The construction and destruction of the economy of Ijaye, c. 1832-1862

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Periodical article

Title:	The construction and destruction of the economy of Ijaye, c. 1832-1862
Author:	Falola, Toyin
Year:	1991
Periodical:	Afrika und Übersee: Sprachen, Kulturen
Volume:	74
Issue:	1
Pages:	21-37
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Nigeria
Subjects:	Yoruba Ijaye polity history traditional polities
Abstract:	The Yoruba city-State of Ijaye was established c. 1832 after the fall of the Old Oyo empire (Nigeria). Originally an .Egba settlement, it was converted in the early 1830s to a war camp by .Oy.o refugees, and turned into a permanent settlement by Kurunmi. Ijaye established control over parts of Upper Ogun and its population increased with such rapidity that it was estimated at 100,000 in the 1850s. However, Ijaye was consumed by intense diplomacy and power rivalry with its neighbours, particularly Ab.eokuta, .Oy.o and Ibadan. It was destroyed by Ibadan in 1862. Focusing on the economic power base of Ijaye, this paper explores how a new city-State, created by war, constructed a new economy. It discusses the role of the political system in this process, particularly Kurunmi's dictatorship, and shows the devastating consequences of warfare, which culminated in the collapse of the economy and the eventual destruction of the State. Notes, ref.