- 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) Obafemi Awolowo
C) Reverend Samuel Johnson
D) Wole Soyinka
- 2. Which city is traditionally considered the spiritual homeland of the Yoruba people?
A) Ibadan
B) Lagos
C) Abuja
D) Ile-Ife
- 3. Who completed and edited Samuel Johnson's manuscript after his death?
A) Bishop Charles Phillips
B) King Adeyemi I
C) His brother, Dr. Obadiah Johnson
D) His son, Samuel Johnson Jr.
- 4. In what year was 'The History of the Yorubas' first published?
A) 1901
B) 1897
C) 1930
D) 1921
- 5. Which major 19th century conflict among Yoruba states is extensively covered?
A) The British Expedition
B) The Fulani Jihad
C) The Bini Invasion
D) The Kiriji War
- 6. Johnson's work is considered a foundational text for the study of:
A) Yoruba historiography
B) Colonial administration
C) Nigerian economics
D) West African art
- 7. What was Johnson's main source for historical accounts?
A) Archaeological findings
B) Oral traditions and elders
C) Ancient written manuscripts
D) British colonial archives
- 8. Which European power's influence increased in Yorubaland during the period Johnson covers?
A) British
B) Portuguese
C) French
D) Dutch
- 9. The book traces Yoruba history from its origins to the end of which century?
A) 18th century
B) 20th century
C) 17th century
D) 19th century
- 10. Which of these is a major theme in Johnson's history?
A) The need for Yoruba unity
B) The inevitability of tribal conflict
C) The benefits of colonialism
D) The superiority of European culture
- 11. Johnson was born in which modern-day country?
A) Sierra Leone
B) Benin
C) Nigeria
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) European trade records
B) British military tactics
C) Islamic legal texts
D) Yoruba oral traditions
- 14. Who is considered the mythical progenitor of the Yoruba people in Johnson's history?
A) Oduduwa
B) Sango
C) Ogun
D) Obatala
- 15. Which European power had the earliest contact with Yorubaland according to Johnson?
A) Dutch
B) British
C) Portuguese
D) French
- 16. Which natural feature formed the northern boundary of Yorubaland?
A) Niger Delta
B) Sahara Desert
C) Benue River
D) River Niger
- 17. Which Yoruba deity was associated with thunder and lightning?
A) Ogun
B) Sango
C) Obatala
D) Esu
- 18. Which city became the new center of Yoruba power after the fall of Oyo?
A) Lagos
B) Abeokuta
C) Ibadan
D) Ilorin
- 19. What was the title of the ruler of the Oyo Empire?
A) Ooni
B) Emir
C) Alaafin
D) Oba
- 20. Which Yoruba city was known for its brass and bronze artworks?
A) Ibadan
B) Oyo
C) Ife
D) Ijesha
- 21. Which European country eventually established colonial rule over Yorubaland?
A) Portugal
B) France
C) Britain
D) Germany
- 22. What was the traditional Yoruba system of education?
A) Formal schools
B) Military training
C) Apprenticeship system
D) Religious seminaries
- 23. Which commodity was most important in Yoruba trade with Europeans?
A) Slaves
B) Ivory
C) Spices
D) Gold
- 24. Which Yoruba city resisted British colonization the longest?
A) Ijebu
B) Oyo
C) Abeokuta
D) Ife
- 25. What was Reverend Samuel Johnson's primary profession?
A) Anglican clergyman
B) King of Oyo
C) Military general
D) British colonial governor
- 26. Which powerful Yoruba empire does the book detail the rise and fall of?
A) The Mali Empire
B) The Ghana Empire
C) The Benin Empire
D) The Oyo Empire
- 27. Johnson's history was written from the perspective of which Yoruba sub-group?
A) The Ekiti
B) The Egba
C) The Ijebu
D) The Oyo
- 28. What major 19th-century event contributed to the decline of the Oyo Empire?
A) The Fulani Jihad
B) The Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade
C) The Scramble for Africa
D) The Boer War
- 29. Johnson's work is often criticized for promoting a history centered on which city?
A) Ife
B) Oyo
C) Ibadan
D) Lagos
- 30. What was the name of the powerful non-royal officials in the Oyo Empire?
A) The Ilari
B) The Egbe Omo Oduduwa
C) The Emese
D) The Oyo Mesi
- 31. Which city served as a major port and center of British influence in Johnson's account?
A) Lagos
B) Badagry
C) Port Harcourt
D) Calabar
- 32. Johnson portrays the 19th century in Yorubaland as a period of what?
A) Cultural stagnation
B) Religious conversion
C) Internecine warfare
D) Economic prosperity
- 33. Which group did Johnson see as a major external threat to Yoruba stability?
A) The Portuguese
B) The Igbo
C) The Fulani
D) The British
- 34. Which Alafin (king) of Oyo is prominently featured in Johnson's history?
A) Alafin Abiodun
B) Alafin Lawani
C) Alafin Aole
D) Alafin Sango
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