History of Ilorin as a Yoruba Land but Yoruba Alfas trying to debunk the fact.

Ilorin was a city in present-day Nigeria that played a significant role in the history of the Yoruba people. One notable figure associated with Ilorin is Afonja, who was a powerful military general and the de facto ruler of the city in the late 18th century.

Afonja served as the Aare Ona Kakanfo, a prestigious title given to the generalissimo and commander-in-chief of the Oyo Empire, one of the prominent Yoruba kingdoms at the time. However, growing tensions between Afonja and the Alaafin of Oyo (the traditional ruler) led to a rift.

In an attempt to gain more independence and power for himself, Afonja sought support from the Fulani, who were Muslim nomadic herders from the northern regions of present-day Nigeria. This alliance resulted in the establishment of a Fulani military presence in Ilorin.

Unfortunately for Afonja, this decision backfired. The Fulani leader, Shehu Alimi, who had come to support Afonja, seized the opportunity to assert control over the city. Alimi and his Fulani forces turned against Afonja, leading to his eventual downfall.

Afonja's death in 1824 marked the end of his aspirations for an independent Ilorin, and the city became a Fulani Emirate under the leadership of Shehu Alimi's dynasty.





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