Chapter 6: The Road to Ologbo

By June, Afonja, Ojo, Sanya, and others reach Oyo-Benin front. Dem call meeting, plan how dem go move their men.

Afonja set up camp, send scouts enter bush. In the night, generals gather under big tree, dey draw plan with stick for sand. Each unit get their assignment—hunters go lead for bush, artillery cover river crossing, cavalry hold the rear. Local chiefs contribute charm and fresh palm wine to bless the men.

For logistics, Oyo army mobilise reach one million labourers and more than 100,000 donkeys and horses to supply the soldiers. Labourers stretch for road like Lagos traffic, women dey turn amala in giant pots, sweat shining for forehead.

No be small thing—labourers dey dig road, women dey cook soup for soldiers, herdsmen dey bring yam and dried fish. Market dey full every day as people supply army. Some dey even say Oyo city never busy reach like this since Alaafin Oranyan time.

By July 20, Oyo army move with full force, cross Oyo-Benin border, begin real war against Benin.

Dust rise for horizon as 9,000 elite soldiers plus support march like river flood. Drummers dey beat, horn dey sound. For every village, people dey gather watch, pray, and give kola nut for road, wish the army good luck. Even elders dey say, 'This one go change everything.'

Along the road, when Benin army see Oyo power, dem either run or surrender.

Some Benin outpost men, after seeing Oyo formation, just drop weapon, kneel down beg. Others try run, but Oyo Eso catch them quick. The name 'Oyo' begin carry new fear. For the first time, Benin dey worry, dey plan next move.

By early August, Oyo army don reach almost Ologbo River (now near Benin border) without any serious fight.

Spirit for Oyo camp high—dem dey sing, beat drum, even small children dey follow army, carry food. Generals dey confident, some dey boast say by next moon dem go enter Benin market square, buy pepper cheap. For Benin side, Oba dey hold emergency meeting, palace dey shake.

Na for there Oyo army meet real resistance. Three big Benin wooden forts dey across the riverbank, stand tall, dey fire dane gun down at Oyo vanguard. For front of the forts, plenty Benin eyes dey shine from bush—Oyo men hold breath, because the real wahala just dey start.