The Impact of the Legacy of Nupe Imperialism in the Auchi Kingdom in Nigeria

Abstract

The invasion and occupation of the Auchi Kingdom by the Nupe people in Nigeria is one event that marked a turning point in the history of the Auchi Kingdom. One of the major problems facing most ethnic groups today is the religion and cultural practices of their past before the introduction of innovations in their communities. However, the effortsof some historians in writing the history of Nigerian minority ethnic groups during the pre-colonial and colonial era is far from being complete. A great deal in this aspect, especially that of the minorities that experienced invasions and subjugation in the hands of the larger societies is yet to be achieved to fill the lacuna in our knowledge of minority history. It is against this background that this paper discuses the Nupeinvasion of the Auchi Kingdom of present Edo State and its Socio-political impact. The paper looks into the relationship which existed before the invasion, the people’s resistance to the invasion, and the eventual defeat. It further looks at thelegaciesthat theNupe peopleintroduced whichhave survived in the Auchi Kingdom till the present day.