Oyo and Dahomey Flashcards
(153 cards)
1
Q
What type of environment did Oyo and Dahomey occupy, and how did this aid state development?
A
Savannah grasslands, which facilitated agriculture, mobility, and the development of infrastructures for taxation, transport, and military control.
2
Q
How was Dahomey geographically protected from coastal raids?
A
By the Mahi swamplands and forests, which the kings deliberately kept wild.
3
Q
How was Oyo geographically protected from coastal threats?
A
By thick forests north of the Lagos lagoon.
4
Q
What was the original core of the Oyo Kingdom?
A
Six ekun (provinces).
5
Q
What happened to Oyo during the reign of Onigbogi?
A
It suffered defeats by the Nupe under Tsoede, leading to the destruction of its capital and an 80-year interregnum.
6
Q
Which Oyo ruler initiated south and southwest expansion towards the coast?
A
Alafin Ajagbo.
7
Q
Did Oyo encompass all Yoruba-speaking peoples?
A
No, but it was the most populous Yoruba kingdom in history.
8
Q
By 1680, how large was the Oyo Empire?
A
Over 150,000 square kilometres.
9
Q
Why was the savannah terrain advantageous for Oyo?
A
It was lightly forested and free of the tsetse fly, making it suitable for horse breeding.
10
Q
What coastal kingdom was forced to pay tribute to Oyo?
A
Allada.
11
Q
How did the Oyo king utilize slave labour?
A
On vast royal farmlands.
12
Q
What did Oyo trade its surplus war captives for?
A
Guns, cloth, metal goods, and cowrie shells.
13
Q
What trade occurred between Oyo and northern African regions like Hausaland?
A
Oyo traded for horses and additional captives for the slave trade.
14
Q
Besides trade goods, how else did Oyo increase its wealth?.
A
Through taxation of trade routes passing through its territory
15
Q
How did Oyo gain direct access to European trade?
A
Through its expansion southward to the coast and subjugation of coastal kingdoms.
16
Q
What does the oral tradition of Oranmiyan suggest about Oyo’s origins?
A
It emphasizes divine origins, with Oranmiyan following a magical snake to found Oyo, suggesting sacred legitimacy and a spiritual power base rooted in Yoruba tradition.
17
Q
What does the oral history of Oyo reveal about the role of the king?
A
The king (Alafin) was seen as divinely chosen and central to the state’s identity, reinforcing a sacred monarchy tied to the ancestral city of Ile-Ife.
18
Q
Who was Oranmiyan?
A
A prince of Ile-Ife and founder of Oyo, the first Alafin, according to oral tradition
19
Q
When and how did Dahomey rise to power?
A
In the early 18th century, following a breakaway from Allada due to a succession dispute and Dutch influence.
20
Q
What does the ‘perforated pot’ analogy in Dahomey represent?
A
The king is like precious water, and citizens must each plug a hole in the pot—symbolising loyalty, unity, and service to a centralised authority.
21
Q
How did Dahomey’s social structure differ from previous kingdoms?
A
It was not based on blood descent but on loyalty and service to the king, allowing for inclusivity and rapid army expansion.
22
Q
Who were the Aja people and how are they connected to Dahomey?
A
The Aja were the dominant ethnic group in Allada; Dahomey was founded by a dissident Aja faction that broke away from Allada in ~1620.
23
Q
Who was Agaja and what was his role in Dahomey’s expansion?
A
King Agaja conquered Allada in 1724 and Whydah in 1727, making Dahomey the dominant kingdom in the region and expelling Dutch influence.
24
Q
Who was Wegbaja and what was his achievement?
A
First king of Dahomey, who expanded the kingdom by adding 18 towns before his death around 1680.
25
Describe the Oyo-Ile.
The two most important structures in Oyo-Ile was the 'afin', or palace of the Oba, and his market. The
palace was at the centre of the city close to the Oba's market called 'Oja-oba' (the King’s Park). Around the capital was a tall earthen wall for defence with 17 gates. Old Oyo was divided into 11 separate quarters.
26
Why was cavalry crucial to Oyo's military success?
Cavalry gave Oyo superior mobility, allowed for effective shock and harrying tactics, and enabled long-distance raids and territorial expansion (invasion of Dahomey in 1728).
27
What were the two types of cavalry in Oyo?
Heavy cavalry on large imported horses, armed with spears (oko), javelins (esin), and swords.
Light cavalry on smaller indigenous ponies, using bows or throwing spears.
