Oyo Empire which were some of the major cities that flourished after the collapse. Oyo Empire The Oyo Empire was a Yoruba empire of what is today Western and North central Nigeria. Established in the 15th century, the Oyo Empire grew to become one of the largest West African states. It rose through the outstanding organizational and administrative skills of the Yoruba people, wealth gained from trade and its powerful cavalry. The Oyo Empire was the most politically important state in the region from the mid-17th to the late 18th century, holding sway not only over most of the other kingdoms in
Oyo Empire al-Salih into his ranks. By doing this, he hoped to secure the support of Yoruba Muslims and volunteers from the Hausa-Fulani north in keeping Ilorin independent. Torn by internal struggle, Oyo could not defend itself against the Fulani. Oyo-Ile was razed by the Fulani Empire in 1835 and the Oyo Empire collapsed in 1836. To this day, the Illorin traditional ruler is an emir, whereas in the rest of Yoruba towns the rulers are called "oba" or "baale" (Baale or Baba Onile meaning "father of the land" or "lord of the land"). After the destruction of Oyo-Ile, the capital was