The late 19th century witnessed a series of invasions into Ebiraland by the Nupe and Fulani, an extension of Usman Dan Fodio’s 1804 Fulani Jihad. While the Nupe presented their incursions as a mission to spread Islam, having themselves been conquered by the Sokoto jihadists, their true motives were far less spiritual. Slave-raiding, plundering, and looting were the primary drivers behind their relentless assaults.
The Nupe first attacked Ebiraland around 1865. The Ebira people, fiercely independent, successfully repelled this initial invasion. Another significant, though ultimately failed, attempt occurred either in 1875 or 1885. In this later offensive, Nupe warriors, bolstered by allies from Ilorin and Ibadan, launched their attack through Ihima. Yet again, the Ebira emerged victorious.
Several factors contributed to Ebiraland’s remarkable success in defending their “ete ohiku” (homeland):
- Unwavering Bravery: The Ebira were renowned for their courage, preferring death over subjugation by foreign invaders (“ani ikinami”).
- Archery Prowess: Their exceptional skill with bows and arrows significantly augmented their bravery.
- Strategic Terrain: The hilly landscape of Ebiraland provided a natural advantage, proving challenging for the horse-mounted Nupe warriors.
Beyond human efforts, a fascinating natural event played a role in the Ebira’s defense. Whether by coincidence or divine intervention, the invaders disturbed a swarm of bees on the hill housing the “Ori Ihima” deity. The furious bees relentlessly stung the invaders, forcing a hasty retreat. This incident led to the “Ori Ihima” being celebrated as the divine force that preserved Ebira independence until the advent of British colonial rule in 1903-1904.
Despite their ultimate triumph, the Ajinomoh War had significant consequences for Ebiraland. Farming was severely disrupted, leading to widespread famine. Moreover, some Ebira captives were sold into slavery, and the practice of slave raiding (ako) became lamentably common even among the indigenous population.
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