28
In what situations was Oyo's cavalry ineffective?
Forested or hilly terrain (e.g., Ijesaland invasion).
Rainy season (risk of tsetse fly, lack of forage).
Against enemies using firearms that frightened horses (e.g., Dahomey).
29
How were horses obtained in Oyo?
Traded from Hausa merchants in the north (mainly through Ogodo market) and some imported by European traders at the coast
30
What was the economic burden of cavalry for Oyo?
Horses were costly (e.g., 80,000–100,000 cowries each). Equipment like saddles added to costs + High maintenance demands, including slave labor. Cavalry required self-financing nobles, which limited central royal power and enabled power-sharing.
31
How did Oyo use tributary states in warfare?
Utilized troops from tributaries, such as 1784: Oyo-Dahomey-Lagos coalition blockaded Badagri
32
Who reconquered Oyo from the Nupe?
Alafin Ofinran, followed by Egunoju and Orompoto who expanded Oyo and crushed Nupe threats.
33
What happened during the reign of Abipa?
Oyo-Ile was rebuilt and repopulated.
34
What major victory occurred in 1764?
Joint Oyo-Dahomey force defeated an Asante army, fixing borders between the two powers.
35
Why did Oyo's cavalry decline in the early 19th century?
1817 rebellion cut off supply of skilled grooms;
Loss of cavalry personnel (possibly involved in rebellion); Horse imports declined due to embargoes and trade disruption; Atlantic slave trade diverted, cutting off goods needed to trade for horses
36
What were the Oyo Mesi?
A council of powerful nobles who advised the Alafin and held significant political and military influence, including nominating the Eso war chiefs.
37
Who were the Eso?
70 junior war chiefs chosen for merit by the Oyo Mesi and confirmed by the Alafin. They and their retainers (often slaves) formed the core of Oyo’s cavalry.
38
What military power did the Alafin have within the capital?
Limited—his mounted palace bodyguard (ilari) was smaller than the forces controlled by the Oyo Mesi. The Mesi dominated the military balance.
39
What was the Are Ona Kakamfo?
The highest-ranking military title, created by Alafin Ajagbo to command provincial forces and counterbalance the Mesi's influence.
40
Why was the Are Ona Kakamfo stationed in Ilorin?
To command the bulk of the provincial army
To monitor enemies in the north
To prevent power grabs near the capital
41
What was the role of the Basorun?
Head of the Oyo Mesi and commander of metropolitan (capital-based) forces. Prime Minister and Regent, oversaw religious ceremonies and consulted the Ifa oracle to approve alafin candidates
42
What weapons did Oyo infantry use?
Four-foot shields (elephant or ox hide)
Three-foot heavy swords
Triple-barbed javelins thrown from 30 paces
43
How were provincial forces divided?
east/west of the river under Onikoyi and Okere
44
What was the purpose of Dahomey's Agbadjigbeto?
Spies who studied towns before attacks and created justifications for invasion.
45
How did Agaja create a highly efficient army?
By instituting a military training scheme, which helped the army that went on to conquer Allada and Whydah
46
What was the Dahomian method of conquest?
Surprise dawn attacks, destruction of towns, enslavement or killing of populations, and forced tribute.
47
What was Oyo’s response to Dahomey’s expansion under Agaja?
A series of invasions beginning in 1726 led by Alafin Ojigi to stop Dahomey’s rise.
48
What was the outcome of Oyo’s sustained attacks by 1730?
Dahomey became a tributary of Oyo and Agaja's son was sent as a hostage.
49
How did Agaja use military tactics to resist the Oyo invasions?
Scorched-earth retreats, hiding in forests, denial of provisions, and ambushes to weaken Oyo’s supply lines.
50
What was the outcome of Agaja’s Mahi campaign in 1731?
A heavy defeat on 26 June 1731, followed by discontent, desertion, and even the defection of one of Agaja’s sons with 4,000 men.
51
What happened to Jakin after the Dahomian attack on 2 April 1732?
Jakin was burned to the ground, and then attacked and burned again on 24 November 1734.
52
What European military support did Agaja receive in 1734?
The French lent ships and cannons to help crush the last resistance from Whydah.
53
When did firearms first reach the Abomey plateau?
By around 1680, through Portuguese, Dutch, and English traders.
54
What issues did Dahomey face with firearms supply?
Some firearms were faulty, with reports of guns bursting when fired.
55
What transformation did the firearms trade bring to Dahomey's infantry?
