Chapter 1: OYO Empire
Oyo Empire during the 17th–18th centuries
Oyo Empire during the 17th–18th centuries
Status
Empire
Capital
Oyo-Ile (1300–1535); (1600–1896)
Oyo-Igboho (1600)
Common languages
Yoruba
Religion
Yoruba religion, Islam, Christianity
Government
Elective Monarchy
Alaafin
• c. 1300
Oranmiyan
• ????–1896
Adeyemi I Alowolodu
Legislature
Oyo Mesi and Ogboni
Area
1680[1]
150,000 km2 (58,000 sq mi)
Preceded by Succeeded by
Ife Empire
Ilorin Emirate
Ibadan
Today part of
Yorubaland · Nigeria · Benin
Oyo Empire and surrounding states, c. 1625.
House of Oranyan
Nigerian royal dynasty
The Elephant (Ajanaku), totem of the kings and emperors of Oyo prior to Abiodun
The veve of Ogun, war god of the Yoruba and totem of both the emperors and kings that have followed Abiodun and the various members of the Bashorun chieftaincy family that have served the state throughout its history
Parent house
Oodua
Current region
Yorubaland
Founded
c. 13th century
Founder
Oranyan
Current head
Interregnum
Titles
Oba Alaafin of Oyo
Oba Obirin of Oyo
Iba Bashorun of Oyo
Iba Aare Ona Kakanfo of Oyo
Iba of Oyo
Oloye of Oyo
Omoba of Oyo
Oloori of Oyo
Style(s)
Kabiyesi
Majesty
Imperial Highness
Members
Abiodun
Oluyole
Candido da Fonseca Galvao
Connected families
Ife royal family
Bini royal family
Traditions
Ifá
Christianity
Islam
Motto
A ki ro'ba fi la le de Oyo, o ya e je a lo ree Alaafin (Yoruba for "Oyo, Descendants of the Alaafin")
Cadet branches
Alowolodu (Oyo)
Agunloye (Oyo)
Oluyole (Ibadan)
Ona Aka (Oyo)
Afonja (Ilorin)