Oyo Empire

The Oyo Empire was the largest of the Yoruba states. From its capital at Oyo-Ile in the savanna of what is now southwestern Nigeria, it grew from the 14th century into a regional power.

Oyo's strength was its cavalry. Horses could thrive in the open savanna, and Oyo's mounted armies dominated their neighbours. In the 18th century the kingdom of Dahomey paid tribute to Oyo.

Oyo was also known for its system of government. The king, the Alaafin, ruled alongside the Oyo Mesi, a council of chiefs led by the Bashorun, which could check the king's power.

Internal conflict and wars in the early 19th century broke the empire apart, and Oyo-Ile was abandoned around 1836. A new Oyo was founded further south, where the Alaafin still reigns today.