The traditional 4-infantry types evolved into primarily musketeers by the 1680s–90s, combining guns with swords.
56
What types of infantry were used in C17 Dahomey before muskets dominated?
Archers, spearmen with shields, swordsmen with battleaxes, and early musketeers.
57
Who were the Dahomean ‘Amazons’?
A female military corps, originally recruited from the King’s wives, serving primarily as palace guards and ceremonial soldiers.
58
What was the estimated size of the female military force in Dahomey?
Ranged from 180 to 500 soldiers, organized into regiments with female commanders.
59
How was the Oyo Empire structured territorially as it expanded?
It developed a four-layer federal structure:
Metropolitan Oyo
Yorubaland tributary states
Egbado Corridor
Ajaland (non-Yoruba west)
60
What characterised Metropolitan Oyo?
The core of the empire, divided into six provinces, each led by a governor appointed by the alafin.
61
What was the status of towns in Yorubaland?
They were tributary Yoruba states with their own Obas, confirmed by the alafin.
62
What role did the Egbado Corridor play?
A trade route to the coast, ruled locally but overseen by ajele, Oyo agents appointed by the alafin.
63
What was the alafin's primary role in the empire?
Supreme overlord responsible for maintaining order, managing tributaries, and appointing key officials
64
How did the alafin manage administration across the empire?
Through ajele (in-town representatives) and ilari (tribute collectors), both drawn from royal slaves
65
How did the Oyo Mesi restrain the alafin’s power?
They required consultation on major issues and could refuse or depose an alafin through ritual rejection.
66
How was the alafin seen in religious terms?
Regarded as “Ekeji Orisa” – “companion of the gods”, indicating semi-divine authority.
67
What was the role of lineage in Oyo’s political system?
All major chiefly titles belonged to lineages; succession was decided by lineage elders.
68
What was the structure of local society in Oyo-Ile?
People lived in compounds (agbo ile) grouped into wards (adugbo). Each ward was led by a chief who acted as a spokesman for the lineage.
69
How could an alafin be deposed?
By being presented with an empty calabash or parrot’s egg, signaling he must commit suicide.
70
What does the rise of Basorun Gaha (1754–1774) suggest about the alafin’s main source of power?
Gaha’s control of military forces and revenues shows the alafin’s power relied heavily on those two areas. Gaha:
Collected all royal revenue, giving the alafin only 10 cowries per day.
Replaced palace slaves (ajele) with his own family as provincial agents.
Forced multiple alafins to commit suicide (Onisile, Labisi, Awonbioju, and later Agboluaje).
This indicates the alafin’s loss of both administrative and financial control.
71
Who finally overthrew Gaha and how?
Alafin Abiodun with help from the provinces, led by Oyabi (Are Ona Kakanfo).
72
What was significant about Abiodun’s victory?
It showed provinces could overpower the capital and influence succession.
73
What did Abiodun do to strengthen his rule post-Gaha?
Formed a 4000-man Popo bodyguard and centralised control in Egbado.
74
What constitutional change increased Oyo Mesi power?
Requirement for Aremos to commit suicide, removing royal successors.
75
What happened after Alafin Abiodun’s death in 1789?
The Oyo Mesi regained power. Abiodun’s son Adesina’s claim to the throne was rejected, and Awole, son of Alafin Agboluaje, was made alafin. He was weak and soon clashed with both the Oyo Mesi and Are-Ona-Kakanfo Afonja of Ilorin.
76
Who were involved in the 1796 coup against Awole?
The coup was coordinated by both metropolitan and provincial forces:
Basorun and Owota (Oyo Mesi leaders)
Afonja (Are-Ona-Kakanfo of Ilorin)
Adegun (Onikoyi of Ikoyi)
Opele (King of Gbogun)
77
What were the results of the 1796 coup?
The army marched on Oyo and forced Awole to commit suicide, ending his 7-year reign.
The palace was sacked. Basorun Asamu became Regent pending the election of a new alafin.
This event marked the beginning of Oyo’s political disintegration
78
What were the key political differences between the Oyo and Dahomey kingdoms?
Oyo was a loose federation of provinces with hereditary offices and significant power held by the Oyo Mesi and provincial chiefs.
Dahomey under Agaja and Tegbesu was a centralized monarchy, where all officials were appointed by the king based on ability, not heredity. In Dahomey, the king could promote, demote, or dismiss any official.
79
What role did terror and purges play in Tegbesu’s rule?
