinni, Oke-oro, Okerei,Okere ii,Sangote/ Booda/ Booda/IIus, Sepeteri/Bapon, Ago Are I, Ago Are II, Alaga, Basi, IrawoIIe, Ofiki, Irawo Owode, Tede I, Tede  II, Owo/Agunrege /Sabe, Agoro, Ajagunna, Atipa, Iba I, Iba II, Iba  III, Iba  IV, Iba V, Ikolaba, Laha/Ajana, Aboke, (AboyunOgun), Elerugba/ Elehinke/Sagbo (Aperu), Ikolaba/ Obadimo, Onigbeti I(Iyamopo), Onigbeti II/Saagbon Agoro (Santo), Onigbeti III & IV (Agbeni),Opa/Ogunnyi, Seriki&Abosino (Okin) Seriki II(Agbele), Waro/Apata Alaje, Agbaakin I, Agbaakin II, IwereIIe I, IwereIIe II, IwereIIe III, Sabi Gana I, Sabi Gana  II, Sabi Gana  III, Sabi Gana IV, AyetoroOke i, Elero, IbaOgan, Gbelekale  i & ii, Ijo, IIajiOke/IwereOke, Kajola, Imoba/OkeOgun, Olele, Isia, IsemiIIe/Imia/IIua, Aare, Alepata, Bonni, IgiIsubu, Igbope/Iyeye I,Igbope/Iyeye  II,Onibode I,Onibode II, Onibode III, Onigboho/ Alomo/Okere, Aaje/Ogunbado/OkeAgbede ,Abogunde, Aguodo/Masifa, IsaleAfon, IsaleAlaasa, Isale Ora/Saja, Jagun, Okelerin, Osupa,  Sabo/Tara, Oke Ola/Farm settlement, Lagbadu, Isoko, IIogbo, Ijeru I, Ijeru II, Ijeru III, Ibapon, Arowomole,  Lapata, Ado Awaye, Kosoi,Koso ii,Ekunle  i,  Ekunleii,Faramora, Akinwumi/Osoogun, Ijemba/Oke Ola/ OkeOja, Isalu  I, Isalu II, Ladogan/Oke Eyin, Ori-Ire I, Ori-Ire II, Ori-Ire III, Ori-Ire IV, Ori-Ire IX, Ori-Ire V, Ori-Ire VI, Ori-Ire VII, Ori-Ire VIII, Ori-Ire X, Babaode, Igbojaiye, Ipapo, Komu, Okaka I, Okaka II, Oke Amu, Otu I, Otu II, Owode/ ipapo, Ward I, N2, Ward II, N3, Ward III, N4, Ward IV, N5a, Ward V, N5b, Ward VI, (N6b part I), Ward VII, N6a part I,Ward VIII, N6a, part III, Ward X, N6b part II, Ward XI, NW8, Ward XII, NW 8, Ward III E3, Ward II ni (part II), Ward I E1, Ward IV E4, Ward IX E 7II, Ward V E5a, Ward E5b, Ward VII E6, Ward VIII E7 I, Ward X E8, Ward XI E9, Ward XII E9, C1, S s5, S1, S 2a, S 3, S 4a, S 4b,S 6a, S 7a, S 7b, S 2b, S 6b. By contrast, the Aremo often left the palace. The town of Ogbomoso lies between Ilorin and Oyo Town in the south western region of Nigeria. Oyo state was carved out from the Western State that was formed in 1976 which include the Ọsun State but was letter divided in 1991. Yams, cassava, cashew, mango, maize, and tobacco are some of the notable agricultural… The State Governor, Engr. Nigeria has recorded 999 new cases of COVID-19 in the last 24 hours. Oyo state is one of the south-western states in Nigeria with its capital at Ibadan which is probably the largest city in the country by land mass. They re-established Oyo as more centralized and expansive than ever. [23], The second layer of the empire was composed of the towns closest to Oyo-Ile, which were recognized as brothers. [8] Oba Ofinran, Alaafin of Oyo, succeeded in regaining Oyo's original territory from the Nupe. There the local chief entertained him and provided a large snake with a magic charm attached to its throat. [35] Cavalry was the long arm of the Oyo Empire. [46] This power vacuum led to the ascendancy of powerful military and regional commanders like Adegun, the Onikoyi and Solagberu, the Otun Are-Ona Kakanfo. The History Of Ibadan. The palace was at the center of the city close to the Oba's market called 'Oja-Oba'. Taxes on the kingdom of Dahomey alone brought in an amount estimated at 638 thousand U.S. dollars a year. All Nigeria Info blog is dedicated to providing viewers with information revolving around DIY, Business, ICT, Top Lists, Bios, Education and more! [51] After gaining its independence, Dahomey began raiding the corridor. This may have been adequate in the 15th century when Oyo controlled only its heartland, but to make and maintain conquest farther away, the structure underwent several changes. The Oyo Mesi did not enjoy an absolute power either. The unexpected happened in the land of Oyo,right there in the king household. Ajaka was deposed, because he lacked Yoruba military virtue and allowed his sub-chiefs too much independence. The military waited until the 19th century to adopt them. Either way the royal family was devoted to The Spirits of Thunder (Jakuta) and War (Ogun). Early in the 16th century Oyo was a minor state, powerless before its northern neighbours Borgu and Nupe—by whom it was conquered in 1550. Shillington, Kevin. [7] A new capital, Oyo-Igboho, was constructed, and the original became known as Old Oyo. [18], With