King Jaja of Opobo

Dive into the extraordinary life of King Jaja of Opobo, one of Nigeria’s most remarkable historical figures. From his early days as a slave to becoming a palm oil tycoon and influential ruler, Jaja’s story shines as a beacon of resilience and political acumen. This video thoroughly examines:
-How Jaja rose from slavery to leadership of the Anna Pepple House and later founded the powerful city-state of Opobo.  
-His strategic dominance over the palm oil trade and his fierce protection of Opobo’s economic independence.  
The escalating conflict with British colonial authorities, including the Berlin Conference’s implications.  
-The controversial and cunning way Britain orchestrated his exile: an invitation aboard a warship, a trial in Accra, and years of exile in London and the Caribbean.   
-The tragic end of his life: granted permission to return home in 1891, he died en route shrouded in speculation.  

Gain insight into the dynamic intersection of African agency and British imperialism in 19th-century Nigeria.

Recommended Reads: Books on King Jaja and British Colonialism in Nigeria

Here are several well-researched books that delve into his life, trial, and the broader colonial context:
•Jaja of Opobo: The Slave Who Became a Dive into the extraordinary life of King Jaja of Opobo, one of Nigeria’s most remarkable historical figures. From his early days as a slave to becoming a palm oil tycoon and influential ruler, Jaja’s story shines as a beacon of resilience and political acumen. This video thoroughly examines:
• How Jaja rose from slavery to leadership of the Anna Pepple House and later founded the powerful city-state of Opobo.  
• His strategic dominance over the palm oil trade and his fierce protection of Opobo’s economic independence.  
• The escalating conflict with British colonial authorities, including the Berlin Conference’s implications.  
• The controversial and cunning way Britain orchestrated his exile: an invitation aboard a warship, a trial in Accra, and years of exile in London and the Caribbean.   
• The tragic end of his life: granted permission to return home in 1891, he died en route shrouded in speculation.  

Gain insight into the dynamic intersection of African agency and British imperialism in 19th-

To understand the broader backdrop of British intervention and imperialism in Nigeria:
• What Britain Did to Nigeria by Max Siollun
A well-documented, critical examination of British colonial strategies and their lasting impact.  King by Ebiegberi Joe Alagoa
A concise and engaging biography that traces Jaja’s transformation from enslavement to rulership.  
2. King Jaja of Opobo: His Life and Times, 1821–1891 by S. J. S. Cookey
A detailed, scholarly account of his reign and political environment.  
3. King Jaja of Opobo, 1821–1891: A Sketch History by E. A. Jaja
Offers focused insight into Opobo’s development during the king’s rule.  
4. The Trial of King Jaja (1959, Literary Book Co., Enugu)
A rare and in-depth exploration of Jaja’s trial

To understand the broader backdrop of British intervention and imperialism in Nigeria:
5. What Britain Did to Nigeria by Max Siollun
A well-documented, critical examination of British colonial strategies and their lasting
impact.

Watch: Alimotu Pelewura & Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti:    • The story of Alimotu Pelewura. #waasere