Orompoto, the First and Only Female Alaafin of Oyo
The Oyo Empire was a Yoruba kingdom known today as Benin and Western Nigeria. Established in the 12th century, Oyo Empire grew to become the largest in Yorubaland. It developed through the exceptional organizational and administrative knowledge of the Yoruba people, wealth gained from skilful trade and its powerful cavalry. Oyo Empire was notably the most politically relevant state in Yorubaland and is ruled by an Alaafin. On today’s Saturday Small Chops, we discuss the bravery of Orompoto, the first and only female Alaafin of Oyo.
Orompoto is known across western Nigeria as the first female Alaafin of Oyo in the imperial era. She was the seventh Alaafin of Oyo, and was recognized for her bravery and remarkable achievements during her reign. Orompoto was the daughter of Alaafin Ofinran, a former ruler of the Oyo Empire. After his death, her brother, Prince Eguguoju assumed the throne but died shortly without a male successor. According to history, Orompoto assumed the throne because there was no adult male successor within her linage at the time.
Coronation of Orompoto
Although Orompoto was the only link to the Alaafin lineage at the time, it was unheard of that a woman becomes king. For this reason, the chiefs and elders started making plans to assume the throne. Immediately Orompoto discovered their plans, she asked to be installed as king but was refused on the claim that a woman could never become king. Determined, Orompoto was ready to prove that she was a man and not a woman.
In a bid to ridicule her, the chiefs asked that she proves her masculinity by stripping naked at the palace in seven days. Following this, Orompoto started wearing male items of clothing and on the expected day, she removed her cap to reveal her hair which had been cut low. Unimpressed, she went ahead to reveal her chest which still didn’t impress the chiefs.
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According to oral history, Orompoto was miraculously transformed into a man before assuming the throne. As she removed her trousers publicly, the chiefs were shocked and soon laid flat on their chests. Everyone immediately prostrated and Orompoto was installed as Alaafin. She soon became popular as Ajiun, “the custodian of the vagina that kills evil plots”.
Orompoto ruled the Oyo empire in the 16th century, speculatively around 1554 to 1562. During her reign, she brilliantly created a specialized order of cavalry officers within her army and led her warriors to war by positioning foot soldiers in front and the cavalrymen behind. Asides being the first-of-its-kind, the system was effective during wars. Orompoto used horses extensively and was masterfully skilled on horsebacks. Alongside her skills, she would order the tying of broad leaves on the tails of horses to cover their trails from enemies.
Orompoto was a brave leader and a skillful warrior who recorded many achievements during her reign including successfully driving the Nupe from Oyo Empire in 1555. She distinguished herself at the battle of Ilayi in 1562 and was succeeded by Ajiboyede, another successful Alaafin of Oyo empire.
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