its cavalry, Oyo campaigned successfully in conquest and suppression over great distances. Former empire in present-day Benin and Nigeria, Oyo Empire at its furthest extent during the 17th–18th centuries. [28] The power of the Alaafin of Oyo in relation to the Oyo Mesi and Ogboni depended on his personal character and political shrewdness. [7] During the reign of Oba Ajiboyede, he held the first Bere festival, an event to celebrate peace in the kingdom. During the 17th century, Oyo began a long stretch of growth, becoming a major empire. Oct. 1754, quoted in letter of T. Melvil, Cape Coast Castle, 30 Nov. 1754". [48], Ilorin then besieged Offa and started raiding, burning and pillaging villages in Oyo, eventually destroying the capital Oyo-Ile in 1835. [17] The battle lasted four days, but the Yoruba were eventually victorious after reinforcements arrived. Exchanges were made in salt, leather, horses, kola nuts, ivory, cloth and slaves. Gaha was subsequently executed by Abiodun but the instability that had been brought about by these intrigues had further weakened Oyo. A further cause was given in 1795, when Awole ordered Afonja to attack the market town of Apomu, a part of Ile-Ife. It is bounded by other states such as Osun state (east), Kwara state (north), Ogun state (south) and the republic of Benin (west). Being colonized by Britain, Nigeria, a West African Country even with her own many ethnic groups, became an English-speaking country and her official language, English. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. [9] Oyo never encompassed all Yoruba-speaking people, but it was the most populous kingdom in Yoruba history. The landscape consists of old hard rocks and dome shaped hills, which rise gently from about 500 meters in the southern part and reaching a height of about 1,219 metre above sea … His successor, Kori, managed to conquer the rest of what later historians would refer to as metropolitan Oyo.[4]. [14], Ajaland was the last layer added to the empire. It was the most important and authoritative of all the early Yoruba principalities. History. [40] As stated earlier, Metropolitan Oyo was divided into six provinces divided evenly by a river. [29] Its members enjoyed immense power over the common people due to their religious station. The Yoruba of Oyo went through an interregnum of 80 years as an exiled dynasty after its defeat by the Nupe. [28] This do-or-die policy no doubt contributed to the military aggressiveness of Oyo's generals. For example, the Bashorun orchestrated many religious festivals; he did this in addition to being commander-in-chief of the army, which gave him considerable independent religious authority. Geography. Top six of such places are: Oyo State has eighteen (18) Local Government Areas grouped under the three zones. History of Iganna Town, Oyo State, Nigeria, West Africa. The Oyo Empire was one of the most politically important states in the entirety of Western Africa from the mid-7th to the late 18th century,[2] holding sway not only over most of the other kingdoms in Yorubaland, but also over nearby African states, notably the Fon Kingdom of Dahomey in the modern Republic of Benin to the west. The head of the council of Oyo Mesi, the Bashorun, consulted the Ifa oracle prior to the royal succession for approval from the gods. [46] Afonja carried out Awole's order and sacked Apomu, but on the return of the army from the campaign he marched on the capital Oyo-Ile (which was itself a taboo), and demanded that Awole abdicate. Alaafin Abiodun during his reign had also conducted failed campaigns against Borgu in 1783[44] and Nupe in 1789,[45] losing the equivalent of 11 and 13 generals and their men respectively. After this period, the city’s region started to shrink, to cover just the Western Region (1963 – 1967); Western State and old Oyo State (1976 – 1991), before the creation of Osun State, (1976 – 1991). The Oyo state of the yorubas was the earliest and the largest of the four great kingdoms of west Africa. [38] A 3-foot-long (0.91 m) heavy sword was the main armament for close combat. [22] It is known that at least some Muslim officials were kept in Metropolitan Oyo,[42] and men capable of writing and calculating in Arabic were reported by French traders in 1787.