The Oyo Empire was a Yoruba empire in West Africa. It was located in present-day southern Benin and western Nigeria (including the South West zone and the western half of the North Central zone).

Oyo empire, Yoruba state north of Lagos, in present-day southwestern Nigeria, that dominated, during its apogee (1650–1750), most of the states between the Volta River in the west and the Niger River in the east. It was the most important and authoritative of all …

Apr 2, 2020 · The Oyo Empire flourished from the 17th to 19th century CE in what is today southwest Nigeria. The Oyo forged an empire thanks to their formidable cavalry units and so came to dominate other Yoruba peoples of the region.

Nov 26, 2023 · Oyo rose to become the largest empire in West Africa and reigned supreme in Yorubaland until the 19 th century, when it collapsed as a result of internal power struggles and external opposition. The fall of the Oyo Empire reverberated throughout Yorubaland, destabilizing the entire region.

Mar 22, 2025 · This article explores the history of the Oyo Empire, a once-powerful Yoruba force that dominated centuries ago. It traces the empire’s rise, fall, and the unique systems that sustained its existence.

Jun 16, 2009 · Oyo, a pre-colonial kingdom in present-day Nigeria, was founded in the 1300s. Established by Oranmiyan of the Yoruba people of West Africa, Oyo quickly grew to become one of the most powerful states in the Yoruba-speaking region.

Feb 27, 2021 · The Oyo Empire of present-day Nigeria was a West African empire (c. 1400-1835). The empire arose at the turn of the 14th century from a kingdom founded by the Yoruba and grew to become one of the largest West African states encountered by colonial explorers.