CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Aims and Objectives of the Study
Many scholars have expended energy on many aspects of Ilorin history, such as politics, economy, religion and inter-group relations among others. However, the role of women has not been given adequate attention in the studies of Ilorin economy. Ilorin is one of the vassal states of the old Oyo Empire.1Consequent upon the crisis, which ensued between the Alafin and the Aare-ona-kakanfo [the army commander] ultimately led to the collapse of the Oyo Empire. In the same vein, the same crisis also culminated in the independence of Ilorin and subsequently to a frontier emirate.2
The geographical location of Ilorin around the Middle Belt region of modern Nigeria has been an added advantage of its social-political and economic importance. The strategic location of the city as a transitional zone between the open savannah to the North and forest zone to the South accounts significantly to its development.3
The focus of this study is on the role of women in the traditional economy of Ilorin between 1900 and1960. Women generally were accorded maximum significance in African tradition. Women were also given important roles to play in Ilorin economy.
The work intends to give a critical analysis of women role in Ilorin economy. This study examines some of the roles and impact of women, which are largely lacking in many studies available on Ilorin history. The work is organized in chapters.
Chapter one is on general introduction of the study, chapter two discusses the geographical location and peopling of Ilorin, political and administrative system, traditional and religious system as well as external influence on the traditional religious and political system of Ilorin. Chapter three examines women in the early phase of Ilorin economy [1900-1930] which include farming, trading[intra and external trading] and also indigenous cottage industries. Chapter four analyses women in the latter phase of Ilorin economy[the example of iyaloja] and also the role of women in both short and long distance trade.
1.2 Justification
A study of this nature is very important and it can be justified for academic research purpose.
In the first place add to the existing knowledge of the history of Ilorin. Analyse the nature of Ilorin economy and the role of women in the growth and development.
The study also reveals the impact of trade in the inter-group relations among the people in Nigeria. The position of Ilorin as a gateway between the North and South of Nigeria which attracted people to Ilorin for trading activities, contributed to the growth of Ilorin as a metropolitan city. The work extensively examines the role of women in the economy whereas other works seem to treat Ilorin economy without focusing on the role of women.
1.3 Scope of Study
The scope of the study is on the economy of Ilorin with special reference to the role of women from 1900-1960. The study examines the impact of women to the economic and socio-cultural development of the cosmopolitan city of Ilorin.
The work covers the period 1900 to 1960. It starts from 1900 when the British declared Northern protectorate and terminates in 1960 when Nigeria gained independence.
1.4 Research Methodology
In the course of carrying out a research of this magnitude, both primary and secondary sources were made use of. The primary sources entail oral interviews conducted by the researcher with the custodians of historical information about the economic history of Ilorin. Both educated and uneducated persons who are well informed about the development of the economic activities were interviewed. They include iyalojas [market women],babalojas [market men], traders among others. They gave information of how women got involved in the economy of Ilorin, how they started assisting their husband in the farm, planting, harvesting, as well as their roles in storing the harvested crops. Women had activities of their own such as pot making, trading [long and short distance trade], their interaction with neigbouring market etc. Archival and internet sources were also used which added to the quality of this work. It gave useful information concerning the role of women in Ilorin economy.
1.5 Literature Review
Inspite of abundance of literature on Ilorin economy, there seems not to be any comprehensive study on the role of women in the traditional economy of Ilorin. In view of the above, some works are reviewed.
Gavin R.J wrote, “the impact of colonial rule on the Ilorin economy 1897-1930”4 attempts to identify certain features of Ilorin pre-colonial economy. He dwelt on how the first sector of Ilorin economy was affected by colonialism. He argued that the free flow of trade during pre-colonial period became disrupted and small scale economic activities were destroyed. He went further to explain how political and economic features were also altered. However, the work terminated before the middle of the twentieth century even before concrete colonial policies were formulated. The roles of women were not given any considerable attention.
Danmole H. O’s work titled, “The frontier emirate: A history of Islam in Ilorin”5 gives a detailed insight into the various perception of Ilorin origin as well as the prevention of Islam. He made reference to the advent of christainity in the emirate and the problems they encountered initially. However, the work did not make any reference to the roles of women even though the author made some passing reference to Ilorin economy.
Similarly, the work of Olaoye R.A. “Ilorin Textile industry 1850-1960: A Study in the History of Science and Technology”6 the work encounters largely on the local textile as variable aspect of Ilorin economy. It discusses the roles of women in the production process like ginning, dyeing and weaving. Be that as it may, the work did not make any reference to the roles of women even though the author made some passing reference to Ilorin economy.
Furthermore, the work of Banwo, A.O, “the colonial state and Ilorin economy, 1900-1960”7 constitutes another major work on Ilorin economy. The study examines the relationship between the colonial administration and economy of Ilorin. He looks at the colonial policies on production, trade, taxation and labour on one hand, while he also highlights the influence of all these [production, trade, taxation and labour] on the Ilorin economy. He explores the economic development attained by the Ilorin Emirate before the colonial conquest of 1900. However, the roles of women were not adequately given attention, which warrant a deeper investigation.
The work of Toyin Falola, “The political economy of a pre-colonial African State, 1830-1900”8 examines three basic socio-economic themes namely. The structure of the pre-colonial Africa economy, the transformation and transmission of the socio economic institution and the factors responsible for the changes. Even though African women were born in mind in the study, the emphasis was largely on Ibadan. Ilorin economy with reference to women was not given any priority in the study.
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