After the events narrated above, the history of the Yorubas centred largely at Ibadan which, down to the time of the British Protectorate continued to attract to itself ardent spirits from every tribe and family all over the country, who made it their home, so that while the rest of the country was quiet, Ibadan was making history.

An Episode.—The Osu War.—After the return of the Ibadans from the Òta war, and the civil war which placed Oluyole at the head of the government, Inakoju the Seriki died and was succeeded by one Ladanu. After his promotion, Ladanu led out an expedition to Osu which turned out disastrous. He was accompanied by most of Oluyole's men, e.g., Akinsowon, Abipa, Aijenku and Erinle Sànkú.

Osu not being far from Ilesa the capital of the Ijesa country, the Ijesas, hearing of their approach, lay in ambush, and cut the Seriki's army in pieces. The Seriki himself in an attempt to rally his discomfited army was slain. Chiefs Akinsowon and Abipa were also slain leaving Aijenku and Erinle Sanku who escaped with difficulty alone to tell the tale.

The Eleduwe war which followed soon after, and the Abemo and Osogbo wars subsequently, fully engaged the attention of the Ibadans; now they were at leisure they were resolved to avenge the loss of their late Seriki.