Ancient & Pre-Colonial Nigeria
Histories of Nigerian kingdoms, empires, trade routes, and cultures before colonial rule, including Nok, Benin, Oyo, Sokoto, and Kanem-Bornu.
Igogo Festival of Owo: The Enduring Power of Oronsen, Yeye Olorisa and Ritual Memory
The Igogo Festival of Owo is one of the most distinctive surviving royal and religious traditions in south western Nigeria. Celebrated annually in Owo,...
Ado-Ekiti history: How Awamaro, Ilesun and Colonial Rule Shaped an Ancient Yoruba City
Ado-Ekiti history stretches far beyond 1 October 1996, when Ekiti State was created and Ado-Ekiti became its capital. For generations before the modern state...
Yarima Ahmadu’s 1946 Coronation: The Powerful Story Behind an Adamawa Royal Photograph
On 12 November 1946, the camera of E. H. Duckworth recorded a significant moment in the history of Yola. The photograph shows the man...
The Ofala Festival of Onitsha
The Ofala Festival is easily recognised by its most spectacular public features: the Obi of Onitsha in elaborate royal regalia, red cap chiefs, age...
Atiba rebuilt Oyo: 3 Powerful Centres That Reshaped Yoruba Politics After Old Oyo Fell
Atiba rebuilt Oyo at one of the most dangerous moments in the history of the old kingdom. The imperial capital had been abandoned, Ilorin...
End of the Kiriji War: How 7 Decisive Years Brought Peace and Advanced British Rule
The end of the Kiriji War did not occur through one decisive victory or unconditional surrender. The principal confrontation between Ibadan and the Ekiti...
Ekiti-Parapo Kiriji War: The Powerful Revolt That Ended Ibadan’s Eastern Empire
The Ekiti-Parapo Kiriji War was not simply a long contest between Ibadan and “the Ekiti”. It was the culmination of decades of warfare, political...
Battle of Osogbo: How a Decisive Victory Propelled Ibadan towards Military Ascendancy
The Battle of Osogbo occupies a crucial place in the military and political history of nineteenth-century Yorubaland. Usually dated to around 1840, the battle...
Battle of Osogbo: The Powerful Midnight Assault That Broke Ilorin’s Cavalry Advantage
The Battle of Osogbo was one of the most important military encounters in nineteenth-century Yorubaland. Usually dated to 1840, although an important Ilorin historical...
Ijaye War: How the Powerful Conflict of 1860 to 1865 Reshaped Yorubaland
The Ijaye War grew from a constitutional dispute into a major struggle over power in nineteenth century Yorubaland. Its central military campaign began in...