War · 1845–1885
Ondo's troubles and Glover's road
As refugees from Oyo's collapse crowded the forest and the slave trade grew, power in Ondo shifted from old lineages and land to the ownership of slaves.
Overview
As refugees from Oyo's collapse crowded the forest and the slave trade grew, power in Ondo shifted from old lineages and land to the ownership of slaves. From 1845 to 1872 the kingdom went through rapid changes of ruler, wars with its neighbours and three moves of its capital; from 1865 to 1885 the townspeople took refuge at Oke Opa, where three Osemawes were installed and died. From 1870 John Glover, administrator of Lagos, looked to Ondo for a trade road to Lagos that avoided Ijebu and Egba; in 1872 he brokered peace between Ondo and Ife, missions came in 1875, and in 1889 the Osemawe signed a free-trade agreement with the colony.[1]High confidence
Oke Opa is not located.
Who took part
- Ondo· Defended
- Ife· Attacked
- Lagos Colony· Colonial force
What happened
- 1865–1885
Refuge at Oke Opa
The people of Ondo flee the town; three Osemawes reign and die in exile.[1]High confidence
- 1872 · Ondo
Peace with Ife
Glover brokers peace between Ondo and Ife to open the road to Lagos.[1]High confidence
- 20 February 1889 · Ondo
Free trade with Lagos
The Osemawe agrees free trade and British arbitration.[1]High confidence
Kingdoms involved
Sources
Every claim carries a confidence level: high (well attested), medium (one source or approximate) or disputed (sources disagree).