Title:	Ilorin Emirate Military Force Structure in the Nineteenth Century
Authors:	Alabi, Oladimeji Mohammed
Citation:	West Bohemian Historical Review. 2024, no. 1, p. 23-44.
Issue Date:	2024
Publisher:	Západočeská univerzita v Plzni
Document type:	článek article
URI:	http://hdl.handle.net/11025/55640
ISSN:	1804-5480
Keywords:	Ilorin;síla-struktura;taktika;vojenské příslušenství;voják-otroci
Keywords in different language:	Ilorin;force-structure;taktics;military ancillaries;soldier-slaves
Abstract in different language:	Warfare was a common concern among the people of precolonial Nigeria because most of their states thrived on military conquest. States paid adequate attention to the military to ensure internal and external security through offensive and defensive strategies. This study explores the force structure of the Ilorin emirate army in the 19th century. The study employed a historical research method, which comprised oral interview as the primary source, and the use of textbooks, journal articles, and other written materials as the secondary sources. Due to cultural and historical connections, the old Oyo military tradition influenced Ilorin. However, the Ilorin military became more elaborate after the establishment of her emirate system in the 1820s. The Ilorin emirate military force comprised of infantry and cavalry, while the fighting troops included professional soldiers, elites, freeborn volunteers and slaves. In the military force structure, there were four military commanders, known as Baloguns. Each of the Baloguns was required to keep a contingent of soldiers under his watch including their logistics and a mild training to prepare them for campaigns. Such regiment comprised other distinguished warriors, usually made up of professional soldiers, elite volunteer soldiers, mercenaries, and soldier-slaves. Indeed, military service and loyalty were important considerations in the access to land and political positions in the Ilorin emirate in the 19th century. The Baloguns were the major military commanders, while titles like Maiyaki (warriors) and Ubandawaki (cavalry commander) and Ajia were regimental warlords. There were ancillaries of the military in the Ilorin emirates such as smiths, singers, drummers, charms-makers, and Islamic spiritualists
Rights:	© Západočeská univerzita v Plzni
Appears in Collections:	Číslo 1 (2024) Číslo 1 (2024)

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