The Oyo Empire was ruled by Alaafin Ajaka, sometimes referred to as the “Mild” and the “Warlike,” for two separate eras: 1242–1252 and 1275–1285. His tale of change, resiliency, and adaptation illustrates the fluidity of authority and leadership in a bygone period. The fabled founder of Oyo, Oranyan, was the father of Ajaka. He was dubbed “Ajaka the Mild” because of his gentle disposition. After his brother Sango abruptly vanished in 1242, Ajaka took the kingdom. But his soft-spoken style didn’t work well when handling the empire’s ambitious chiefs. Ajaka was driven into exile in the lesser Oyo town of Igboho as a result of their uprisings.
The composed Prince, when his father moved to Ife, he began to rule as a regent before Oranyan/Oranmiyan’s death, which led to his coronation. The high chiefs, known as Oyomesi, rebelled against Olowu and the Owu king when they asked Alaafin Ajaka to pay tribute to them, taking advantage of his calm and serene demeanor. The Oyomesi argued that Olowu’s request was against custom because Oranyan, the monarch who inherited the country, was the only one authorized to ask people to honor him, not the other way around.
Olowu requested that Ajaka fulfill his request because he was afraid of what might happen if he refused. The Oyomesi invited Sango, his younger brother, who was living in Tapa country at the time with his mother’s kin, to take the lead in the struggle against Olowu’s humiliation. As recompense for his valiant deed against Olowu, the chiefs crowned Sango after he triumphed, though his brief reign lasted only seven years. After Sango passed away, Ajaka was invited to assume the throne. He had completely transformed from the composed monarch to a strong-willed one while he was in exile, and as a result, the history of his second reign was very different from the first.
Five unique traditional medicine men who worked exclusively for him accompanied him when he returned. His new nature perplexed the Oyomesi, who made every effort to alter him. Ajaka firmly informed them that he would never be able to be composed again since he had discovered that being composed came with insults and humiliations and that the only way to overcome them was to be strong and fearless. The chiefs had to learn the hard way to respect all kings, whatever of their character, as all attempts to turn him into a serene monarch were in vain.
In his exile, Ajaka had a profound metamorphosis. He developed his military expertise and strategic acumen by adopting a more confrontational and combative demeanor. This was probably due to the hard reality of his exile, his will to live, and maybe even his desire to take back his kingdom. Oyo’s course changed during Ajaka’s second reign. He oversaw fruitful military battles that increased the empire’s domain and repelled assaults by warriors from the Nupe neighboring empire. Oyo’s supremacy in the area was solidified during this time of increased military might and territorial expansion.
The legacy of Alaafin Ajaka continues to be a fascinating aspect of Yoruba history. He is renowned for his extraordinary versatility, having gone from being a subdued monarch to a resolute military commander. His narrative defies categorical classifications and serves as a reminder that experience may mold and sculpt leadership qualities into a variety of forms. The mystery surrounding this multifaceted and revolutionary man is increased by the disparities in the details of Ajaka’s life and reign found in various accounts.
He remains a source of inspiration and fascination for historians, demonstrating the fluidity of power dynamics and the transformative potential of human beings.
The Agidigbo drum, which the Alaafin still use as a sign of authority and power, was introduced by Ajaka. His memory is perpetuated for decades by the frequent depictions of his story in Yoruba oral traditions and artwork.