ABSTRACT
In the eighteenth century Oyo reached the height of her strength, and in the second half was one of the most powerful and wealthy kingdoms in Africa. The nineteenth century was a period of turmoil, disaster, and shaky reconstruction for the kingdom of Oyo. Oyo in the middle of the nineteenth century was no longer the metropolis of a large empire commanding extensive trade routes and receiving the tribute of many vassals. Oyo asserted its power over its Yoruba neighbours, extending its conquests southwards down to the edges of the forest and indeed penetrating it to some extent. To safeguard the frontiers of the remaining Oyo provinces and to keep the rivals apart as far as possible, Atiba arranged with them a division of Yoruba territory for protection and tribute. In the royal sector of Oyo the highest ranking men were five members of the royal lineage. Ranking was characteristic of all levels and forms of Yoruba social organization.
