The Ibadan-Ilorin War of 1840

Ibadan's influence extended to the north-east, where it came into conflict with Ilorin. Despite their defeat at Osogbo in 1840 (Ajayi and Smith, 1971: 33-6) the rulers of Ilorin continued to become involved in the wars between the other Yoruba states for the rest of the 19th century.

The wars resulted from the attempts of the newer states-Ibadan, Ijaye, Ilorin and Abeokuta - to fill the political and economic niche previously occupied by Oyo. But now conditions were different. With the shift in population to the forest fringes the importance of cavalry had diminished, and the wars during the rest of the century were fought by armies of infantry with arms imported from the coast rather than the north. This change is neatly symbolised by the story Johnson tells of the Ibadan victory at Osogbo. After the battle, the only uses the Ibadan had for the captured Ilorin horses were as food and as supplies of horsehair for tying on their amulets (1921: 288). The change took place against the background of increasing European penetration, by explorers, missionaries and merchants, followed by troops and administrators.

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Yoruba Today.

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