He executed or enslaved rivals: his elder brother was sewn into a hammock and drowned; popular generals and rich citizens were killed. He sold royal princes like Fruku into slavery. This eliminated threats and consolidated power.
80
How did Tegbesu reform the royal succession to maintain power?
Restated that the king could choose his successor from sons of six legally recognised wives. In 1751, he named his eldest son as successor, and in 1754, staged a fake death to test for challengers.
No one opposed, proving his complete control.
81
How did Tegbesu restructure administration and court governance?
Introduced offices inspired by Oyo, e.g. Ilari system (mobile royal messengers).
Created new roles:
Temigan/Migan (Prime Minister),
Mehu (Finance),
Agau (Army Chief),
Diau (Chief Eunuch),
Others like Aplogan, Yovogan, and Sogan.
82
How did Tegbesu stabilize Dahomey’s relationship with Oyo?
In 1743, with lavish gifts, he persuaded Oyo to let him return to Abomey
83
How did Dahomey win the loyalty of conquered peoples under Tegbesu?
By sharing administrative posts with local elites and conceding hereditary positions in practice.
Also used marriage alliances and support in local conflicts to maintain control.
84
What changes did Tegbesu make to Whydah’s administration in 1746–47?
Appointed two new officials: the Coki (1746) and Bunio (1747). They were officially advisors but acted as spies on each other and on the Yovogan.
85
How did executions help Tegbesu maintain control over Whydah?
Executions created fear and obedience among administrators.
From 1743–1763: 9 Yovogan appointed, 5 beheaded, 3 recalled and likely executed. Only 1 of 5 Coki died a natural death.
86
How did Tegbesu control European fort directors?
Only allowed directors friendly to Dahomey and deported hostile ones (e.g., Levens and Brazilio in 1743). Personally acquainted himself with each new director. Integrated them into Dahomian court culture (e.g., exchanging gifts).
87
What was included in Dahomey’s annual tribute to Oyo?
41 men
41 young women
41 guns
400 bags of cowries
400 corals
(Tribute paid until 1818)
88
How did Oyo maintain political control over Dahomey?
Made laws (e.g., banned silk in Cana)
Stationed troops in Atakpame
Required Dahomey to fight or avoid wars
Demanded inheritance of important Dahomian chiefs
89
How did Dahomey move towards independence from Oyo?
Kpengla (1774–1789): Consolidated military, boosted slave trade
Adandozan (1797–1818): Sent embassies to Brazil, strengthened regionally
Gezo (1818): Ended tribute in 1823 and broke away from Oyo
90
What was the purpose of the Bere festival?
It renewed allegiance to the Alafin and celebrated successful rule. After the Bere festival, peace was expected in Yorubaland for three years.
91
What were the Alafin’s main powers?
Approved all successions to Oyo titles (civil, military, religious)
Held supreme judicial power (only he could order executions)
Controlled the cult of Sango
Originally commanded the army but lost that role in the 17th century
92
What roles did the three chief eunuchs hold in Oyo?
Ona Efa – judicial matters
Otun Efa – religious affairs
Osi Efa – administration
93
How was imperial power reinforced in Dahomey?
Through a centralised monarchy, ritual human sacrifice, dynastic cults, military glorification, and the king’s control of religious and political institutions.
94
How did rituals reinforce imperial power in Dahomey?
Rituals like the Grand Customs and Annual Customs used human sacrifices to honor deceased kings, promote dynastic legitimacy, and celebrate military victories, reinforcing the king’s divine support.
95
Why did Agaja tolerate local religious cults in conquered territories?
To win over conquered peoples, consolidate authority, and use local gods to enhance legitimacy. He even purchased protecting deities like Dangbe (Whydah), Sakpata, and Mawu.
96
Name three local cults adopted to ensure imperial stability in Dahomey.
Dangbe (python god of Whydah)
Sakpata (earth deity)
Mawu (sky god, turned into a state cult by Tegbesu
97
How was the idea that Dahomians were the property of the king maintained?
Through rituals, legal customs, and sayings like “my head belongs to the king.” The king could inherit property, including wives, from deceased chiefs and exerted patriarchal authority.
98
Why might the belief that people belonged to the king appeal to Dahomians?
It guaranteed security and order, with the king acting as patriarchal guardian, holding power in trust for the royal line, and expected to redistribute wealth fairly. The implication is that the legitimacy of political authority was based ultimately on the king’s readiness to distribute gifts to his subjects.
