THE EMPIRE OF OYO
The Oyo Empire was a Yoruba empire of what is today Benin and Western Nigeria. The Oyo Empire grew to become the largest Yoruba state. The Oyo Empire was one of the most politically important states in the entirety of Western Africa from the mid-7th to the late 18th century.
The origins of the Oyo Empire lie with Oranyan (also known as Oranmiyan), son of Oduduwa and the last prince of the Yoruba Kingdom of Ile-Ife (Ife).
The people of Oyo were the Yoruba, their capital was Oyo-Ile and the King of Oyo was called Alaafin. The Bashoran was the leader of the army.
REASONS FOR THE RISE OF THE OYO EMPIRE
1. It had organized political system headed by a number of great Alaafins
2. Strong organized army
3. Agricultural activities
4. Development of local industries
5. Slave trade
6. Dahomey tributary
FACTORS FOR DECLINE OF THE OYO EMPIRE
i. Conflict between Alaafin and Basharon
ii. Conquest from the Fulani and Dahomey
iii. Dahomey’s declaration of independence weakened Oyo.
iv. Fall of trade in the provincial areas of Nupe partly due to the abolition of slave trade.
