THE LOST KINGDOM OF AFRICA. THE OYO EMPIRE.

THE LOST KINGDOM OF AFRICA. THE OYO EMPIRE.

The Oyo Empire was a large West African empire founded in approximately 1300 C.E. The largest West African empire to exist in present day Yorubaland (Nigeria), it was also the most important and authoritative of all the early Yoruba principalities.

Oyo empire, Yoruba state north of Lagos, in present-day southwestern Nigeria, that dominated, during its apogee (1650-1750), most of the states between the Volta River in the west and the Niger River in the east. It was the most important and authoritative of all the early Yoruba principalities.

According to traditions, Oyo derived from a

great Yoruba ancestor and hero, Oduduwa, who

likely migrated to lle-Ife and whose son became

the first alaafin (alafin), or ruler, of Oyo. Linguistic evidence suggests that two waves of immigrants came into Yorubaland between 700 and 1000, the second settling at Oyo in the open country north of the Guinea forest. This second state became preeminent among all Yoruba states because of its favourable trading position, its natural resources, and the industry of its inhabitants.

Oyo was ruled by an alafin (king) who shared power with the Oyo Mesi, aristocratic leaders from each of Oyo city’s seven wards. The Oyo power with the Oyo Mesi, aristocratic leaders from each of Oyo city’s seven wards. The Oyo Mesi were responsible for the selection of the alafin. They could also call for an alafin’s suicide if he abused his power.

Under Alafin (King) Obalokun, Oyo expanded southwestward to the Atlantic coast, and became part of the Atlantic Ocean trade system. Trading mainly in slaves, Oyo was able to acquire much-needed foreign exchange. During the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, Oyo further expanded westward under Alafin Ajagbo, becoming a major empire, but never encompassing all Yoruba-speaking peoples.

In response to attacks by the Nupe people, Oyo became much more militarized, reorganizing its cavalry and infantry in the sixteenth century. The cavalry became the foundation of the army.
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