History

2. STARTER ACTIVITY: odd one
out.
oAalafin
oCouncil of Oyomesi
oAremo
oBashorun
oDogari
oOgboni
oAare-Ona-Kankanfo

3. AT THE END OF THE LESSON, I
SHOULD BE ABLE TO:
• Discuss the political
organisations of Oyo
empire

4. KEY WORDS
Empire
Checks and balances
Absolute powers
Separation of powers

5. Activity: Describe five roles of
traditional rulers in the Nigerian
pre-colonial societies.

6. INTRODUCTION: Oyo was a large empire divided into
different provinces. It was the most outstanding
kingdom in the Yoruba political system.

7. POLITICAL ORGANISATION OF OYO EMPIRE
1. Political head: the Alaafin was seeing as the political head of
the empire. He was chosen by Council of Oyomesi.

8. 2. The Aremo: He was the eldest son of the ruling Alaafin, but
cannot succeed his father at his demise.
POLITICAL ORGANISATION OF OYO EMPIRE

9. 3. The Council of Oyomesi: this was made up of the seven
hereditary kingmakers in the empire. The leader of Oyomesi was
Bashorun.
POLITICAL ORGANISATION OF OYO EMPIRE

10. 4. The Baales( Provincial Governors):each province was
administered by Baale.
POLITICAL ORGANISATION OF OYO EMPIRE

11. 5. The Army Organisation: the Aare-Ona-kankanfo was the head
of the army.
POLITICAL ORGANISATION OF OYO EMPIRE

12. POLITICAL ORGANISATION OF OYO EMPIRE
6. The Ogboni society: The maintenance and preservation of cultural values of the
people were delegated to the Ogbonis. The Ogboni was a secret society headed by
the Oluwo.

13. 7. The empty calabash: The Oyomesi through Basorun can send an
empty calabash to the Alaafin, symbolising rejection by the people.
The Alaafin had no option but to commit suicide.
POLITICAL ORGANISATION OF OYO EMPIRE

14. 9. Kingship: the succession to the throne of Alaafin was not
from father to son but the Oyomesi was free to choose a new

15. FACTORS THAT LED TO THE RISE OF
THE OYO EMPIRE
• The powerful standing army of the empire.

16. FACTORS THAT LED TO THE RISE OF
THE OYO EMPIRE
• The booming economic activities in the empire.

17. FACTORS THAT LED TO THE RISE OF
THE OYO EMPIRE
• The personality of the successive Alaafin of Oyo.

18. FACTORS THAT LED TO THE FALL OF
THE OYO EMPIRE
• The internal crises between the Alaafin of and the
Council of Oyomesi.

19. FACTORS THAT LED TO THE FALL OF
THE OYO EMPIRE
• The Fulani incursion facilitated by Aare Afonja.

20. FACTORS THAT LED TO THE FALL OF
THE OYO EMPIRE
• The dwindling influence of the Alaafin.

21. FACTORS THAT LED TO THE FALL OF
THE OYO EMPIRE
• The rebellious acts of the tributaries under the Oyo
Empire.

22. FACTORS THAT LED TO THE FALL OF
THE OYO EMPIRE
• Finally, the British attacks of the 19th century led to
the eventual collapse of the empire.

23. CHECKS AND BALANCES IN THE OYO EMPIRE
There are some elements of checks and balances in the Oyo
pre-colonial political system. The fact that one of the
Oyomesi had to die with the Alaafin was a check on the
powers of the Oyomesi.
Some of the limitations to the powers of the Alaafin include:
a. The issue of an empty calabash was a check on his
powers.
b. The loyalty to the Aare-Ona-Kankanfo.
c. Position of Oyomesi on public issues.
d. The personality and the influence of Basorun.
e. The quality advice given by the Ilaris.
f. The political situation in the provinces.

24. FUNCTIONS OF TRADITIONAL RULERS IN THE PRE-
COLONIAL SYSTEMS
They made laws, rules and regulations.
Maintenance of law and order in their domain.
They appointed subordinate chiefs to help in the
administration.
Budget : they were involved in raising and spending
money.
They served as political symbol of unity.
Communal wealth: they were also involved in the sharing
and allocation of resources.

25. FUNCTIONS OF TRADITIONAL RULERS IN THE
PRE-COLONIAL SYSTEMS CONT.
Planning and development: they planned for
the progress and development of various
communities.
Administration of justice: they acted as the
final court of appeal.
Protection of their domain against external
aggression and internal rebellion