The Yoruba Language

Slavery and pawnship in the Yoruba economy of the nineteenth century

“…Samuel Johnson made it very clear that slaves were essential to the military of Oyo and later states, as well as in the building of households and harems. 39 As numerous scholars, including Oroge and Smith, have confirmed, the evolution of the new dynasties and kingdoms was closely linked to slavery. 40 Ojo has established that slaves were used in the palaces for a multiplicity of functions, 41 and Idowu has pointed to their role in religion as objects of sacrifice.…”

“…These extensive plantations not only support their huge establishments but also supply the markets.' 45 A local historian has tabulated the number of influential households at Ibadan at 104, 46 which accounted for much of the estimated population of 100,000 in 1877. 47 Efusetan Aniwura had 2,000 slaves on her plantation, according to Johnson.…”

“…47 Efusetan Aniwura had 2,000 slaves on her plantation, according to Johnson. 48 At Abeokuta, a literate resident and himself a Yoruba wrote that there were wealthy individuals with at least 400 slaves, and the largest farmers had between 100 and 500 slaves on their plantations. 49 In Ijebu, the Balogun of Ikorodu was reported to be in possession of over 400 slaves in 1892, 50 while the Lisa of Ondo, a high-ranking chief, had over 800 slaves.…”