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Difficulty: MediumSystem of Checks and Balances in Pre-Colonial Yoruba Governance

In the administrative system of old Yoruba kingdoms, which institutional organ served as a judicial check on the Oyomesi council to prevent arbitrary deposition of the king?

  1. The Ogboni SocietyAnswer
  2. B
    The Are Ona Kakanfo
  3. C
    The Bashorun
  4. D
    The Ilari

Answer

The Ogboni Society exercised judicial checks over the Oyomesi council to balance power in pre-colonial Yoruba governance.
The Ogboni society was an influential cult of respected community elders and religious leaders that functioned as the judicial arm in the Old Oyo political structure. They maintained sanctity for human life and religion, checking the powers of the Oyomesi council by reviewing capital sentences and approval of king rejection decisions.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the institutional framework of pre-colonial Yoruba (Oyo Empire) governance.
Identified the primary organs: the Alaafin (executive), Oyomesi (supreme council of kingmakers/legislature), Ogboni (earth cult/judiciary), and Are Ona Kakanfo (military).
Understanding institutional division of power is essential to determining constitutional checks.
2
Examine the specific check and balance mechanism regulating the power of the Oyomesi council.
The Ogboni society held sacred judicial authority and mediated disputes, ensuring the Oyomesi could not abuse their power to reject an Alaafin without legitimate constitutional grounds.
This prevented oligarchical tyranny by the kingmakers.

Key Concept

Checks and Balances between the Oyomesi and the Ogboni Society in Pre-Colonial Yoruba Governance
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

System of Checks and Balances in Pre-Colonial Yoruba Governance

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