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Pre-colonial Relations Among The Yorubas' In Nigeria
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Literature Review
There are several literatures that have
tried to provide an understanding of the Yoruba people starting from
their origin to the coming of the Europeans. These literatures deal on
relevant aspects of the Yoruba. There are however, certain literatures
that give account of the origin of the Yoruba. I.A. Akinjogbin and E.A.
Anyadele, “Yorubaland up to 1800â€.11 According to them, there are two
traditions of origin, the migration version which says that the Yoruba
originally came from the north-eastern area of Africa, variously
supposed to be Egypt, Yemen, ancient Meroe and Arabia, and settled in
Ile-Ife after a journey. The other version, which is increasingly
becoming more known in scholarly circles, relates that Ile-Ife was the
centre from which the world was created. Both stories have one point in
common. Oduduwa is remembered in both as a leader.
In the aspect of
economic development of Yorubaland,.. Akinjogbin, “the economic
foundations of the Oyo Empire,12 among the foremost industry of the
Yoruba, was cloth weaving, which appeared to have reached a very high
degree of craftsmanship by the beginning of the eighteenth century,
possibly earlier. Also, dyeing and then carving which took the form of
making drums, mortars, pestles, door post and panels, also carving of
images. Also, there was the iron smelting and iron industry it was
equally widespread and basic to most of the industries. There are a
number of relevant literature on the Yoruba political system. These
include, S.A. Akintoye, Revolution and Power Politics in Yorubaland 1840
– 189313 and Adu Boahen, Topics in West Africa History14. S.A. Akintoye
asserts that the Yoruba political system varied from place to place.
That it is expected that in a country as extensive as that of the
Yoruba, differences in environment and historical experience would
result in the political institutions varying from area to area. He also
said that it is reasonable to suggest that political institutions varied
from time to time in each place, both in their structures and relative
importance in the whole system. Adu Boahen, in his book titled, Topics
in West Africa History, examines the central administrative system of
Oyo, the Alafin who was the ruler, ruled with the advice of a council of
about seven notables known as the Oyomesi, led by the Bashorun or Prime
Minister. The Ogboni controlled the Alafin and the Oyomesi. Also, Oyo
had unwritten constitution and a system of checks and balances.
Also,
in the social system of the Yoruba, Adu Boahen, Topics in West Africa
History,15 he stated that the art of the Yoruba is closely connected
with their religion, for most of their art pieces were produced for the
temples. The Yoruba believe in the existence of an Almighty God whom
they call Olorun, and also in a future state. Hence they worship the
dead, believe in future judgment. E.B. Idowu, Olodumare: God in Yoruba
belief, 16 he stated also the fact that Yoruba art is dominated by
music. The Yoruba are a singing people. In their singing, which
comprises songs, lyrics, ballads and minstrelsy, they tell stories of
their past, the circumstances of their present and their hopes and fears
of the future.
CHAPTERIZATION
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
This
chapter provides a brief overview of the Yoruba. It shows that the
Yoruba people are one of the largest group in Africa and that they
originated from Oduduwa.
CHAPTER TWO: HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF THE YORUBA
This chapter examines the history of the Yoruba and how they developed as a people in the pre-colonial periods.
CHAPTER THREE: POLITICAL RELATIONS AMONG THE YORUBA IN PRE-COLONIAL PERIOD
The
Yoruba had a centralized government. This chapter will examine the
Yoruba political system, which was based on checks and balances.
CHAPTER FOUR: ECONOMIC RELATION AMONG THE YORUBA
The
Yorubas were known for their economic activities. This chapter will
cover how these activities which were based on agriculture, trade, iron
smelting and cloth weaving, craft.
CHAPTER FIVE: SOCIAL RELATIONS AMONG THE YORUBA
The Yourba had a rich art which was closely related to their religion. This chapter will cover their religion and arts.
CHAPTER SIX: CONCLUSION
This chapter summarizes the entire work as enumerated from chapters one to five.
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