Question 6
- Name the three Yoruba states where the following warlords reigned in the 19th century:
- Onafowokan;
- Ogedengbe
- Ibikunle.
- Ibikunle-Ibadan
Highlight any four factors for the failure of Ibadan to dominate and provide unity in Yorubaland in the 19th century.
Observation
This was an unpopular question. Very few candidates correctly identified the states of the Warlord. In some cases candidates mixed up the Yoruba States with the current state structure in Nigeria. In part (b) few candidates highlighted why Ibadan failed to dominate and provide leadership but in number of cases they discussed about the Yoruba Civil Wars and the fall of Oyo Empire which resulted in low marks. However, In order to get good grade, candidates were expected to mention the following points:
-
- Onafowokan-Ijebu
Ogedengbe-Ilesa
Ibikunle-Ibadan
- The military alliances of other Yoruba states formed against Ibadan was formidable.
- The rule of Ibadan was oppressive to the extent that it gave rise to massive hostilities.
- Ibadan administrators (Ajeles) posted to the vassal states were arrogant and tyrannical.
- The blockage of trade routes between Ibadan and the coastal states especially the Ijebu and Egba, weakened the economic and political power of Ibadan.
- The sudden death of Latosa, an Ibadan warlord in 1885.
- The alliance between the missionaries and their Yoruba states against Ibadan.
- The peaceful intervention of Lagos administration through the Church Missionary Society in the western areas curbed Ibadan’s ambition to dominate the area.
- The imposition of British rule.
- He established supremacy of Bornu over Kanem and Baghirmi.