Yoruba warlords essays

Yoruba warlords essays Yoruba Warlords of the 19th Century written by Toyin Falola and G. O. Oguntomisin depicts the view of Yoruba life from a historical perspective. This book mainly focuses on Yoruba citizens going to war, and how it affects people around them. It is split up into two parts. The first part discusses the heroes that came out of warfare, and how they rose to the occasion. The second part which will be the primary focus of this essay discusses the diplomatic nature of warfare, and the consequences which it had on those people affected by war. Yoruba warfare of the Nineteenth Century is a well written book, which presents many aspects to war besides the casualties and heroes; it shows the interests of the entire society from a historical perspective. This perspective truly puts this book on another level from other books which try to depict a book based on a period filled with warfare. The authors accomplish this by successfully narrating the role of the warlord, and depicting the refugees, and their quest for survival. Wars resulted from their personal clashes of ambition. (p. 13). This is one of the main arguments made by the authors in regard to the causes of war. Moreover, they not only focus on the nineteenth century, but as a historical book they show examples of the past, which helps the readers conclude to realize that war was not always the answer. War was seen as a last result between Yoruba sub-groups, and even if they did go to war it was a wrestling match between the leaders (13). Falola and Oguntomisin brilliantly depict the role of the warlord by illustrating them with barbarian like characteristics. This is personified by the warlords uneasiness when there prolonged periods of peace or truce. An interesting fact in this book is how warlords would exaggerate their birth or career in order to separate themselves from the ordinary man. One of the most interesting facet...