Ajiboyede

Ajiboyede was a successful but autocratic alaafin of the Oyo empire during the sixteenth century. ^[1] He succeeded Orompoto.

Events of reign

Ajiboyede is credited with starting the three-year festival known as Bebe, to celebrate peace after the victory over the Nupes and to celebrate Ajiboyede's long reign. ^[1] During the peaceful period, commerce and agriculture thrived, and the new capital of Igboho began to grow as a result of a favorable geographical location and population concentration. In the process, two major markets were established during his reign, and the city became a major trade route for acquiring horses from Hausaland.

Shortly after the Bebe festival began, Ajiboyede's firstborn son, Arema Osemolu, died. ^[2] Whilst Ajiboyede was mourning and fasting he reportedly had some chiefs visiting him executed for supposedly having eaten food, which nearly caused a rebellion. ^[2]

Ajiboyede was succeeded by Abipa.

References

1. Ogundayo, 'BioDun J.; Adekunle, Julius (eds.). African sacred spaces : culture, history, and change. ISBN   9781498567428. OCLC   1077789018.
2. Smith, Robert (1965). "The Alafin in Exile: A Study of the Igboho Period in Oyo History". The Journal of African History. 6 (1): 57–77. doi:10.1017/s0021853700005338. ISSN   0021-8537.

• Samuel Johnson, Obadiah Johnson. The History of the Yorubas, From the Earliest of Times to the Beginning of the British Protectorate, p 162 - 163.