AKINWALE ABOLUWADE
The British imperial forces used a combination of coercion, deception and manipulative diplomacy to subjugate Yoruba traditional institutions for commercial and political gains between the 17th and early 20th centuries, Prof. Akinkunmi Alao of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has detailed.
Alao, a Professor of Legal History, said the imperialists adopted the stick-and-carrot’ strategy to weaken indigenous power structures and assert dominance across Yorubaland.
He disclosed this on Thursday while delivering the Ogun Pepe Memorial Lecture at the Federal School of Surveying, Oyo Town. The event, conceived by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, commemorated the bravery of Alaafin Adeyemi Alowolodu I and the devastating 1895 British invasion that razed two-thirds of Oyo through gunfire from British Royal Navy gunboats.
According to Alao, the stiff resistance of some Yoruba rulers, especially Alaafin Adeyemi Alowolodu I, culminated in the 1895 “Ogun Pepe” (Pepe War), which questioned and briefly curtailed British encroachment on Yoruba sovereignty.
Alao said: “Since 1895, Oyo has faced executive intimidation, deprivation, denial of national recognition and political victimisation. Memorialising this episode serves as a clarion call for the people to evaluate critically the long history of injustice they have endured.”
Speaking on the lecture theme, ‘The Flag Follows the Trade: Gunboat Diplomacy and the Subjugation of Yorubaland, 1895–1914,’ Alao noted that the British capitalised on internal conflicts, including the Ijaye-Ibadan War and the subsequent Kiriji War, to penetrate the region through traders, missionaries and colonial officers.
He said these actors served as agents who systematically undermined Yoruba independence under the guise of commercial advancement, especially after the shift from slave trade to palm oil and kernel exports.
Alao identified two key strategies deployed by the British: The Diplomatic Mask, Treaties of friendship and commerce, which he described as “perfidious” documents often signed under duress and laden with long-term implications unknown to Yoruba rulers. Iron-Fist Tactics, The use of Royal Navy gunboats and Gatling guns to crush resistance and showcase British military might.
Alao revisited the immediate trigger of the 1895 conflict, explaining that it arose from Alaafin Adeyemi I’s refusal to yield to British interference in a local judicial matter involving a royal messenger, Bakare, accused of adultery in Iseyin.
Captain William Bower, a British Resident, demanded that the Alaafin surrender Bakare and the official who carried out his customary punishment, Kudeefu. The Alaafin declined, executed Bakare and protected Kudeefu, asserting his sovereignty.
Alao said this defiance was interpreted as an open challenge to British authority. In retaliation, Captain Lister Bower led 60 armed soldiers to invade Oyo, prompting a fierce six-day battle characterised by the rapid “pepe! pepe!” sound of British gunfire, hence the name Ogun Pepe.
Although Alaafin Adeyemi I was reportedly wounded, he escaped arrest, and a truce was eventually negotiated.
“This episode stands as a powerful symbol of Yoruba resistance to colonial domination,” Alao added.
Discussants at the 130th anniversary lecture included Prof. Sekinat Kola-Adepoju, Prof. Adeniyi Gbadegesin, Prof. Ladun Oloruntoba, and Mogaji Gboyega Adejumo.
The lecture was organised by a team led by Dr. James Adesokan Ojebode, Founder of Atiba University, Oyo. Other members included Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu, Atiba VC Prof. Sunday Olawale Okeniyi, Princess Folasade Adeyemi (Arewa), Mr. Seg.
