Back to: History SSS 2
My brilliant Afrilearn superstar! I hope you’re having a fantastic day! Have you ever wondered why Nigerians started resisting British rule? Imagine someone coming to your house, taking control, and making all the rules without asking for your opinion. That’s exactly what the British did when they colonised Nigeria! But our brave ancestors did not just accept it—they resisted in different ways. Today, we’ll be talking about the origin of nationalism, what it means, and how early leaders like Jaja of Opobo, Awujale of Ijebu-Ode, and Oba Ovonramwen of Benin fought against British rule. Let’s get started!
Origin of Nationalism; definition and explanation
What is Nationalism?
Nationalism is the strong desire of a people to rule themselves and be free from foreign control. It is the belief that a group of people, usually with a shared history, culture, and identity, should govern themselves instead of being ruled by outsiders.
In Nigeria, nationalism began when people realised that the British were exploiting them and taking away their freedom. It started with early resistance movements against British rule and later grew into a fight for independence.
Origin of Nationalism in Nigeria
Nationalism in Nigeria started as early as the 19th century, when traditional rulers and communities fought against British control. At first, resistance was physical, as local kings and warriors fought against British soldiers. Later, resistance became political, as educated Nigerians formed groups to demand self-rule.
The early resistance movements were led by powerful rulers like:
Jaja of Opobo (Niger Delta region)
Awujale of Ijebu-Ode (Southwest Nigeria)
Oba Ovonramwen of Benin (Edo Kingdom)
These leaders fought bravely to protect their lands and people from British domination.
Early Resistance to British Rule
1. Jaja of Opobo (1869-1887)
Jaja of Opobo was a brilliant businessman and leader from the Niger Delta. He controlled the palm oil trade and refused to let the British take over his business. The British wanted him to sell palm oil directly to their companies, but Jaja insisted on trading with Europeans on his own terms.
Because of his resistance, the British tricked him into a meeting, arrested him, and exiled him to the West Indies in 1887. His people never saw him again, but his courage inspired later nationalists.
2. Awujale of Ijebu-Ode (1892)
The Awujale of Ijebu-Ode led the Ijebu people, who controlled important trade routes. The British wanted free access to these routes, but the Ijebu refused to allow them in. The British attacked Ijebu-Ode in 1892, using their modern weapons to defeat the Ijebu warriors. Even though the Ijebu lost the battle, their resistance showed that Nigerians would not just accept foreign rule without a fight.
3. Oba Ovonramwen of Benin (1897)
Oba Ovonramwen was the king of the Benin Empire, one of the most powerful kingdoms in West Africa. The British wanted to take control of Benin’s rich trade, but Oba Ovonramwen refused to allow them into his kingdom.
In 1897, the British launched a brutal attack known as the Benin Expedition. They burned down the city, looted Benin’s treasures, and exiled Oba Ovonramwen to Calabar, where he later died. This marked the end of Benin’s independence under its traditional rulers.
Summary
Nationalism in Nigeria began as resistance to British rule. It means the desire of Nigerians to govern themselves instead of being controlled by foreigners. The early resistance movements were led by rulers like Jaja of Opobo, Awujale of Ijebu-Ode, and Oba Ovonramwen of Benin, who fought to protect their kingdoms from British domination. Although they were eventually defeated, their bravery inspired later nationalists, leading to Nigeria’s independence in 1960.
Evaluation
- What is nationalism, and why did it develop in Nigeria?
- How did Jaja of Opobo resist British rule, and what happened to him?
- Why did the Awujale of Ijebu-Ode refuse to let the British control their trade routes?
- What was the Benin Expedition of 1897, and how did it affect Oba Ovonramwen?
You are doing an amazing job! Keep learning and growing—your knowledge will take you far. Stay excited for the next lesson, and remember, you are destined for greatness! Keep shining, Afrilearn superstar!
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