- 1. "The History of the Yorubas" by Reverend Samuel Johnson is a seminal work that provides an in-depth exploration of the Yoruba people, their culture, traditions, and history. First published in 1921, this comprehensive volume serves as both a scholarly account and a narrative that captures the richness of Yoruba civilization, which encompasses various aspects such as religion, governance, art, and social structure. Reverend Johnson, an Anglican missionary of Yoruba descent, meticulously chronicles the origins of the Yoruba, tracing their roots back to the ancient city of Ife and discussing the legendary figure of Oduduwa as the progenitor of the Yoruba race. His work highlights significant historical events, the impacts of colonialism, and the resilience of Yoruba culture in the face of external influences. The book is noted for its thorough research and detailed descriptions, making it not only an important academic resource but also an accessible read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of Yoruba identity and heritage. Johnson's perspective as both an insider and a historian adds depth to the narrative, allowing readers to appreciate the intricate tapestry of Yoruba life and the evolution of their societal norms over time.
Who is the author of 'The History of the Yorubas'?
A) Chinua Achebe
B) Reverend Samuel Johnson
C) Wole Soyinka
D) Obafemi Awolowo
- 2. Which city is traditionally considered the spiritual homeland of the Yoruba people?
A) Ibadan
B) Ile-Ife
C) Lagos
D) Abuja
- 3. Who completed and edited Samuel Johnson's manuscript after his death?
A) Bishop Charles Phillips
B) His son, Samuel Johnson Jr.
C) King Adeyemi I
D) His brother, Dr. Obadiah Johnson
- 4. In what year was 'The History of the Yorubas' first published?
A) 1930
B) 1897
C) 1921
D) 1901
- 5. Which major 19th century conflict among Yoruba states is extensively covered?
A) The Bini Invasion
B) The British Expedition
C) The Kiriji War
D) The Fulani Jihad
- 6. Johnson's work is considered a foundational text for the study of:
A) West African art
B) Colonial administration
C) Yoruba historiography
D) Nigerian economics
- 7. What was Johnson's main source for historical accounts?
A) Oral traditions and elders
B) Ancient written manuscripts
C) Archaeological findings
D) British colonial archives
- 8. Which European power's influence increased in Yorubaland during the period Johnson covers?
A) Dutch
B) French
C) British
D) Portuguese
- 9. The book traces Yoruba history from its origins to the end of which century?
A) 19th century
B) 20th century
C) 17th century
D) 18th century
- 10. Which of these is a major theme in Johnson's history?
A) The need for Yoruba unity
B) The superiority of European culture
C) The inevitability of tribal conflict
D) The benefits of colonialism
- 11. Johnson was born in which modern-day country?
A) Nigeria
B) Benin
C) Sierra Leone
D) Ghana
- 12. What was the original language of Johnson's manuscript?
A) Arabic
B) Yoruba
C) English
D) Latin
- 13. Johnson's work is particularly valued for preserving:
A) Islamic legal texts
B) European trade records
C) Yoruba oral traditions
D) British military tactics
- 14. Who is considered the mythical progenitor of the Yoruba people in Johnson's history?
A) Obatala
B) Ogun
C) Oduduwa
D) Sango
- 15. Which European power had the earliest contact with Yorubaland according to Johnson?
A) Portuguese
B) British
C) Dutch
D) French
- 16. Which natural feature formed the northern boundary of Yorubaland?
A) River Niger
B) Niger Delta
C) Sahara Desert
D) Benue River
- 17. Which Yoruba deity was associated with thunder and lightning?
A) Obatala
B) Sango
C) Esu
D) Ogun
- 18. Which city became the new center of Yoruba power after the fall of Oyo?
A) Ibadan
B) Lagos
C) Ilorin
D) Abeokuta
- 19. What was the title of the ruler of the Oyo Empire?
A) Alaafin
B) Oba
C) Emir
D) Ooni
- 20. Which Yoruba city was known for its brass and bronze artworks?
A) Ife
B) Ijesha
C) Oyo
D) Ibadan
- 21. Which European country eventually established colonial rule over Yorubaland?
A) Britain
B) Germany
C) France
D) Portugal
- 22. What was the traditional Yoruba system of education?
A) Military training
B) Formal schools
C) Apprenticeship system
D) Religious seminaries
- 23. Which commodity was most important in Yoruba trade with Europeans?
A) Ivory
B) Spices
C) Slaves
D) Gold
- 24. Which Yoruba city resisted British colonization the longest?
A) Oyo
B) Ijebu
C) Abeokuta
D) Ife
- 25. What was Reverend Samuel Johnson's primary profession?
A) Military general
B) King of Oyo
C) British colonial governor
D) Anglican clergyman
- 26. Which powerful Yoruba empire does the book detail the rise and fall of?
A) The Oyo Empire
B) The Ghana Empire
C) The Mali Empire
D) The Benin Empire
- 27. Johnson's history was written from the perspective of which Yoruba sub-group?
A) The Ijebu
B) The Oyo
C) The Egba
D) The Ekiti
- 28. What major 19th-century event contributed to the decline of the Oyo Empire?
A) The Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade
B) The Scramble for Africa
C) The Boer War
D) The Fulani Jihad
- 29. Johnson's work is often criticized for promoting a history centered on which city?
A) Lagos
B) Ibadan
C) Ife
D) Oyo
- 30. What was the name of the powerful non-royal officials in the Oyo Empire?
A) The Oyo Mesi
B) The Egbe Omo Oduduwa
C) The Emese
D) The Ilari
- 31. Which city served as a major port and center of British influence in Johnson's account?
A) Badagry
B) Port Harcourt
C) Lagos
D) Calabar
- 32. Johnson portrays the 19th century in Yorubaland as a period of what?
A) Economic prosperity
B) Religious conversion
C) Cultural stagnation
D) Internecine warfare
- 33. Which group did Johnson see as a major external threat to Yoruba stability?
A) The Igbo
B) The Portuguese
C) The Fulani
D) The British
- 34. Which Alafin (king) of Oyo is prominently featured in Johnson's history?
A) Alafin Lawani
B) Alafin Aole
C) Alafin Abiodun
D) Alafin Sango
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