Why did Dahomey have to pay tribute to the Oyo Empire?

Dahomey was forced to pay tribute to the Oyo Empire following a series of military defeats between 1724 and 1748.1

The conflict arose primarily due to competing economic interests regarding the slave trade on the Slave Coast. Oyo’s foreign trade relied heavily on its ability to sell enslaved people to European merchants at coastal ports. When Dahomey expanded its territory and sought to centralize control over these coastal regions, it initially attempted to conserve labor rather than sell captives to Europeans, which directly threatened Oyo’s economic interests.2

To secure its access to the coast and maintain its trade routes, Oyo utilized its powerful cavalry to wage war against Dahomey. Despite Dahomey’s militaristic society and use of firearms, Oyo’s military superiority led to Dahomey’s defeat and its subsequent obligation to recognize Oyo suzerainty and pay tribute. This tributary relationship persisted until 1823, when King Gezo finally liberated Dahomey by defeating Oyo.1234