Kiriji War

• During the war, all of the subethnic groups of the Yoruba either supported the Ibadan or the Ekiti. The main reason for the civil war was an attempt to halt the expansive efforts of the Ibadan city-state, which attempted to replace the Oyo Empire as the dominant region in Yorubaland.[1] In addition, Ibadan wanted a unified Yoruba nation similar to that of the Oyo Empire, while the Ekiti wanted a loose confederation of kingdoms that had existed in the Ekiti region. The fall of the Oyo Empire, which had dominated the region for 500 years left a gap in the government of Yorubaland. Many city states, which were previous provinces of the empire, rose up to replace the dominant Oyo Empire, including Ibadan. Ibadan had won the 1840 Osogbo War and the Battle of Ijaiye in 1862 and had grown in immense power, almost rising to that of its predecessor.
• Ijesa, Ekiti, Igbomina and Akoko kingdoms had, for several years, gone through unimaginable subjugations by Aare Latosisa of Ibadan through his appointed agents, called Ajele.[2] The Ajeles, were despotic, uncaring, autocratic, and indulged in excesses.[3]
• The European industrial revolution increased demand for African resources including slaves trades; the needed access to the coasts by kingdoms to trade; larger kingdoms who assumed power attempted to centralize power even though Yoruba ethnic groups were made up of several kingdoms.[4]
• Throughout the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries when Oyo had the absolute power throughout Yoruba, Nupe and part of Dahomey, she was able to ensure equilibrium among all kingdoms and relative peace.[5] In the early nineteenth century when all the powers had gone, Ibadan, Ijaye, new Oyo and Abeokuta wanted to replace old Oyo. Older kingdoms made up of Ife and Ijebu, wanted to expand their territories.
• Ibadan destroyed Ijaye; checkmated Ilorin and administered Ibarapa, Osun, Ife, Ijesa, Ekiti, Igbomina and Akoko. It failed to control Egba and Ijebu and the vital trade routes to the coast. It failed to efficiently administer these kingdoms.[4]
• The refugee settlements in Ibadan, Ijaye and old Oyo wanted to avenge the destruction of old Oyo Empire in the hands of the Ilorin Fulani.[4] For self-interest, each wanted to achieve this individually and bring the re-united kingdoms under its own rulership and control. While Ikirun shared the idea of re-unified kingdoms, Ekiti, Ijesa, Akoko and Igbomina wanted a confederacy.[4]

• Several of the nineteenth century wars in Yorubaland resulted in desertions, family separations.[4]
• It also brought about concentration of Yoruba people in many cities and towns in Yorubaland, which today are still in existence.[4]
• It brought about loyalties among kingdoms and the emergence of powerful leaders such as Oluyole, Sodeke, Ogunmola, Kurumi, Latosisa, Ogedengbe, along with its peculiar leadership characteristics.[4]
• Yoruba kingdoms became creative with different political systems.[4] Ibadan's republicanism; Ijaye's military dictatorship; Abeokuta's federalism and Ekitiparapo confederacy.[4]
• The resulting several wars created an excuse for the British to take over the whole of Yorubaland as they were constantly called to interfere in Yoruba affairs.[4]
• Many of the kingdoms became weary of these several wars and called for British protections.[4]
• It was the relentless attacks by Ibadan armies in the whole of the northeastern parts of Yorubaland which birthed the Ekitiparapo.[4] But it was that confederacy which also saved and preserved many of these kingdoms to this day.[4]

Ibadan set up a political system for all conquered kingdoms. Each of them was placed under the administration of an Ibadan Chief, called Baba-kekere.[6]

The routing of the confederate alliance in Ikirun was a major setback.[5] Ilorin peace overture was snubbed by Aare Latosisa. Oloja-oke Merunpe of Imesi-ile had gone to Ibadan to pledge allegiance and make peace; but when he got back home, the youths in the town rose up against him and he was deposed by his people. He spent the rest of his life in Oshogbo.[9] However, Prince Fabunmi, the instigator of the war; and all Ekiti and Ijesa warrior chiefs were resolute to prosecute the war to logical end.[10] The Confederate got an important ally. The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Adeyemi, who had before supported the emergence of Ibadan as the absolute power in Yorubaland became suspicious because not only did Ibadan seized Oyo towns hitherto occupied by Ijaye before it was destroyed, Ibadan turned the Alaafin into a nominal king and began to interfere in Oyo rulership.[5] Therefore, The Alaafin found opportunity for self-preservation in two powers in northeast (Ijesa and Ekiti) and southwest (Egba and Ijebu) of Yorubaland against Ibadan.[10] The Confederate was able to obtain supports of Egba and Ijebu who shutoff trade to the coasts against Ibadan. Ijebu opened up Isoya road to send reliefs to the northeast through Ife territory and stationed Seriki Ogunsigun who kept watch. Ilorin, under Balogun Karara, laid siege on Offa, an Ibadan ally.[10]  Ondo was neutral to both the Confederate and Ibadan armies; thus, the only road Ibadan could trade arms and ammunitions was through Ondo road.[10]

