The Yoruba state that rose to prominence following the decline of Oyo was Ibadan.
To understand how this happened, let's look at a brief historical context:
1. Oyo's Decline: The Oyo Empire was a powerful Yoruba empire located in present-day Nigeria. However, by the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Oyo experienced a decline due to internal strife, conflicts, and external pressures from Fulani jihads. This decline led to the weakening of its central authority.
2. Rise of Ibadan: As Oyo's power waned, there was a vacuum of power in the region. Ibadan, originally established as a war camp in 1829, took advantage of this power vacuum. Comprising various groups of warriors, including disbanded soldiers from Oyo and refugees from other regions, Ibadan's strategic location and military ability enabled it to grow rapidly.
3. Trade and Military Power: Ibadan became a significant military force, using its strength to expand control over surrounding territories. The town also became a commercial hub due to its involvement in regional trade. By mid-19th century, Ibadan was one of the largest and most influential Yoruba cities.
In summary, the decline of Oyo created an opportunity for Ibadan to rise as a dominant force in the region, leveraging its military prowess and strategic trade position to achieve prominence.