Oyo Empire 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 Yorubaland, but also over nearby African states, notably the Fon Kingdom of
History of the Yoruba people site of earth creation in the Yoruba mythology. As Oduduwa migrated to Ile-Ife, he had a son and he became the first ruler for the Oyo empire. The Oyo kingdom has subjugated the kingdom of Dahomey. It traded with European merchants on the coast through Ajase. The wealth of the town increased and as well as political leaders wealth increased. This was not resolved till Abiodun went against his opponents in a bitter civil war and had a rule for economic development based on the trade with European merchants. The downfall of the kingdom came as Abiodun became concerned with