LIST OF ALAAFINS OF Ọ̀YỌ́ (2)

LIST OF ALAAFINS OF Ọ̀YỌ́ (2)

Orompoto (1554 – 1562): Sister of Eguguojo and the first known female Alaafin of Oyo. Her reign marked the first notable break in the father-to-son succession pattern since Aganju. She led successful military campaigns, notably driving many Nupe out of Oyo territory in 1555.

Ajiboyede (1562 – 1570): Known for initiating the first Bere Festival, which became a significant cultural event in the Oyo Empire.

Abipa (1570 – 1588): Born 20 years after the fall of Oyo-Ile, he rebuilt the city in 1580 after it had been abandoned for about 80 years, reestablishing it as the capital.

Obalokun (1588 – 1599): Oversaw a period of territorial expansion. Europeans bringing salt arrived in Oyo during his reign. He successfully brought the Ibolo (east) and Ibarapa (west) regions under Oyo control.

Oluodo (dates unknown): Drowned in the Niger River during a military campaign against the Nupe, who continued to pose a threat to Oyo’s influence, especially in the Okun region.

Ajagbo (dates unknown): A significant figure in Oyo history, he was the first Alaafin to wear the Sesefun crown and created the important military title Aare Ona Kakanfo, which later became instrumental in Oyo’s military structure.

Odarawu (dates unknown – 1659): Became the first recorded Alaafin to be overthrown by the powerful Oyo Mesi, the principal council of state.

Kanran (1659 – 1665): A controversial figure, he was eventually killed during a mutiny by his own army after he refused to commit suicide, which was the customary penalty for rejection by the Oyo Mesi.

Jayin (1665 – 1676): His reign ended in rejection and overthrow due to his tyrannical rule, continuing the era of instability caused by autocratic Alaafins.

Ayibi (1676 – 1690): Son of Olusi. Initially ruled under the regency of the Basorun due to his youth. Upon coming of age, he turned tyrannical and was ultimately rejected by the Oyo Mesi. During this time, Allada was attacked twice, coming under Oyo’s dominance by 1698.

Osiyago (1690 – 1692): His reign was cut short when he was assassinated amid dynastic conflict between his two heirs.

Ojigi (c. 1724 – 1735): Notably conquered the powerful Dahomey Kingdom in 1730, expanding Oyo’s influence further westward.

Gberu (c. 1735 – 1746): Appointed his close friend Jambu as Basorun to counterbalance the existing Basorun’s power. However, Jambu eventually turned on him, engineered his rejection, and ruled briefly as regent before committing suicide.

Amuniwaiye (c. 1746): His rule was brief; he was assassinated by a personal enemy.

Onisile (c. 1746 – 1754): Ultimately rejected by the Oyo Mesi, continuing the trend of instability and political intrigue in the lead-up to Bashorun Gaa’s notorious era.

To be continued.