Oyo Empire metropolitan Oyo. This may have been fine in the 15th century when Oyo controlled only its heartland. But to make and maintain farther conquest, the structure underwent several changes. Oyo maintained a semi-standing army of specialist cavalry soldiers called the "Eso", the "Esho" or, formally, the Eso of Ikoyi. These were 70 junior war chiefs who were nominated by the Oyo Mesi and confirmed by the Alaafin of Oyo. The Eso were appointed for their military skill without regard to heritage and were led by the Are-Ona-Kakanfo. After Oyo's return from exile, the post of Are-Ona-Kakanfo was established as the
Kisi, Oyo Kisi, Oyo Kisi (or Kishi) is a large town in Oyo State, Nigeria. It is the headquarters of the Irepo Local Government Area. Kisi is located at the northern part of Oyo state and is the headquarters of Irepo local government. Kisi is an extension of old Oyo-Ile which was collapsed in the 18th century as a result of Jihad activity by the Hausa/Fulani of Ilorin, Kwara state. Kisi is about 250km from Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo state, and about 150km from Oyo Alafin. The town has an official post office. Historically, different tribes such as the Baruba,