EXPLORING THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PRECOLONIAL ILORIN EMIRATE CAVALRY BEYOND WARS
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Date
2020
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Faculty of Arts, University of Ilorin
Abstract
Either in Ancient or modern time, movement of men and material is a critical element in the logistic and planning of warfare, and sometimes influences the outcome of encounters. There have been volumes of studies on the Nineteenth century military across the Nigerian area but the tactical military value of the cavalry in battles, with respect to Ilorin, have not been adequately represented in literature. T ors w s n mport nt ompon nt n N r ‟s pr -colonial warfare as it was also a key factor in the commercial, political and social lives of the people. The objective of this study is to explore the significance of the cavalry in Ilorin military encounters, its success, limitation and legacy in the cultural lives of the emirates. The historical research method, comprising of primary and secondary sources which involve oral interviews and the use of the library, was employed in the work. The cavalry, it was discovered, contributed mm ns ly to lor n‟s m l t ry su ss s v nt n t Ogele and Mugbamugba encounters in the early days of the emirate. Besides, groups such as Yoruba, Hausa, Bariba, Nupe, and Kanuri, contributed skillful horsemen to the m r‟s elite force which further increased their solidarity. The cavalry also led to a greater external diplomacy between Ilorin and sister emirates like Gwandu, Nupe, Kano and other distant areas like Adamawa and Borno in the supply of horses. With time, the tending and outfitting of the horses and riders led to the development of cavalry technology among the Nupe inhabitants in the Gambari area of Ilorin and this facilitated social relations among cavalrymen and smiths in Ilorin. Officers like Akesinrin, Ubandawaki and Zarumi Ologbondoroko emerged as leaders of the cavalry contingents during campaigns. A major l y o t v lry n lor n s t nnu l ur r o ors s l t t m r‟s palace to showcase the reminiscence of Ilorin military prowess in the precolonial period.
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Keywords
Ilorin, Cavalry, Blacksmiths, Durbar