HOW ILORIN LOST THEIR KINGDOM INTO THE HANDS OF THE FULANIS!! A MUST READ!
The story of Afonja and the loss of Ilorin to the Fulani is a pivotal chapter in Nigerian history, showcasing the intricate power dynamics and conflicts of the era.
Who Was Afonja and the Founding of Ilorin?
Ilorin, originally a Yoruba town, served as a military outpost for the Alaafin, the supreme ruler of the old Oyo Empire. Afonja, the sixth Are-Ona-Kakanfo (generalissimo) of the Oyo army, managed Ilorin and conducted military operations on behalf of Alaafin Aole, who reigned from 1789 to 1796. During Afonja’s administration, a Fulani cleric named Shehu Alimi arrived in Ilorin with his followers and was warmly received by Afonja.
Conflict Between Afonja and Alaafin Aole
The relationship between Afonja and Alaafin Aole deteriorated when Aole ordered Afonja to attack Iwere-Ile, a mission Afonja deemed suicidal. Iwere-Ile was the hometown of Aole’s paternal grandmother, and an earlier Alaafin had cursed any Kakanfo who attacked it. Afonja’s refusal to comply with Aole’s order led to escalating tensions. Aole’s subsequent directive for Afonja to attack Apomu further fueled the conflict. Seeking support, Afonja allied with Shehu Alimi, leveraging his spiritual and military influence. After an unsuccessful campaign, Afonja rebelled against Aole, who, adhering to tradition, committed suicide after receiving an empty calabash from Afonja.
The Downfall of Afonja
Following Aole’s death, Afonja strengthened his alliance with Alimi, incorporating Alimi’s men into his army and dismissing many of his own soldiers. This decision allowed the Fulani to infiltrate Afonja’s forces. After Alimi’s death, his son Abdulsalam conspired against Afonja. In 1824, Abdulsalam’s forces ambushed and killed Afonja in a brutal attack. His body, riddled with arrows, remained upright for some time due to the sheer volume of projectiles.
Establishment of the Emirate in Ilorin
With Afonja dead, Abdulsalam declared himself the Emir of Ilorin and pledged allegiance to the Sokoto Caliphate. This marked the transition of Ilorin from Yoruba control to becoming part of the Fulani empire. Despite several attempts by the Yorubas to reclaim Ilorin, including efforts by Afonja’s successor Toyeje, they were ultimately unsuccessful.
Conclusion
The transformation of Ilorin from a Yoruba military outpost to a Fulani emirate underscores the complex political landscape of pre-colonial Nigeria, marked by alliances, betrayals, and power struggles. This episode highlights the profound impact of leadership decisions on historical trajectories.
