The Yoruba-Speaking Peoples of the Slave Coast of West Africa

The aggression of these Muslim tribes began very early in this century, and this northern pressure undoubtedly caused the Yorubas to move south to colonize the coast.

The Yoruba country currently consists of the following states or political units:

(1) The British colony of Lagos, which covers the entire coastline between the meridian of the Ajarra Creek and the Benin River, and has absorbed the former native kingdoms of Appa, Pokra, Badagry, Lagos, Palma, Lekki, Mahin, Ogbo, and Jakri.

(2) Ketu. This is the western state. It is bordered on the west by Dahomey, on the south by Porto Novo, and on the east by Egba. Its northern limits are undefined.

(3) Egba. It lies east of Ketu and southwest of Yoruba proper. Its capital is Abeokuta, meaning "Under the Rock."

(4) Jebu. This is the southeastern kingdom, divided into two provinces: Jebu Remo and Jebu Ode. Jebu Ode has a capital city of the same name, while the capital of Jebu Remo is called Offin. The Odo Omi River is considered the northwestern boundary of Jebu; roughly speaking, the Jebu territory extends inland about fifty miles from the lagoon.

(5) The Ekiti Tribes. These tribes form a confederation lying to the northeast of Jebu Ode.

(6) Ibadan. It lies north of Jebu Ode.

(7) Yoruba proper. This kingdom, with its capital at Oyo, lies to the north of Ibadan and Egba.