Akoko Resistance to External Invasion and Domination in the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume II, Issue XI, November 2018 | ISSN 2454–6186

Akoko Resistance to External Invasion and Domination in the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries

Johnson Olaosebikan Aremu¹, Solomon Oluwasola Afolabi²

¹Ph.D, Department of History and International Studies, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, P.M.B. 5363, Ado- Ekiti, Nigeria.
²Ph.D, Registry Department, Ekiti State University, Ado – Ekiti, Nigeria

Abstract: – This study examined the nature of Akoko response to external invasion and domination by some neighbouring and distant Nigerian groups and communities in the 19th and 20th Centuries. Data for the study was obtained from primary and secondary sources and were analysed using qualitative methods of analysis. The primary sources are archival materials and oral interviews with informants who were purposively selected due to their perceived knowledge about the subject of study. Secondary sources included relevant textbooks, journal articles, thesis, dissertations and long essays, some periodicals and internet materials. It noted that Akoko communities were invaded severally by some of their immediate neighbours like Owo; Ado-Ekiti and Ikole- Ekiti between the 15th and 18th centuries; as well as some imperial lords from Benin, Nupe and Ibadan in the 19th and 20th centuries. It found out that these incessant invasions were due largely to the search for political hegemony; demand for slaves and for personal aggrandizement of some soldiers. The paper noted further that, in spite of their limited population, the Akoko people fought vehemently for survival as a people and eventually maintained their self identity and succeeded in shaking off the yoke of their imperialist powers. The paper highlights the various strategies adopted by the Akokos in their quest for survival and emancipation. It concluded that unity of purpose and total commitment to collective survival as a people were at the heart of their success story against external domination and subjugation.

Keywords: Akokoland, Invasion, Political hegemony, Nupe, Imperialism

I. INTRODUCTION

It has been observed that the histories of most ethnic and dialectical groups, particularly in the eastern Yoruba land, have not been adequately studied1. This was partly due to the concentration of early historians of African origin on the study of expansive and extensive empires and kingdoms such as Oyo, Benin, Kanem-Bornu and many others, while those of the sub-ethnic groups were overlooked, if not out rightly neglected.

Read More