Again, Ekiti Parapo army headquarters was relocated from Otun to Okemesi.[10] Since Ilorin had lost many warriors in the Jalumi war, they could only send some of their infantry and cavalry to join the Confederates in Okemesi. In exchange, the Confederates sent some warriors under Ogunmodede of Ilesa and Chief Ajayi Ofa of Otun to Ilorin. As at those time, Aduloju and Ogedemgbe, even after many gifts, refused to join the Confederates.[10] It was suggested that Ogedemgbe was reluctant because he already fought Ibadan twice and might come to the conclusion fighting them again would not get the desired result or as a result of some covenant he had with Ibadan. Which was why after he agreed to join the confederates, he still didn't want Latosisa come into battle nor engage Ibadan in open combat. But it was on record in 1878, Ogedemgbe attacked Idoani and he got the stiffest fight of his life. He was only able to crush Idoani and return to Itaogbolu, later in 1879 after he lost several of his army members in the battle.[10]

On April 7, 1879, Balogun Ajayi Ogboriefon died of illness.[8] The news was a morale booster to the Confederates. They finalized their plans and moved again to Imesi-ile. By the time they got to Igbajo, the town was already deserted, and Oba Famodun escaped to Oshogbo. He was with Ataoja of Oshogbo for three years before moving to Ire where he died. Ibadan again, repelled the Confederates at Ikirun until they retreated and encamped permanently at a hill which is about one hour walk from Imesi-ile.[10]

In 1879, Ogedemgbe and his large army joined the Confederates at Imesi-ile.[5] Prince Fabunmi, who was much younger, immediately relinquished the leadership of Ekitiparapo army to him.[8] It was at this stage more sophisticated weapons unknown to Ibadan camp were introduced to the war by the Ekitiparapo. These long range, large-muzzled and high impact guns, were imported by Okitiparapo Society of Lagos. It was the high and large echoes of noise by these guns the name “Kiriji” came about.[10]

Latosisa made frantic efforts to obtain similar weapons on Ibadan side. He wrote several high-powered letters to Oyo sons living in Lagos to emulate Okitiparapo Society of Lagos but he got very little assistance.[10] This new advanced warfare demanded the constitution of Rifle Corps and experts in building trenches. Alfred Labinjo, an indigene of Imesi-ile, a resident of Lagos and Guruje of Abeokuta were carefully selected.[10] It was a war like nothing before. Ibadan had to construct mud walls and avoid direct contacts with Ekitiparapo's long range guns.[10]

In 1882, another war front opened. Ife, as one of Ibadan subject had to supply troop to Igbajo under Ibadan command.[10] Latosisa wanted to attack Osu to spite Okitipupa, but Ife refused to allow Ibadan.  For this reason, Ibadan joined with Modakeke to overrun Ife. Ekitiparapo in support of Ife, provided high-powered warriors led by Prince Fabunmi and Chief Arimoro to obliterate Modakeke. Ijebu army stationed at Isoya, under Seriki Ogunsigun supported the alliance.[10] Ekitiparapo Society created a settlement in the Ilaje area called Aiyesan. This colony served as the main depot where ammunitions and military wares employed by Ekitiparapo were stored before moving them to the war zones in the interior.[10]

In 1882, Ibadan suffered several losses in Modakeke. Ibadan warriors’ deaths in Igbajo, among which were Kupolu, the Infantry commander; Chief Akintaro (Osi), Chief Ajeigbe (the Ekerin). In Ibadan, a whole street was destroyed by fire.[10] Latosisa and his war boys were beginning to be depressed by several of the losses coupled with hostility from several fronts in all of Yorubaland.[10] Between 1884 – 1885 as the war dragged on. Ibadan was about surrendering and returned home but a Chief Taiwo from Lagos supplied desperately needed ammunition and weapons to Latosisa.[10] All efforts made by Ekitiparapo Society to Lagos Governor to stop the sale came to naught. This suddenly intensified the war again. It was at that intensity Albert Labinjo, the leader of the Confederate Rifle Corps was wounded on July 13, 1885. He passed on about five days after.[10]

In August 1885, Chief Momoh Latosisa, the Are-Ona-Kakanfo of Ibadan, died in Igbajo camp and Chief Ajayi Osungbekun became the Balogun.[10] The new Balogun did not command respect. Ibadan army's morale was shattered. Even Ekitiparapo, although, now had advantage became war fatigued coupled with the fact that ammunitions supplied to Ibadan by Chief Taiwo of Lagos were exhausted. The stage for peaceful resolution of the war was set.[10]

