Oyo

Oyo is a state in southwestern Nigeria, bordered by Kwara, Osun, Ogun, and the Republic of Benin. It is primarily inhabited by the Yoruba people and features a derived savanna landscape, with tropical rainforest in the south. The state's economy relies heavily on agriculture, producing crops like yams, corn, and cassava, as well as handicrafts such as weaving and leatherworking.1

Historically, Oyo was also the name of a powerful empire that dominated much of West Africa between 1650 and 1750. The Oyo empire was a significant Yoruba principality, known for its cavalry and trained army, which facilitated its expansion and trade with European merchants. The empire eventually declined due to internal conflicts and external pressures, leading to the migration of its people and the establishment of new centers like Ibadan. The modern town of Oyo, established after the destruction of the old capital, remains a traditional center for Yoruba culture and handicrafts.234