A Grammar of the Yoruba Language

hitherto contented themselves with a pastoral life, began now to distinguish themselves as great warriors; and as they gained a firm footing in the country, they introduced their religion—that is, Mahommedanism. As Afunja could not get to the throne in any other way, he tried to make himself friendly with the people of the capital, and to get them into quarrel with some principal Headmen in Ilorin, who, as it appears, began to be too strong for him. But they of Ilorin, being aware of his treacherous plans, caught him, and burnt him publicly in Ilorin, and exposed his ashes for many days. After this, the people of Ilorin, being mostly Mahommedan, did not think it proper to be subject to a Pagan king, but became independent: on this account the civil war broke out, which has almost desolated the kingdom of Yoruba. Since this time, Ilorin has become the rendezvous of the Mahommedan army.

The surviving princes, who have a right to the throne of Yoruba in succession, are Atiba, Tẹlla, Afunja (younger), and Ajibẹkun. Atiba is the present king of Yoruba. He removed the seat of government from Ọyọ to Aggọ Oja, where he is now using every means in his power to subdue Ilorin.