Ancient & Pre-Colonial Nigeria
Histories of Nigerian kingdoms, empires, trade routes, and cultures before colonial rule, including Nok, Benin, Oyo, Sokoto, and Kanem-Bornu.
The Ijebu Chief Whose Cloth Revealed the Power of Oshugbo
The image of Chief Adesina Adeyemi of Ijebu Ife is more than a portrait of a man dressed in ceremonial Yoruba cloth. It is...
The Standard of Ibadan War and the Worship of Oranyan Before Jalumi
In October 1878, Ibadan faced a dangerous military crisis in the northern Yoruba country. The pressure centred on Ikirun, a town whose position mattered...
Igbodigo’s Obagberume Stool and the Royal Title Now Shaping Ikale History
The recognised royal title of Igbodigo is Obagberume of Igbodigo. In Ikale history and in contemporary references to traditional authority in Okitipupa Local Government...
Oba Michael Kuye Arójòjoyè II and the Royal Reawakening of Ijebu-Jesha
Oba Michael Kuye Arójòjoyè II stands among the most important twentieth century rulers of Ijebu-Jesha. His reign came at a time when Yoruba towns...
Yoruba Civilisation Did Not Begin With 14th Century Oyo
Yoruba civilisation did not begin with 14th century Oyo. Oyo was powerful, influential, and historically important, but it was not the beginning of Yoruba...
Ilori the Osi and the Ibadan Crisis at Jalumi
Nineteenth-century Ibadan stood as one of the most powerful military centres in Yorubaland. Its rise followed the decline of the old Oyo Empire, when...
When Ibadan Entered Ikirun, Akirun Oyebode’s Relief Marked a Critical Moment in the Jalumi War
The arrival of Balogun Ajayi Ogboriefon of Ibadan in Ikirun on Thursday, 31 October 1878, belongs to one of the most tense episodes in...
When Ilori Fell at Jalumi, The Ibadan Victory That Almost Became a Disaster
The Jalumi War of 1878 stands as one of the most dramatic moments in the military history of nineteenth century Yorubaland. It was not...
Ilori the Osi and the Ibadan Lesson in Command Under Pressure
Nineteenth century Ibadan was not built like an ordinary town. It rose during a period of political breakdown, war, migration, and military ambition after...
How Aare Latosa’s Appointments Tested Ibadan’s War Command
Nineteenth century Ibadan was built on war, reputation, and command. It was not a kingdom shaped mainly by hereditary kingship. It grew into a...