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