# Abiodun executes Basorun Gaha (1774)

URL: https://allhistories.com/nigeria/timeline/1774-abiodun-executes-basorun-gaha
Location: Oyo-Ile
Themes: ruler-change

In 1774 Alaafin Abiodun executed Gaha, the fifth Alaafin the Basorun had served. Abiodun then ruled until about 1789, in an era of expanded trade towards the coast. His campaigns against Borgu in 1783 and Nupe in 1789 failed, and he was later murdered by his son Awole. Oyo power remained wide but its military position weakened, and the empire began its decline under Awole. At the date of this event the principal authority over the largest part of present-day Nigeria lay with Ali IV Kalirgima, Mai of Kanem-Bornu (1750–1791). The fall of Gaha ended an internal crisis but the empire never regained its former internal cohesion.

## Why it matters
The Alaafin broke the Basorun's grip on the throne.

Ruler at the Time: [Ali IV Kalirgima](https://allhistories.com/nigeria/rulers/ali-iv-kalirgima)

## Sources
- [Oyo Empire](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oyo_Empire)
- [Kingdom of Dahomey](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_Dahomey)
- [countrystudies.us](https://countrystudies.us/nigeria/)