Copyright 2013 American Chemical Society
Scheme 3- 2 Schematic of lamellar microdomains oriented parallel (left) or perpendicular (right) to the substrate from the self-assembly of linear BCP or brush BCP.
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Dibie, C.C. (2007). Essentials of Government. Ibafo, Ogun – State: TONAD Publishers.
Elaigwu J.I. et al. (1994). Federalism and Nation Building in Nigeria: The Challenges of the 21st Century. Abuja: National Council on Intergovernmental Relations.
Ofoegbu, G.A.I. (1999). Modern Government. Onitsha: Mass Foundation Publications Ltd.
Nwankwo, B.C. (2002). Authority in Government Nigeria and World Politics.
Onitsha: (Revised ed.). Abbot Book, Ltd.
UNIT 4 STRENGTH AND SURVIVAL OF OYO EMPIRE
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that flourished in West Africa, Oyo lasted longest; it was one of the best organised constitutionally; and it had the finest works of art. The reasons for its power and survival may be summarised as follows.
3.2 Location of Oyo
The location of the capital of Oyo was in itself an advantage. Old Oyo was situated beyond the tropical forest zone, and this geographical position was helpful for the following reasons.
1. The flat nature of the territory helped to make the conquest of neighbouring lands easier especially when using cavalry, in the use of which the Oyo army excelled. The cavalry was less useful further south in the forest zone.
2. It also meant that communication between states within metropolitan Oyo was easy.
3. The fertile land of the area meant that food supplies were good; the ruling classes could therefore devote their attention not only to further conquests but also to the administration of the empire.
4. As we shall see below, Oyo was also a focal point for trade with merchants from all directions; the Western Sudan,Kanem-Bornu, and from the south.
3.3 Organisation
Another helpful factor was the organisation of the empire. The details of this have been discussed in the preceding section. In summary those aspects of the governmental structure of Oyo which made for strength were the following.
1. In metropolitan Oyo political stability was brought about by a system of checks and balances by which neither the Alafin nor the other organs of government could assert too much power.
2. The degree of autonomy which the local rulers of the provinces and tributary states were allowed meant that there was little reason for rebellion. So long as they maintained their allegiance and paid their tributes they were, for all practical purposes, independent.
3. Military strength helped to sustain the empire for several centuries. Oyo always had at its disposal dependable armed forces consisting of infantry and cavalry and led by warriors of exceptional valour and ability. According to tradition, no army officer was permitted to return home defeated; he must kill himself. No wonder they fought with great determination.
3.4 Wealth of the Empire
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It may also be added that Oyo had the financial resources to maintain its empire. Its wealth came from many resources.
1. It possessed valuable natural resources in the form of minerals and products of the forest.
2. It regularly received tributes from the vassal states. As mentioned elsewhere, at one time the Dahomean states were paying annually over in tribute.
3. Because of its location, Oyo became an important trading centre, attracting merchants from all directions.
(a) From the north, came traders from the Western Sudan.
(b) In the exchange of goods from the south, such as kola nuts Oyo played the role of middleman. Later, when the slave was at its height, Oyo middlemen reaped enormous profits.
(c) Their wars enabled them to capture thousands of men whom they sold to the white traders in exchange for Europeans goods.
(d) Goods from Kanem-Bornu also came to the Oyo markets.
4. Oyo also profited from selling the produce of the industrial skills of her people.
(a) The abundance of iron ore and the skill of the people in iron working meant the empire could produce efficient farming implements and military weapons, which were not only used locally but were also sold to external traders.
(b) Revenue was also gained from the products of skilled craftsmanship in weaving and dyeing, in carving and pottery. These works of art attracted traders from both the Western Sudan and from the forest zone in the south. Oyo‟s markets became great centres for trade in leather, salt, slaves, horses, kola nuts, ivory and cloth.
3.5 Ethnic Affinity
Ethnic affinity among the Yoruba states of the empire also helped Oyo to survive as the centre of a great empire. After Oyo had established its ascendancy, all the other Yoruba states were proud to be associated with the kingdom with which they shared a common origin, culture, language and heritage.
SELF-ASSESSMENT EXERCISE (SAE)
Account for the long survival of Oyo as an empire.
4.0 CONCLUSION
The above analyses showed that Oyo emerged as a small state about the beginning of the fifteenth century. It reached its peak as a vast empire about the middle of the eighteenth century. The empire did not totally collapse until the middle of the nineteenth century. Thus of all the empires that flourished in West Africa, Oyo lasted longest; it was one of the best organised constitutionally; and it had the finest works of art.
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5.0 SUMMARY
The unit has thrown light on the general overview of how the strength and survival of Oyo took place.
6.0 TUTOR – MARKED ASSIGNMENT (TMA)
From what sources did the empire of Oyo derive its wealth?7.0 REFERENCES/FURTHER READING
Anyaele, J.U. (2003). Comprehensive Government. Lagos: A Johnson Publishers, Ltd.
Buah, F.K. (1978). West Africa since A.D. 1000. London: Macmillan Education Limited.
Dibie, C.C. (2007). Essentials of Government. Ibafo, Ogun – State: TONAD Publishers.
Elaigwu J.I. et al. (1994). Federalism and Nation Building in Nigeria: The Challenges of the 21st Century. Abuja: National Council on Intergovernmental Relations.
Nwankwo, B.C. (2002). Authority in Government Nigeria and World Politics.
Onitsha: (Revised ed.). Abbot Book, Ltd.
Ofoegbu, G.A.I. (1999). Modern Government. Onitsha: Mass Foundation Publications Ltd.