What is the correct chronological sequence of steps in the constitutional procedure for deposing an oppressive Alaafin in the pre-colonial Old Oyo political system?
- 1The Alaafin engages in executive tyranny and abuses royal privileges in violation of customary law.
- 2The Bashorun and the Oyomesi council present the monarch with an empty calabash or parrot's eggs.
- 3The Ogboni society conducts a judicial review of the rejection decision.
- 4The rejected Alaafin accepts the constitutional judgment and commits ritual suicide.
Answer
The correct sequence begins with the Alaafin committing executive tyranny, followed by the Oyomesi presenting symbolic parrot's eggs, then the Ogboni society performing judicial review, and concludes with the monarch committing ritual suicide.
In the constitutional framework of the Old Oyo Empire, power was decentralised to prevent absolutism. When an Alaafin displayed tyranny, the process began with his executive excesses. The Oyomesi council, headed by the Bashorun, declared rejection by presenting symbolic parrot's eggs. To prevent the Oyomesi from usurping power arbitrarily, the Ogboni society—a judicial cult of respected elders—reviewed the decision. Upon judicial validation, the constitutional mandate required the monarch to commit ritual suicide.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Constitutional sequence of checks and balances in pre-colonial Yoruba governance