Within traditional Yoruba constitutional governance, how did the Ogboni society act as a vital institutional check on the council of kingmakers to prevent oligarchic tyranny?
- By exercising judicial authority over capital cases and approving or vetoing death sentences pronounced by senior councilorsAnswer
- BBy serving as the executive cabinet directly appointed by the king to overrule decisions of the legislative assembly
- CBy commanding the imperial cavalry to enforce executive decrees across conquered vassal provinces
- DBy holding the exclusive constitutional right to declare war and negotiate peace treaties with neighboring states
Answer
By exercising judicial authority over capital cases and approving or vetoing death sentences pronounced by senior councilors
In traditional Yoruba political systems, power was decentralized among multiple organs. The Ogboni society consisted of respected civic and religious leaders who worshipped the earth deity (Edan). They possessed sacred judicial authority, meaning any decision involving the shedding of blood or capital punishment by senior chiefs required Ogboni review and approval, thereby preventing councilors from arbitrarily executing political rivals or abusing power.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Checks and balances between the Ogboni society, kingmakers, and the Oba in pre-colonial Yoruba political systems
Estimated Time:1m 30s