Ibadan: Unveiling the Wild and Wonderful World of the 19th Century Yorubaland

This article is mainly sourced from Laurent Fourchard’s paper titled – The Case of Ibadan, Nigeria*

Let us take you on a whirlwind tour of Ibadan, a city with more layers than a Yoruba bride’s gele. This is a place where history and hustle meet, shake hands, and decide to party together. Ready? Let’s dive into the wild, wonderful world of Ibadan!

Picture this: It’s the 19th century, and Yorubaland is as chaotic as a market day in Lagos. Wars are breaking out left and right, and people are on the move. Enter Ibadan, circa 1829, strutting onto the scene like a warrior in a Nollywood epic. Originally a war camp for the toughest fighters from Oyo, Ife, and Ijebu, Ibadan was set up in a forest with hills perfect for playing hide and seek with the enemy.

Think of Ibadan as that cool new kid who showed up in the middle of a school brawl and took over. It quickly became a military powerhouse, earning the nickname idi Ibon, or “butt of a gun,” because, well, everyone knew you didn’t mess with Ibadan. Warriors ruled the roost, and the economy thrived on agriculture, manufacturing (weapons, anyone?), and trade.

Colonial Era: Cocoa, Rails, and Glory

Fast forward to the colonial era, and Ibadan’s getting a glow-up. Cocoa is the hot new commodity, and traders are flocking to the city like it’s the Coachella of commerce. The railway chugged its way to Ibadan in 1901, making it the ultimate trade hub. You wanted to go north? You went through Ibadan. Needed to get to Lagos? Yep, Ibadan again.

By 1939, Ibadan was the headquarters of the Western Provinces and later the Western Region of Nigeria in 1952. Talk about a promotion! This brought in political power, more government buildings, and a whole lot of swag. The University College (now University of Ibadan) was founded in 1948, along with a teaching hospital that made other cities green with envy.

But don’t let all this glam fool you—Ibadan still had its challenges. Despite the colonial era’s perks, big industries were like that elusive jollof rice recipe that nobody could perfect. By 1963, the city had only a handful of large factories and a bunch of small-scale industries.

The Modern Hustle: From SAP to Small-Scale Boom

Now, let’s talk about the post-colonial hustle. The Structural Adjustment Program (SAP) of 1986 was like Ibadan’s own little Kickstarter campaign, aiming to attract investments and boost local industries. Suddenly, small-scale and household industries were popping up faster than you could say “aso ebi.”

However, the economic downturn and shrinking public funds meant that Ibadan faced some rough times. Urban facilities and social services took a hit, and urban poverty reared its ugly head. Corruption and bad governance during the military regimes didn’t help either.

But if there’s one thing you should know about Ibadan, it’s that this city doesn’t quit. Despite the ups and downs, Ibadan remains a bustling hub of activity, where the spirit of enterprise and resilience runs deep.

Wrapping Up: Ibadan, You Beauty

So there you have it, a quick and quirky tour of Ibadan’s history. From a rowdy war camp to a modern city with its share of triumphs and trials, Ibadan is a testament to the enduring spirit of its people. Whether you’re here for the history, the hustle, or just to soak in the vibes, Ibadan’s got something for everyone.

Until next time, keep exploring, keep hustling, and remember—there’s no place quite like Ibadan!

References
Falola, T. (1984).
Mabogunje, A. (1968).
Oketoki, A. (1998).
Akerele, W. (1997).
Amuwo, K., Bach, D., & Lebeau, Y. (2001).

*

Laurent Fourchard, Institut Francais de Recherche en Afrique (IFRA), University of Ibadan

Contact:
Laurent Fourchard
Institut Francais de Recherche en Afrique (IFRA), University of Ibadan
P.O. Box 21540, Oyo State, Nigeria
E-mail: fourchard-spiesse@skannet.com, ifra@skannet.com