99
How was redistributive power publicly displayed by Dahomian kings?
Through lavish distributions of goods during the Annual Customs, including the ‘Platform Custom’ where imported goods were thrown to the people.
100
What group could overrule the king’s prime minister in Dahomey?
The Council of Wives
101
What roles did royal wives (ahosi) perform in the Dahomian palace?
Barbers, key bearers, shrine supplicators, guards, traders, advisors, soldiers, and bureaucrats.
102
Who was the kpojito in Dahomey?
Queen Mother
103
How did Hwanjile, a powerful kpojito, assist Tegbesu?
She helped him win a succession war and restructured the religious hierarchy to strengthen the monarchy’s legitimacy.
104
What were the religious contributions of Hwanjile to the state?
She established the supremacy of the deities Mawu and Lisa, centralising religious authority under royal control.
105
What was the estimated size of the palace women's organisation?
Between 3,000 to 8,000 women, forming a vast bureaucracy and household for the king.
106
What characterized every royal succession in Dahomey for 50 years after Tegbesu’s death in 1774?
A: Bloody battles involving palace women and military conflict.
107
How many women were reportedly killed after the death of King Kpengla in 1789?
595 women over two and a half days.
108
How many people died during the battles following Agonglo’s death in 1797?
About 250 people.
109
How was wealth primarily measured in the Oyo kingdom?
By the size of a man’s household, especially the number of slaves and wives he owned.
110
How did the Oyo mesi derive their power?
From their positions as heads of the seven main wards (adugbo) of the capital.
111
How did Oyo's geography benefit its trade power?
It became a southern hub of the Trans-Saharan trade with access to salt, leather, horses, and more.
112
What types of products were traded in Oyo’s markets?
Salt, leather, horses, ivory, cloth, kola nuts, and slaves.
113
What were some famous weaving centers in Oyo?
Ijebu, Oyo-Ile, and Ila. Oyo-Ile had 500-600 acres of indigo cultivated for dyes.
114
How did Oyo generate wealth from tributaries?
Through taxes; e.g., Dahomey alone paid an estimated $638,000 a year.
115
How did the alafin ensure his trading agents had an advantage?
By exempting them from market dues and road tolls, and providing free lodgings.
116
How did the trade roles of the Migan and Yovogan in Dahomey differ?
The Migan oversaw national trade and markets within Dahomey and ensured order with 100 soldiers. The Yovogan handled international trade, especially with Europeans at Ouidah.
117
What kind of markets existed in Dahomey?
Daily markets in Abomey and weekly rotating markets in different towns sold local food, crafts, and luxury items like tobacco and cloth.
118
How did King Agaja control European trade during his reign (1708–1740)?
He centralized trade at Ouidah, restricted certain goods (e.g., firearms) to royal purchase, and appointed officers to oversee customs and negotiations with Europeans. Refusing Agaja's demands could result in expulsion, as happened to a French director in 1733.
119
What did Agaja do after Oyo's withdrawal in 1728?
He appointed three officers, each responsible for dealing with a specific European fort at Ouidah, managing trade, customs, and diplomatic communications.
120
What was Agaja’s economic motivation for controlling ports like Whydah and Allada?
He aimed to secure access to European firearms, which were crucial for military strength, and possibly to establish a monopoly over the slave trade.
121
What was the significance of the port of Ouidah under Agaja?
It became Dahomey’s main export center for the Atlantic trade after Agaja closed Jakin and renamed Grehue as Ouidah.
122
Why did European traders begin abandoning Dahomey in the 1730s?
Population decline in southern Ajaland slowed slave supply. Europeans turned to other ports like Epe for trade.
123
What were the consequences of Dahomey's 1730 treaty violation with Oyo?
Oyo attacked Dahomey in 1739, prompting Agaja to hide. He died in 1740, leaving Dahomey weakened.
124
How did Tegbesu consolidate Dahomey's control of the slave trade?
In 1746, he executed private slave exporters, reinstated the ‘king’s traders’ (akhigan), and centralized trade at Ouidah.
125
What was the purpose of Tegbesu's 1747 raid on Epe?
To enforce Dahomey's monopoly on slave exports and punish Europeans for bypassing Ouidah.
126
Why was Dahomey’s army weakened under Tegbesu?
Trade was prioritized over military; the army lost discipline and failed to capture enough slaves, relying on Oyo traders.
127
How many slaves were exported annually from Ouidah in 1750?
