Oladimeji Mohammed, ALABI2018-06-132018-06-132014-10Alabi, O. M. (2014): Evolution and Development of Ilorin Military in the 19th Century. Journal of Studies in Humanities, Vol. (6) 177-188, Published by the College of Humanities, Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun, Ogun State, Nigeria.1119-5266http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/493The discord between Aare Afonja and Alafin Aole had resulted into a new era in Ilorin’s history. Afonja used the event to severe the town from Old Oyo Empire, after his insubordination against Alafin Aole. To achieve this, the Aare had to set up a more formidable army that could withstand anticipated attacks from the Oyo authorities in attempts to hold Ilorin under Oyo’s command. Thus, he beefed up his army for the attacks ahead by recruiting runaway slaves and captives. With this, Afonja achieved independence for Ilorin, but the success was short-lived as the slave-soldiers became uncontrollable and, eventually attacked and killed him. The army was thereafter restructured by the new Fulani leadership under Emir Abdulsalam to encompass the major linguistic groups of Yoruba, Hausa and Fulani with the position of military commanders firmly established for them. This was aimed at bringing harmony among the diverse groups in the new emirate and to prevent internal insurrection against the new Fulani leadership. The army’s tactics included espionage, diplomacy, and divide and rule. They also capitalised on the rivalry, treachery, and disunity among their enemies as evident in the Kanla, Mugbagba and Eleduwe wars. The main weapons were swords, spears, lances, clubs, daggers, bow and arrows, while horses provided swift mobility for the Calvary force. The military succeeded in its wars of survival, expansion and consolidation before eventually capitulating to a better organised British force in 1897.enDiplomacyMilitaryWarfareSlave-soldiersIlorinArticle