A Grammar of the Yoruba Language

permitted to feed their sheep and cattle wherever they liked, and generally lodged outside the towns, in tents.

After the death of Abíọdun, Arogangan, his brother, succeeded him. Arogangan’s nephew, Afunja, born in Ilorin, whose father was a brave warrior, was made Arẹ-ọbba king’s chief warrior, and was placed in Ilorin, the king thinking that Afunja, who otherwise would have been insubordinate, would be satisfied with this high post of honour; but, instead of this, Afunja used every artifice that he could think of to dethrone Arogangan, that he might possess the kingdom. The king, being aware of his designs, under pretence of offence given to him by the people of Iwé-re, the town of Abíọdun’s mother, sent Afunja to war against it, making sure that by this means he should remove Afunja out of the way: but the matter turned out the reverse. When Afunja got to Iwé-re, he told them that he was sent by Arogangan to fight against them. They were surprised at this unexpected declaration. Afunja was sent back; and an army sent to demand Arogangan, and to fight against Ọyó (Katanga), in case of refusal to deliver him up. Ọyó was besieged; and Arogangan, dreading the consequence of falling into the hands of his besiegers, poisoned himself in the city: upon which the army departed from Ọyó. The beginning of his reign may be supposed to be about the year 1800. He reigned seven years.

Adebọ̀ succeeded his brother Arogangan. He was chosen by the Elders of Ọyó, in preference to Afunja; who might now have been placed on the throne of Yoruba on account of his greatness of mind, but was refused because of his treachery. Adebọ̀ reigned only 120 days. It is supposed that he was poisoned.

Makú, one of the royal family, a favourite of Afunja, succeeded Adebọ̀: but it appears that the majority of the inhabitants of Ọyó were not well pleased with him. There was war at Igboho: and Makú, accompanied by