The Confederate camp was about forty minutes’ walk from Imesi-ile.[11] The Ibadan camp was about sixty minutes’ walk from Igbajo. Both camps stood on two high hills facing each other. There was an old road among mountains linking Imesi-ile and Igbajo across the camps. There was a valley between the two camps.[11] The two main water sources to the camps were, Alapoto stream which passed through Confederate camp and the war field; and Fejeboyu stream ( so named because of so much blood spilled into the stream such that at time it was not fit to drink during the war. It was formerly known as Eleriko) which divided the camps roughly in two.[11] The Confederates made bamboo huts. Ibadan converted to mud house after the introduction of long-range guns by the Confederates. About 40,000 inhabitants in the confederate's camp (60,000 on Ibadan camp).[11] A large proportion of these were made up of large number of wives and children of the warriors. It grew into a regular town. The Confederates had Ogun shrine (the god of war and iron) where they worshipped; and smithy spot where tools and ammunition of war were locally made and repaired.[11]

Ekitiparapo was made up largely of Ekiti and Ijesa warriors. But there were small contingents from Igbomina and Akoko. Ogedemgbe became the commander-in-chief when he arrived Imesi-ile camp in late 1879 when Ekitiparapo Balogun, Prince Fabunmi, yielded leadership to Ogedemgbe, which was why he led second Ekitiparapo warriors to defend Ife against Modakeke and Ibadan. Ogedemgbe had the title of Seriki of the Ijesa.[11]

Ogedemgbe commanded lots of respect as the representative of the Confederacy.[11] He arbitrated among the chiefs and the people in the camp; and his words carried weight. He carried everyone along. He had to constantly meet and discuss war plans and strategies with the leading chiefs who formed the Confederate High Command before presenting it to the general populace within the camp.[11]

Ekitiparapo Society members – These were emigres who came from Lagos, Abeokuta and other coaster town. They had financial muscles and were well enlightened in the way of the white man. They participated in many discussions and their words carried important weights. They made peace negotiations hard for visiting foreigners.[11]

Kings – None of the Ekitiparapo kings resided in the camp. Couple of them lived within Imesi-ile town or other close towns. They played important role ensuring enough food supplies to the camp; frequently dispatching youth volunteers to join the war. They were respected by the warriors and they, in turn, would not take any decision unless in agreement with the war leaders. The kings provided important diplomacy which helped the Confederates won supports.[11]

Fighters

• private armies of the chief warriors – represented the largest professional standing army and always at camp. Ogedemgbe brought about ten thousand.[11]
• Ekitiparapo emigres – they were expert advisors, interpreters. Labinjo, a native of Imesi-ile was one of them. A patriot, fierce and passionate. He was immensely popular.[11]
• Citizens soldiers from Ekiti, Ijesa, Igbomina and Akoko countries. The envoys from the camp would go to surrounding kingdoms to appeal to the kings to send volunteers.[11] The kings, at regular intervals of market days would call his subject and appeal to them to go join the war at Imesi-ile.[11]
• Others – young men from all over Ekiti, Ijesa, Igbomina and Akoko constantly arrived at Imesi-ile for a chance to be called an iyayu. It was a badge of honor to be so, called.[11]

Food

• Individuals cultivated land and grew farm produce in Imesi-ile.[11]
• Some came to the camp carrying food along.[11]
• A lot of women on the camp did trading.[11]
• Kings sent food to their kindreds in the camp.[11]

Finance-The war was financed through slave sales and food products.[11]

Several attempts were made at peace from 1879 to 1886. All parties wanted a zero-sum peace agreement until events around 1885 onwards changed:

