Tag: Oyo Empire


  • In ancient times, the Yoruba had not developed writing. History was kept by certain historians, kept at Oyo under the king. These historians handed down history through generations via their family lineage until the collapse of the Oyo Empire. Early medieval explorers of central and northern Africa made contact with the Yoruba at the height…

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  • Atiba Atobatele was the 36th king of the Oyo empire, succeeding Oluewu. He grew up at a time of decline and great upheaval in the empire after the old capital had been destroyed. He moved the capital from Oyo to Ago Oja(present Oyo). During his reign, the remnant of the Yoruba army moved South and…

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  • Arugba-Ifa was the mother of Onigobi, the Alaafin and one of the several wives of Oluaso, whose reign was among the most successful in Oyo Empire. She was instrumental in the introduction of Ifa worship in the empire, but her aim for this, which was to secure a peaceful reign for her son, like that of…

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  • Agboluaje was the second Alaafin to reign during Basorun Gaha’s dictatorship. Unlike his immediate predecessor he was agreeable to his patron, Gaha and was allowed a relatively long reign. Agboluaje lacked ambition, but the Territory of Oyo Empire, now in its widest stretch, had its integrity maintained. It has been said that no Alaafin, having…

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  • Abiodun was the Alaafin of Oyo who finally ended the tyranny of Basorun Gaha. Abiodun, also known as Adegolu was a tall, handsome, slim man of very dark complexion. The wise king showed no visible resentment of the infamous Basorun Gaa’s ways and he paid him homage without wearying. The cup of the Basorun’s iniquities…

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