Legends of Africa wealth gained from trade and its possession of a 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 other Yoruba kingdoms in modern-day Nigeria, Benin, and Togo, but also over other African kingdoms, most notable being the Fon Dahomey (in present-day Benin). The mythical origins of the Oyo Empire lie with Oranyan (also known as Oranmiyan), the second prince of the Yoruba Kingdom of Ile-Ife. Oranyan made an agreement with his brother to launch a punitive raid on their northern neighbors for
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