• 1878–1879 – Chief Momodu Latosisa wanted Ijebu and Egba to open roads to the coasts so Ibadan could trade.[12] He sent gifts; used Ijebu traders in Ibadan to appeal to Awujale; commissioned Alaafin of Oyo to appeal to Egba. Peace could not be achieved because these kingdoms knew the dangers to their domains if Ibadan was to have access to buy arms and ammunitions.[12]
• 1881- Chief Aderin, the Ooni of Ile-ife, sent his commissioners to Imesi-ile and Igbajo to appeal to both Confederates and Ibadan to give peace a chance. Both parties agreed on everything except who to disperse first. Neither party wanted to leave the camp first. This also failed.[12]
• 1882 – Chief Onafowokan, the Balogun of Ijebu at Ore reached a direct settlement with Ibadan which would allow Ibadan to purchase arms and ammunition through Oru. Awujale of Ijebu, Oba Ademiyewo Fidipote, was totally against opening the route to Ibadan.[12] He was forced into exile from Ijebu to Epe. But Egba had sworn the only time they would lay down arms was Latosisa should be put to death; Ibadan dissolved and turned to no man's land. They threatened Balogun Onafowokan and made trade along Oru dangerous through kidnappings.[12]
• 1883 – Also failed, the mission led by Chief Ajasa, the Apena of Lagos, consisted of Lagos residents, Emir of Sokoto, Emir of Gwandu and the Emir of Bida.[12]
• 1884–1885 – This was the first direct missionary involvement with the peace mission. Rev. J.B. Wood was sent to Kijiri camp.[12] None of the parties, directly or indirectly involved with the war was ready to give an inch. They wanted the war to be decisive. None of them trusted Chief Momoh Latosisa, the Aare-Ona-Kakanfo of Ibadan. They feared him and Ibadan with trepidation. Ibadan had neither regard for tradition nor for kingship.[12] Latosisa had insatiable passion to lord Ibadan over Yorubaland. So even though, they voice interest in peace, secretly, they wanted Ibadan powers to be decimated.[12]
• 1885–1886
  • In month of June 1885, Oba Ademiyewo Fidipote, died in exile. That opened opportunity to install Aboki, and to resolve the question of opening the coast to trade as the Ijebu had always wanted; and resolved any problem that could have arisen to bring back and re-install, Oba Ademiyewo Fidipote, from exile.[12]
  • On August 31, 1885, the greatest obstacle to peace in Yorubaland, Aare-Ona-Kakanfo, Momoh Latosisa, the leader of Ibadan forces, died in Igbajo camp.[12]
  • As at last 1885 to early 1886, most important members of Ekitiparapo Society in Lagos were very desirous of peace but quite few of them wanted it to continue.[12]
  • The Confederate and Ibadan camps began to look forward to future opportunity for peace. Only Ilorin forbade peace. Chief Karara, in total disregard for Emir of Ilorin, encamped against Offa.[12]
  • 1886 was also the start of Anglo-French rivalry for African resources, so the earlier postures of British's non-interference with the activities in the Yoruba interior was no longer tenable.[12]
  • 1886, Captain C.A. Maloney, of Lagos appointed two missionaries as envoys to the interior. They were Revs. Samuel Johnson and Charles Philips.[12]
  • On Thursday September 23, 1886. Proclamation of Peace was performed by the Special Commissioner H. Higgins and Oliver Smiths. Ogedemgbe, the Commander of Ekitiparapo forces and Osungbekun, the Balogun of Ibadan came forward and sworn to eternal friendship.[12]

• After the 1886 treaty was signed, Ibadan kept her Ikirun military outpost intact.[13] For that reason, the Confederate leaders decided to station at Imesi-ile to watch out for any move by Ibadan.[13] Also, Ekitiparapo would not disband since Ilorin war had not ended and they had exchanged Ekitiparapo warriors with Ilorin in 1879.[13]
• In January 1887, Prince Fabunmi ensured, Ekitiporapo, Ibadan and Ijebu armies dispersed from Modakeke.[13]
• Offa fell to Ilorin army in July 1887.[13]
• On March 14, 1893, Ilorin camp at Offa; Ibadan camp at Ikirun and Confederates at Imesi-ile dispersed after a meeting with Captain Bower.[13] This was the final end of hostilities.[13]

The civil war saw one of the most technically advanced and decisive wars in Western Africa, with the use of cannons and imported guns from Hamburg, Germany.[14] Weapons were also imported through the Lagos Harbor and Benin. The Ekiti-Parapo also used several modern tactics like the building of trenches and platoons, a spy network with the headquarters in the town of Ilara-Mokin, and the use of animal behavior and symbols as signals in the war.[1]

The war unofficially ended with the signing of a peace treaty of September 23, 1886 at Imesi-ile, a town in Osun State. This granted independence to the Èkìtì union. However, conflict still occurred around the Ijebu area that did not end till the conquering of the Ijebu by the British during the British-Ijebu War. Sir Robert Lister Bower convinced the 2 warring sides to surrender as they had both been severely weakened during the war.[14] Unable to prevent the occupation of the British, Southwestern Nigeria was subsequently declared a protectorate of the British Empire. The casualties of the war are unknown.[1]

The name "Kiriji" is an onomatopoeic word that is said to describe the sound of cannons used by the Èkìtì-Parapọ̀ troops, and it was the first war in the region that used these weapons.[15][16] The other name, the Èkìtì-Parapọ̀ War, comes from the name given to the Eastern Yoruba forces, and means in the Yoruba language "Ekiti Union."