War · 1821–1826
The Owu war
Between 1821 and 1826 the armies of Ife and Ijebu, joined by Oyo refugees from the collapsing empire, besieged and destroyed Owu Ipole, a heavily fortified Yoruba kingdom.
Overview
Between 1821 and 1826 the armies of Ife and Ijebu, joined by Oyo refugees from the collapsing empire, besieged and destroyed Owu Ipole, a heavily fortified Yoruba kingdom. The Olowu escaped carried on a man's back to Erunmu, which fell in turn; the Owu crown was smuggled out with the refugees. The victors' camp at Ipara and then Ibadan went on to destroy the Egba forest towns, and Ibadan grew from it. The Owu wandered south-west and around 1834 Sodeke persuaded them to settle in Abeokuta, where they crowned an Olowu again only in 1855.[1],[2]High confidence
Owu Ipole (Orile Owu) is placed approximately.
Who took part
What happened
- c. 1822–1826 · Owu Ipole (approximate)
Owu Ipole destroyed
The fortified city is abandoned; Erunmu falls next.[1],[2]High confidence
- c. 1829 · Ibadan
The camp at Ibadan
The victorious armies make Ibadan their headquarters.[2],[3]High confidence
- c. 1834 · Abeokuta
Owu at Abeokuta
Sodeke invites the Owu into Abeokuta.[1]High confidence
Kingdoms involved
Sources
Every claim carries a confidence level: high (well attested), medium (one source or approximate) or disputed (sources disagree).