Orompoto

Who is Orompoto?

Orompoto was an Alaafin of Oyo, also the empire's titled ruler. He was the brother of his predecessor, Eguguojo. He was considered a skillful warrior and was known according to Oyo tales of his inadvertent victory at the battle of Illayi. While fighting his enemies, he lost three leaders of the van, called Gbonkas in Oyo. The third, however, fell with his teeth grinding and his mouth grinning, the enemies thought he was alive and was making a mocking gesture and were overwhelmed by what they considered their inability to wrestle with the Oyo gbokas. The enemies later decided to call it quits, with the Oyo later claiming victory.

Orompoto used horses extensively in military battles and may have obtained them from Borgu.