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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Pleasant imperialism: conjectures on Benin hegemony in eastern Yorubaland
Author:Adediran, 'BiodunISNI
Year:1991
Periodical:African Notes: Bulletin of the Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan
Volume:15
Issue:1-2
Pages:83-95
Language:English
Geographic term:Nigeria
Subjects:Yoruba
Benin polity
Abstract:For about four hundred years, between the fifteenth and nineteenth centuries, the Edo empire of Benin (in present-day Nigeria) subjected the eastern Yoruba to imperial domination. Yet the eastern Yoruba cherished their relations with Benin, especially in comparison with either Oyo or Ibadan, to whom they were more closely related culturally but whose attempts to impose imperial rule were strongly resisted. The author details Benin's incursion into eastern Yorubaland and suggests that in spite of the long period of Benin hegemony, the eastern Yoruba experience under Benin was relatively pleasant, as the nature of Benin conquest and rule was mild in comparison with that of their Yoruba 'kinsmen'. The mildness of Benin imperial rule in eastern Yorubaland may be explained by the fact that Benin was primarily interested in economic rather than political gains, and militarism was incompatible with commercial transactions. The mild nature of Benin imperialism is further attested by a Benin acculturation process which has had an enduring impact. Notes, ref.
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