Kiriji War

[6] Appointment of an Ajele, was based solely on loyalty and ability; not place of origin, such that they came from all over Yorubaland including trusted relatives, war boys and slaves.

[6] The Ajele received visitors and ensured all Ibadan chiefs and messengers passing by were properly treated and accommodated.

[6] While few of the Ajeles were disciplined many treated towns under their domain with disgust; made unnecessary demands; and used their positions as avenue to make wealth.

[6] All eastern kingdoms of Ijesa and Ekiti towns were completely impoverished and ruined because of these constant demands while the Ajeles were living in lavish opulence.

Prince Fabunmi, a private militia leader was celebrating with his friends in Erinle shrine, at Okemesi (formerly Imesi-Igbodo).

[7] The palm-wine drink meant for the occasion was waylaid by Ajele boys and they came to the shrine with swords and cutlasses; took all the food items and began to caress Prince Fabunmi companion.

[7] Knowing the gravity of what he just did, Prince Fabunmi called the meeting of all military leaders in eastern Yorubaland to come together so they could deliver themselves from Ibadan dominion.

[5] Many contributed troops and held several meetings at Okemesi along with members of Ekitiparapo Society from Lagos who committed to provide vital arms and ammunitions that would be needed for successful prosecution of the war.

Ilorin joined the alliance with hopes to replace lordship over the kingdoms once she helps to destroy Ibadan.

They were Ogedemgbe of Ilesa, Aduloju and Falowo of Ado; Prince Fabunmi of Okemesi, Fakuade and Olugbosun of Oye, Adeyale of Ila, Odu of Ogbagi and Bakare of Afa.

[7] They were supposed to be a Christian union but were worried about the horror their people were being subjected by Ibadan and wanted to change the situation.

Ikirun sent urgent message to Are Latosisa who quickly dispatched Ibadan army under the leadership of Balogun Ajayi Ogboriefon.

The saving grace for the confederate was an urgent message to Ogboriefon to abruptly stop the war and return to Ibadan immediately.

Oloja-oke Merunpe of Imesi-ile had gone to Ibadan to pledge allegiance and make peace; but when he got back home, the youths in the town rose up against him and he was deposed by his people.

[5] Therefore, The Alaafin found opportunity for self-preservation in two powers in northeast (Ijesa and Ekiti) and southwest (Egba and Ijebu) of Yorubaland against Ibadan.

Ijebu opened up Isoya road to send reliefs to the northeast through Ife territory and stationed Seriki Ogunsigun who kept watch.

[10] Since Ilorin had lost many warriors in the Jalumi war, they could only send some of their infantry and cavalry to join the Confederates in Okemesi.

Which was why after he agreed to join the confederates, he still didn't want Latosisa come into battle nor engage Ibadan in open combat.

Ibadan again, repelled the Confederates at Ikirun until they retreated and encamped permanently at a hill which is about one hour walk from Imesi-ile.

These long range, large-muzzled and high impact guns, were imported by Okitiparapo Society of Lagos.

Ibadan had to construct mud walls and avoid direct contacts with Ekitiparapo's long range guns.

Ekitiparapo in support of Ife, provided high-powered warriors led by Prince Fabunmi and Chief Arimoro to obliterate Modakeke.

This colony served as the main depot where ammunitions and military wares employed by Ekitiparapo were stored before moving them to the war zones in the interior.

Ibadan was about surrendering and returned home but a Chief Taiwo from Lagos supplied desperately needed ammunition and weapons to Latosisa.

Even Ekitiparapo, although, now had advantage became war fatigued coupled with the fact that ammunitions supplied to Ibadan by Chief Taiwo of Lagos were exhausted.

He had to constantly meet and discuss war plans and strategies with the leading chiefs who formed the Confederate High Command before presenting it to the general populace within the camp.

They played important role ensuring enough food supplies to the camp; frequently dispatching youth volunteers to join the war.

[5]The Ekiti-Parapo also used several modern tactics like the building of trenches and platoons, a spy network with the headquarters in the town of Ilara-Mokin, and the use of animal behavior and symbols as signals in the war.

[1] The war unofficially ended with the signing of a peace treaty of September 23, 1886 at Imesi-ile, a town in Osun State.

[1] The name "Kiriji" is an onomatopoeic word that is said to describe the sound of cannons used by the Èkìtì-Parapọ̀ troops, and it was the first war in the region that used these weapons.