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

In the constitutional framework of the pre-colonial Oyo Empire, which institutional measure was specifically designed to prevent the military commander-in-chief, the Are Ona Kakanfo, from staging a military takeover against the Alaafin and the council of chiefs?

  1. Mandatory residence outside the capital city in a strategic border townAnswer
  2. B
    Direct appointment and total executive control of all army officers by the Oyomesi council
  3. C
    Compulsory membership and judicial oversight of the general staff within the Ogboni secret society
  4. D
    Denial of access to provincial tax revenues without the express written approval of the Bashorun

Answer

Mandatory residence outside the capital city in a strategic border town served as the constitutional check against military takeover by the Are Ona Kakanfo.
In traditional Oyo constitutional law, the Are Ona Kakanfo (commander-in-chief) was forbidden from residing in Oyo-Ile, the capital city. This requirement ensured that military force remained stationed at foreign borders and outlying districts, effectively preventing the military leadership from overthrowing the civilian political administration comprising the Alaafin and the Oyomesi.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the institutional role of the Are Ona Kakanfo in pre-colonial Oyo politics.
The Are Ona Kakanfo held supreme military authority as the commander-in-chief of the empire's army.
Understanding his military power is necessary to evaluate how the Yoruba constitutional system balanced military strength with political authority.
2
Analyze the constitutional mechanism deployed to mitigate the risk of military intervention in governance.
The constitution prohibited the Are Ona Kakanfo from living in Oyo-Ile (the imperial capital), requiring him to reside in an outpost town such as Jabata.
Geographical separation ensured the army chief could not easily assemble troops to launch a coup against the Alaafin or Oyomesi council.

Key Concept

Military Checks in the Pre-Colonial Yoruba System of Checks and Balances
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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System of Checks and Balances in Pre-Colonial Yoruba Governance

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