Oyo Flashcards
Rise of Oyo
Leadership of Oranmiyan who was the first Oba
geography- Caostal region meaning access to sea, Thick forests surrounding Oyo provided a natural defence, Flatland ideal for horses
Very strong military- archers, professional soldiers called illari, strong cavalry
Military factors for Oyo
Aare Ona Kakanfo- which was a role given to a military strategist which would strengthen the army
Very strong infantry and cavalry
European military advisors hired from Britain and Portugal which aided the military
Economic factors for Oyo
Indigo- 500-500 acres of Indigo grown and then sold off as dye
Alafins- Hired tax collectors to tax everyone living in the kingdom of Oyo
Sophisticated craft production
Political factors for Oyo
Oyo Mesi- Cheques and balance the power of the basorun who was head of state. Could get head of state to kill themselves and were also involved in the military
Eunuchs- Involved in taxes, law and religion and were castrated so they were committed to the state and could not have family
Tributes- Surrounding area Dahomey had to pay tribute in slaves and gunpowder. Small villages called Asingba gave troops
Religion/cultural factors of Oyo
Cults- centralisatiion of values and beliefs
Alafin- Was seen as god like and rarely appeared in public
European factors for Oyo
Wealth- Wealth of ruling elite highly dependent on slavery which Europeans were involved in
Location- On the coat of west Africa so easy access to European trade
Fall of Oyo empire factors
Rise of Hausa states- 1804 Sokot Caliphate was founded which tried to implement Sharia law. Led to Ilorin joining in joining in 1823 and in 1835 took old Oyo
Internal discord- 1754 Basorun Gaha started 20 year dictatorship leading to a power struggle after his death
Dahomey leaving- In 1823 Dahomey left and stopped paying tribute which weakened them economically
