History - Junior Secondary 1 - Oyo Empire

TERM: 3^RD TERM

WEEK: 3 and 4

CLASS: Junior Secondary School 1

AGE: 12 years

DURATION: 40 minutes

DATE:

SUBJECT: History

TOPIC: Oyo Empire

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES: At the end of the lesson, the learners should be able to

1. ) Locate the Oyo on the map
2. ) Discuss the origin of Oyo
3. ) Describe the socio-political structure of the Oyo kingdom
4. ) State the economic activities of the Oyo people

INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES: Identification, explanation, questions and answers, demonstration, story-telling, videos from source

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS: Basic History for Junior Secondary Schools 1 by Ijeoma E.O

INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES:

WEEK 3

NOTE

OYO KINGDOM

The Oyo Empire was historically located in what is now southwestern Nigeria, predominantly in the modern-day states of Oyo, Osun, and parts of Kwara. It extended westward into parts of present-day Benin and Togo. The capital, Old Oyo (Oyo-Ile), was situated north of present-day Oyo town.

Origin of the Oyo
The Oyo Kingdom is believed to have been founded around the 14th century by Oranyan (Oranmiyan), a son of Oduduwa, the legendary founder of the Yoruba people. Oranyan is said to have initially attempted to establish a kingdom in Ife but eventually moved northward to found Oyo. Over generations, the kingdom grew in strength and influence, becoming one of the most powerful Yoruba states. The Oyo developed sophisticated political, military, and economic systems that allowed them to dominate much of the Yoruba region and exert influence over other ethnic groups in West Africa.

EVALUATION:   

1. Describe the geographical location of the Oyo Empire. Which present-day Nigerian states correspond to this area?
2. Explain the significance of Oyo’s strategic position in terms of trade and influence. How did this location contribute to its growth?
3. Identify the founder of the Oyo Kingdom according to historical accounts. What connection does this figure have to other Yoruba kingdoms?
4. Summarize the migration story of Oranyan (Oranmiyan) and explain how it led to the establishment of Oyo.
5. Discuss the factors that contributed to the early expansion of the Oyo Kingdom. How did its origins support its eventual rise in West Africa?

CLASSWORK: As in evaluation

CONCLUSION: The teacher marks their books and commends them positively

WEEK 4

NOTE

OYO KINGDOM

Socio-Political Structure of the Oyo Kingdom
The Oyo Kingdom had a highly organized and hierarchical socio-political structure:

• The Alaafin: The king, or Alaafin, was the central ruler, considered semi-divine and responsible for overseeing the kingdom’s affairs.
• Oyo Mesi: A council of seven principal chiefs called the Oyo Mesi advised and checked the power of the Alaafin. The Oyo Mesi could request the Alaafin to commit ritual suicide if his rule was deemed unsatisfactory.
• Ogboni: A secretive council of elders representing religious and societal interests, ensuring balance and order, often working in tandem with the Oyo Mesi.
• Provincial Administration: The kingdom was divided into provinces ruled by appointed governors called Ajele. They reported to the Alaafin and helped maintain control over distant territories.
• Military Structure: The Oyo had a powerful cavalry and infantry force. The Eso, a warrior class led by the Are Ona Kakanfo (commander-in-chief), protected and expanded Oyo’s territories.

Economic Activities of the Oyo People
The Oyo people engaged in various economic activities that made the kingdom prosperous:

• Agriculture: They cultivated yams, millet, and maize, as the fertile lands of the savannah were well-suited for crop production.
• Trade: Oyo's strategic position enabled extensive trade with neighboring kingdoms, including the sale of goods such as ivory, kola nuts, textiles, and salt.
• Craftsmanship: Skilled in weaving, dyeing (notably using indigo), blacksmithing, and pottery, the Oyo people produced high-quality items traded locally and with distant regions.
• Tributary System: As a dominant kingdom, Oyo received tribute from conquered territories, which contributed to the wealth of the kingdom and funded its military campaigns.

EVALUATION:   

1. Analyze the role of the Alaafin in Oyo’s political structure. How did the Alaafin maintain control while balancing the influence of other groups?
2. Describe the function of the Oyo Mesi council. In what ways did it serve as a check on the Alaafin’s power?
3. Explain the role of the Are Ona Kakanfo and the importance of the military in the Oyo socio-political structure.
4. Identify the primary agricultural products of the Oyo people. How did agriculture contribute to the kingdom’s economy?
5. Evaluate the impact of craftsmanship on Oyo’s economy. What were some key items produced, and how did they influence trade?

CLASSWORK: As in evaluation

CONCLUSION: The teacher marks their books and commends them positively