THE POLITICAL ADMINISTRATION OF THE OLD OYO EMPIRE

The Yoruba tribe dominate the western region of Nigeria.
Their origin can be traced from the old Oyo Empire. Even though there are some controversies about where the Yoruba's truly originated from, some claimed the Yoruba's originated from the Ile-Ife, home of Oduduwa, their ancestral father. Even presently, there is a serious conflict between the Alafin of Oyo and the Ooni of Ife, the traditional ruler of Ile-Ife. Where some of their followers have lost their lives in a battle of supremacy.

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My focus is going to be on the political administration of the OLD OYO EMPIRE.
The old Oyo Empire was a very popular empire even before the coming of the white-men. They gained popularity and fame from their dealings with the old Portuguese. They are also unique and strong, their system of administration was entirely different from that of the Hausa/Fulani's, which was highly centralized.

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The political head of the old Oyo Empire was the Alafin of Oyo, He only goes out to the public 5 times a year, and that's only on a very special occasion. He rules along with the king makers known as the Oyomesi, their system of government is like what we today call the parliamentary system of government, *where the head of state differs from the head of government

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In this system, The Alafin is the ceremonial head of the Empire while the Oyomesi, are the parliament.
There is a very influential member of the Oyomesi, he is known as Bashorun, He is the prime minister of the Empire and the head of The Oyomesi and very powerful, he has the constitutional right to install a new Alafin if the old one passes away.
The Alafin rules in agreement with the ideas and advices of the Oyomesi. In fact, it was said that if an Alafin fails to take advice from the Oyomesi, an Empty Calabash will be sent to him. The Empty calabash *symbolizes rejection of the people, which means the Alafin will automatically hang himself to death in the evil forest.
Another influential position in the Old Oyo Empire is the Aremo, he is the first son of the ruling Alafin but not the heir apparent to the throne. Because he must hang himself to death anytime his father dies. His immediate younger brother now takes over the throne as the ruling Alafin
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The Head of the Army of the old Oyo empire is known as Are-Ona-Kakanfo. His job is to defend the territory and maintain peace. This position is a very key and respected position in the Old Oyo Empire.
The district head in the old Oyo empire are the Oba's and Baalle. They are also very strong and powerful. It was said that they posses some deadly spiritual powers that can eliminate any rolling Alafin. And the Alafin fears and respect them.
The judiciary arm of government are, The Ogboni Society, while the law makers are the Oyomesi, This was the political administration before colonization. Although many of this practise still exist while some have changed with time.

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