Riots in Oyo on 5 Sept 1954 left six dead and 23 injured.
On one level this was part of a broader swathe of anti-tax riots in this area at this time, generated by the Action Group government’s attempt to meet its pledges on education and welfare.
On one level this was part of a broader swathe of anti-tax riots in this area at this time, generated by the Action Group government’s attempt to meet its pledges on education and welfare.
Source: British Documents on the End of Empire : Moving to Independence 1953-1960
Photo: Oba Adeniran Adeyemi II, Alaafin of Oyo circa 1950
Photo: Oba Adeniran Adeyemi II, Alaafin of Oyo circa 1950
On another, the riots revealed more significant developments concerning the exercise of political power at the local level.
At the heart of the riots was tension between the AG Regional government and the Alaafin, the Ruler of Oyo and one of the most senior Yoruba Chiefs.
This had expressed itself from 1952 in difficulties with Bode Thomas, an indigene of Oyo, Chairman of the Oyo Divisional Council, deputy leader of the AG and central Minister of Transport.
When the Oyo Divisional Council voted to reduce the Alaafin’s salary, opponents of the AG formed a rival party in the town, the Egbe Oyo Parapo.
This party capitalised on the wider disaffection with the AG’s tax policies and formed links with the NCNC.
The AG accused the Alaafin, not incorrectly, of being behind the party. Following the riots of 5 Sept, and under persuasion from the administration, the Alaafin left Oyo voluntarily.
The subsequent commission of enquiry under R D Lloyd QC, recommended, in Jan 1955, that the Alaafin should be allowed to return, a decision the Western Region Executive Council refused to accept.
In July 1956 the Western Region government chose to depose him and a new Alaafin, an AG supporter, was installed. The lesson for all Chiefs in the Western Region was clear.
