Battle of Pamo
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Battle of Pamo | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| |||||||||
| Belligerents | |||||||||
|
Abdulsalami, Alami Sokoto Caliphate | Solagberu, Yoruba Allies. | ||||||||
| Strength | |||||||||
| Unknown | Unknown | ||||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||||
| Minor | Heavy | ||||||||
The Battle of Pamo took place in Nigeria in the 1830s, when the Fulas under Solagberu defeated the Yoruba.
From the Yoruba perspective, the Battle of Pamo was a pivotal encounter during the protracted conflicts between the Ibadan and Ilorin forces in the 19th century, reflecting the larger struggle to maintain control over key trade routes and political influence in Yorubaland. Seen as a defense of Yoruba sovereignty, the battle symbolized Ibadan's resistance against the northward expansion of Ilorin, which was supported by Fulani jihadist interests.
Alimi, the Fula Muslim Imam who led the foreigners in Ilorin, died after the last war. His son Abudusalami succeeded him, becoming the first king or Emir of Ilorin. This marked the definitive rule of the Fulas in Ilorin, providing a home for the Gambaris (Hausas) recruited from the Jamas.[1]
Initially, Alimi, a highly respected figure in Ilorin, had no intention of settling there or engaging in conquest. [1] When Afonja and the Jamas engaged in excesses, Alimi considered returning to his homeland due in disgust. However, the Yoruba elders urged him to stay and act as a check on Afonja. Eventually, Ilorin prevailed upon him to make it his home.[2]
Alimi, a pure Fula, and his Fula wife initially faced childlessness. Seeking a solution, the wife consulted a Muslim priest, who advised her to give a slave as alms to a distinguished Muslim priest. She chose her husband, leading to the birth of Abudusalami and Shitta. Alimi later took a third wife, having another son. At his death, he left four sons, but no advantage[3] in governance favored the son of the real wife over the slave wife's sons, leading to black rulers in Ilorin by the third generation.[2]
The Fulas, aiming to subvert the entire Yoruba country, took advantage of internal conflicts among Yoruba war-chiefs. The power of the Fulas grew, leading to expeditions, devastation, and depopulation. Despite warnings, Yoruba families failed to unite against the common enemy, engaging in internal wars that weakened the country.[4]