[42]. If the council decided on the disapproval of the Alaafin, the Bashorun presented the Alaafin with an empty calabash, or parrot's eggs, as a sign that he must commit suicide. [33] This contributed to Oyo's ability to consistently field a large force. After Oyo's return from exile, the post of Are-Ona-Kakanfo was established as the supreme military commander. The Oba, otherwise called Atiba Atobatele, died in 1859; His son Adeyemi I, the third Alaafin to rule in the present Oyo, died in 1905. Read More. This sometimes led the crown prince, known as the Aremo, to hasten the death of his father. 2 and Table 1). The settlement is inhabited mainly with the Yorubas. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The indigenes mainly comprise the Oyos, the Oke-Oguns, the Ibadans and the Ibarapas, … There are also tertiary institutions located in the state that forms part of its economy, such as: University of Ibadan (Ibadan), Ladoke Akintola university of Technology (Ogbomoso), Lead University (Ibadan), Atiba University (Oyo), Ajayi Crowther University (Oyo) and other various institutions cut across the state. [25] In return, all sub-rulers had to pay homage to the Oba and renew their allegiance at annual ceremonies. Your email address will not be published. All Nigeria Info, formerly iDONSABI was founded May, 2016. [34] Oyo was able to purchase horses from the north and maintain them in metropolitan Oyo because of partial freedom from the tsetse fly. [33], By 1680, the Oyo Empire spanned over 150,000 square kilometers. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! The indigenes mainly comprise the Oyos, the Oke-Oguns, the Ibadans and the Ibarapas, all belonging to … [33] Because its main geographic focus was north of the forest, Oyo enjoyed easier farming and thus a steady growth in population. Set in the northern part of Oyo State, in the South-West of Nigeria, the park derived its name from the ruins of Oyo-Ile, the ancient political kingdom of the Oyo Empire. In 1823, after Afonja had been killed by his erstwhile allies Shehu Alimi and Solagberu (who was himself later killed by Alimi's son), Ilorin became part of the Sokoto Caliphate. [30] They carried red and green fans as credentials of their status. History of Iganna Town, Oyo State, Nigeria, West Africa. Provincial forces were thus grouped into two armies, under the Onikoyi and the Okere for the east and west side of the river respectively. This is the State house of Assembly in Oyo State. All Alaafins, due to the Yoruba belief that Ife was the spiritual home of the Yorubas, were previously made to swear an oath never to attack Ife. They were, however, supervised by Ajele. [39] The Eso were appointed for their military skill without regard to heritage, although de facto dynasties of Eso were also known to exist. Jul 7, 2017. [46], As Oyo tore itself apart via political intrigue, its vassals began taking advantage of the situation to press for independence. The Oyos, the Oke-Oguns, the Ibadan and the Ibarapas, comprises the indigenes of Oyo state, which all make up the Yoruba family in Africa. There were checks and balances on the power of the Alafin and the Oyo Mesi and thus no one was arrogated absolute power. For instance, by custom the Alaafin abstained from leaving the palace, except during the important festivals, which in practice curtailed his power. The Ogboni was a very powerful secret society composed of aristocratic freemen noted for their age, wisdom and importance in religious and political affairs. (2000) "Kingdoms of West Africa", (PRO:T.70/1523). Agricultural products such as cassava, maize(corn), yam, plantain, kola nuts, palm kernel, palm oil, beans, millets, tobacco, cocoa, cotton, indigo and fruits of various species. Oyoọ State is homogenous, mainly inhabited by the Yoruba ethnic group who are primarily agrarian but have a predilection for living in high density urban centers. [29] The Oyo Mesi spoke for the politicians while the Ogboni spoke for the people and were backed by the power of religion. The state is also noted for industries such as leather works, cotton spinning, weaving, dyeing, mat making and wood carving. According to tradition, the Alaafin was expected to commit ritual suicide thereafter. 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