Military Organization

 
 
 

Besides the political councils in towns, there were military organizations which provided security and safety needs for the palaces, and then, the subjects. Although, security, safety and military needs of other Yoruba communities back then differ, but Ọyọ had a highly organized military system which was peculiar to its needs in its active days as an Empire.

1 The Internal/Domestic military arrangement

 

2 The Ẹṣọ cavalry- trained military force headed by Arẹ-Ọna-Kan-Kan-Fo

 
The security and safety needs of Ọyọ metropolis was the chief responsibility of Baṣọrun, to accomplish this, Ọyọ was divided into six equal zones, which included the two provincial armies of Onikoyi and Okere in the West and the East. Under Onikoyi, there were other two provinces-Irẹsa (Arẹsa), and Epo (Ẹlẹpẹ or Baa’lẹ, Idọdẹ) which constituted Ẹkun Osi. Ṣaki under Ọkẹrẹ constituted Ẹkun Ọtun with Iganna (Sabiganna), and Eruwa (Eleruwa). This arrangement was the first military intervention in times of immediate need, but if it failed, the larger Ọyọ military war machine under Arẹ-Ọna-Kan-Kan-Fo who lived outside the metropolis would come in, to save the empire.

Composition of the Provinces-

Ekun Otun:
Sabiganna of Iganna
Oniwere of Iwere
Alasia of Asia
Onjo of Okeho
Bagijan of Igijan
Okere of Saki
Alapata of Ibode
Ona Onibode of Igboho
Elerinpo of Ipapo
Ikihisi of Kihisi
Aseyin of Iseyin
Alado of Ado
Eleruwa of Eruwa
Oloje of Oje.

Ekun Osi:
Onikoyi of Ikoyi
Olugbon of Igbon
Aresa of Iresa
Ompetu of Ijeru
Olofa of Ofa

Epo Province:
Oluiwo of Iwo
Ondese of Idese

Ibolo Province:
Akinrun of Ikirun
Olobu of Ilobu
Timi of Ede
Atawoja of Osogbo
Adimula of Ife-Odan.

Source: History of Yoruba by Rev. Samuel Johnson (Pastor of Oyo); edited by: Dr. O. Johnson. Book first published by CMS (Lagos, Nigeria) in 1921; reprints: 1937,1956, 1958, and 1960.

Under this arrangement, Ọyọ had the following:
The cavalry - the use of horses by trained soldiers to wage war against Ọyọ enemies, although the (old Ọyọ) was situated in the savannah- the origin of cavalry in its military is not known, probably, the idea came from Nupe, Borgu or Hausa. Whatever the case may be, cavalry was part of old Ọyọ military machine in its glorious days.

The Infantry - it was the land soldiers otherwise known as (foot soldiers) whose military equipment included: swords, lances, shields, guns, cutlasses, knives, amulets and charms, javelins. Depending on the strength of opponents, Infantry or Cavalry could lead the attack. Whichever group led the attack, the other group followed as a back-up, to complete the onslaught.

The Ẹṣọ (Ẹṣọ-Ikoyi) was the hybrid of Infantry and Cavalry, 70 war chiefs (16 officers in upper cadre and 54 in lower cadres) nominated by Ọyọ-Mesi, but must be confirmed by Alaafin, and from among them the Arẹ-Ọna-Kan-Kan-Fo (Generalissimo) was appointed. Because of the power vested with him by Alaafin, Arẹ was the head of Empire military force; this title was introduced by the 14th Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Ajagbo, who was known for a long, peaceful and successful reign. Are lived outside Ọyọ metropolis, but commanded its military force, and more important, the title is non-hereditary, but a reward for any soldier who displayed bravery, gallantry, military exploit on war fronts.

Former holders of this title were:

1) Kokoro- Gangan of Iwoye
2) Oyatope of Iwoye
3) Oyabi of Ajase
4) Adeta of Jabata
5) Oku of Jabata
6) Afonja of Ilorin (Aiginja L’aiya loko).
7) Toyeje of Ogbomoso
Edun of Gbogun
9) Amepo of Abemo
10) Kurunmi of Ijaye
11) Ojo Aburumaku of Ogbomoso (the son of Toyeje)
12) Latosisa (Latoosa) of Ibadan.

Kan-Kanfo, by tradition should go to war once in every three years, either by personal decision or where ever sent to, by Alaafin. By the same token, he should either be victorious or die at war, rather than being captured.

The instruments of his office include:
a) Ojijiko- a cap made of red feathers of parrot’s tail with projection reaching as far as the waist,
b) Apron of leopard skin to sit on always
c) Pigtail,
d) the invincible staff.

Although, no Yoruba town or kingdom with the exception of old Ọyọ empire had an elaborate military organization of this structure and standard; however, each town had metropolitan army headed by Balogun, Akirọgun, or Baṣọrun to provide immediate, and future security needs, especially after the fall of Ọyo empire in early 19th century.