Gaha

Bashorun Gaha (or Ga'a) was a nobleman and Prime Minister/head of the Oyo Mesi (kingmakers) in the old Oyo Empire during the 18th century. From 1650 to 1750, Oyo Empire was at the pinnacle of its greatness, peace, prosperity and wealth. The Empire had expanded to the utmost part covering the river Niger in the north; part of Tapa and Bariba kingdoms in the East of the lower Niger; towards the South by the seacoast and the West including Popos and Dahomey. Thousands of provincial officials (called Ajele) were appointed to administer all the conquered kingdoms and report to the Alaafin who gloried in his majesty and power. Renowned for his juju prowess, he deposed or was responsible for the death of 4 of these Alaafins before being subdued by Alaafin Abiodun (who ruled c. 1774–1789) via trickery and betrayal by his generals. This rare festival spanned three years. They won over Olubi, Gaha's brother by promising to invest him with Basorun title to turn against him. The invaders led by Kakanfo Oyabi and Alafin Abiodun by his side came to Oyo ile with the warriors who met ferocious fight from Basorun Gaha and his army. At last, after several deaths on both sides, the invaders won and captured Gaha, who was thoroughly humiliated and all entreaties by him to have his life preserved fell out. All his properties were destroyed. He was hanged till he died.

After the death of Gaha, all the properties of generations of great warriors of Oyo Empire who were perceived as Abiodun's enemies were destroyed to prevent any act of sabotage or coup against Abiodun. This marked the clear beginning of the loss of the military powers and glory of Oyo Empire, but it would take another sixty years for a complete collapse.

Two years after the death of Gaha, Abiodun invited Oyabi, the Kakanfo, to Oyo to honor him; but he was so stricken in health that he died on his way. Abiodun lived until his old age. Peace and prosperity reigned, and Oyo Empire flourished. King Abiodun died in 1789. Kangidi succeeded Gaha as the Basorun of Oyo.

In popular media - House of Ga'a