THE ALÂFIN'S EFFORTS FOR PEACE

After the failure of Derin's efforts, circumstances compelled the Alâfin to make a genuine effort for the restoration of peace.

(a) The Dahomian ravages of the western district, and the threats to “visit Oyo this coming dry season.”

(b) The men of the frontier towns sent to him to say that they will all desert their towns if the King could not send an army to protect them.

But the King's most effective army are the Ibadans, and those with them and they are pre-occupied.

On the 9th of October, 1881, he sent for the Rev. D. Olubi of Ibadan as head of the missionaries in the interior at the time, and with him “any two of his sensible colleagues.” The order was obeyed on the 12th and the interview took place on the 13th.

There were present at the interview:

Two Oyo officials, viz., The Olosi, who is the King's vade mecum as it were, and the Apeka, who is the white men's intermediary with the court.

Also Mr. Jonathan Ojelabi, the foremost Christian gentleman at Oyo at the time. These are of Oyo. The Rev. D. Olubi, Mr. J. Okusehinde, and the writer, both Catechists under Mr. Olubi at Ibadan. Also Mr. A. F. Foster, by whom the letter to Mr. Olubi was written for the King, being the C.M.S. Scripture Reader at Iseyin, and also the Aseyin's messenger.