Around 9000, mainly to French and Portuguese traders.
128
What events caused European ships to avoid Ouidah from 1752?
Six attacks by old Whydah and Little Popo, including three defeats, made the port less secure.
129
Who were the akhisinu?
Private Dahomian slave merchants operating under royal license in the 1750s–60s.
130
What was Tegbesu’s greatest legacy?
He rebuilt Dahomey after Agaja, re-established order, monopolized the slave trade, and secured peace with Oyo.
131
When did the number of slaves in Dahomey begin to noticeably decline?
Between 1767 and 1789, with an alarming decrease by 1774.
132
How many slaves did Norris collect in Ouidah in 1777 versus other ports?
70 slaves in Ouidah out of 100 owed; 440 slaves from other ports.
133
How many English ships came to Dahomey between 1764 and 1770?
None from 1764-67 and only one from 1767-70.
134
Why did Oyo’s shift to Porto Novo hurt Dahomey?
It diverted slave trade from Dahomey, allowing Oyo traders to sell directly to Europeans.
135
Why couldn’t Dahomey increase slave supply through raiding?
The army was neglected—only 3,000 infantry, 300 at Ouidah, no cavalry.
136
How many times was Dahomey invaded between 1767 and 1781?
At least 11 times.
137
What trade policy did Kpengla implement during his reign (1774-89)?
He attempted a monopoly by fixing low slave prices and enforcing compulsory purchase. It bankrupted merchants and pushed hinterland traders to avoid Dahomey.
138
What two major cults did Alafin Abipa establish in Oyo?
The Egungun cult (masqueraders of ancestral spirits) and the cult of Ifa (deity of divination).
139
What deity was central to Oyo's royal cult and political authority?
Sango, the thunder god.
140
Who were the ilari and what was their spiritual role?
The ilari were royal bodyguards and messengers, initiated priests of Sango, reinforcing loyalty through spiritual ties.
141
What was the Ogboni and its significance in Oyo?
A powerful secret society representing public opinion and religious authority, providing checks on both the Alafin and the Oyo mesi.
142
Name the three main annual festivals the Alafin of Oyo appeared at.
Mole (Ifa), Orun (sacrifices for harmony), and Bere (tribute collection).
143
How did Agaja use religion to consolidate power in Dahomey?
Centralized religious authority at the palace, suppressed rival cults like Sagbata, and promoted Vodun aligned with the monarchy.
144
How did Tegbesu continue Agaja’s religious centralization?
Created new cults like Tohosu, made Vodun financially dependent on the palace, and promoted divinatory Vodun modeled on Oyo’s Ifa.
145
How did religion help support the authority of the Alafin in Oyo?
Ritual restrictions, festivals, exclusive regalia (ade crown), and religious cults (e.g., Sango) reinforced royal power.
146
What marked the beginning of the decline of the Oyo Empire?
The death of Alafin Abiodun around 1789 and the rise of Awole led to constitutional crises, political intrigue, and weakened central authority.
147
Who was Afonja and what role did he play in the decline of Oyo?
Afonja was the Are Ona Kakamfo who rebelled against Awole, leading to the secession of Ilorin and its eventual takeover by the Fulani.
148
What were the constitutional weaknesses in the Oyo political system?
The Oyo political system had an uneasy balance: the alafin was theoretically absolute but limited by the Oyo Mesi and the basorun, who could reject the alafin and act as regent, creating power struggles.
149
How did provincial autonomy lead to fragmentation?
Provincial chiefs had too much autonomy and military influence. They were first used by alafins (e.g. Abiodun in 1774) and later defied the central authority, seeking independence (e.g. Ilorin, Gbogun, Egba).
150
How did military decline contribute to Oyo’s fall?
Alafin Abiodun reduced military campaigns, weakening the army. By the late 18th century, Oyo was defeated by Borgu (1783), Nupe (1791), and later Fulani forces.
151
What role did the Fulani Jihad play in the decline?
After inviting Fulani Muslims for support, Afonja lost control, and they took over Ilorin (1823/4). The Fulani then conquered Oyo-Ile in 1835.
152
How did external enemies contribute to Oyo’s collapse?
Dahomey revolted after 1818, killing Oyo envoys; Egba expelled Oyo agents; and Fulani from Ilorin destroyed Oyo-Ile in 1835.
153
Who was Alafin Oluewu?
The last alafin (reigned in the 1830s); tried to attack Ilorin but was killed in the war of Eleduwe (~1835).
