CHAPTER XXXIII - THE DARK BEFORE THE DAWN

Summary

LIBERATION OF THE EGBADOS

We have related in previous chapters how the Egbados were among the most peaceful tribes and most loyal to the Alãfin of Oyo, from the earliest times down to the period when the provinces became disorganized by the rebellion of the nobles; and how the revolution fomented by the Fulanis spreading south involved the Egbas who in their turn conquered the Egbados at the battle of Owiwi; and how up to 1888 they were under a succession of Egba rulers to whom they paid tribute. Ilaro the chief town was about this time under Chief Ogundeyi of Iporo Abeokuta. They were now to change masters.

The Egbados were groaning under the oppression of the Egbas on the one hand, and were much harassed by the Dahomians on the other, their masters being unable to free them from the annual raids of the latter. They were therefore determined to place themselves under the protection of the British Government. Chief Falola of Oke Odan, who at this time appeared to be the greatest of the Egbado chiefs, went to Lagos in person and represented their case to the British Government, whereby the various branches of the Egbado tribes should come under the British protectorate. Prince Tela of Ilaro, son-in-law of Falola, was deputed by the combined Egbado chiefs to carry out the Treaty at Lagos.