YORÙBÁ PRE COLONIAL POLITICAL SYSTEM IN NIGERIA.

YORUBA TRADITIONAL POLITICAL SYSTEM
The pre colonial Yoruba political system was arguably one of the most politically advanced societies in the sub Sahara Africa. It had most of the features of the modern society. It was democratic to some extent and there was checks and balances against arbitrary use of power.
Yoruba pre-colonial administration was not highly centralized compared to Hausa/Fulani system. The reason being that the Oba is not an absolute ruler and there is the principle of checks and balance. Examples of Yoruba kingdoms include the Oyo kingdom, Ekiti parapò, Ijesha, Ẹ̀gbá Aláké kingdom, Ijebu, Abeokuta, etc. In this case, Oyo empire is normally being taken as case study.

Political Institutions of Yorubas K
(Using Oyo Empire as a case study). 

The Oba:
This position is hereditary but in a case where the previous King had no male survivor, the husband of his eldest daughter may be crowned King. There have been one or two cases where the king had no survivor  at all, in such cases, the next king would be appointed from his extended family. The Oba is the highest authority in Yoruba kingdom though not an absolute ruler. He is both political and spiritual head of the Oyo kingdom popularly known as Alaafin of Oyo. Also, the Oba must be the eldest son of deceased king and a member of the royal family. He is well respected by the subject and this explains why some have regarded him to be the ‘working companion of gods’ (Alase Igbakeji Orisa). only that, Oba can be addressed as ‘Kabiyesi- Ka bi o ko si’ (Nobody to challenge your authority), yet, there is the principle of checks and balanc. Oba can checked by other institutions like Oyomesi, Ogboni cult, warlords, etc. The argument is that Oba must always respect the views of the people in the society. This, perhaps made Yoruba kingdom to be more democratic. Oba ruled with the assistance of chiefs called Ijoye like Otun, Iyalode, Balogun, òsì and so on.
With these chiefs, Oba can exercise judicial, legislative and executive power particularly over serious cases like land dispute, crimes etc.

The Bashorun : 

Bashorun is the prime minister in the kingdom and he is the most powerful person after the King
in empire. Because of the sacred nature of the Alaafin's kingship, he only appears in public three or four times in the whole year, therefore, it  is Bashorun who appears in public on behalf of the King and pass whatever information the King has for the people. He serves as the bridge that connects the King and the people together thus, he wields a lot of political powers. There have been cases of some Bashoruns who became tyrannical and dictatorial. Example of this was Bashorun Gaa who used his position to kill many people, including his own father in law. Eventually, he was killed in a mysterious death that was orchestrated by the ogboni society. This is another prove of checks and balances in the empire.

Oyomesi:
Oyomesi can be regarded as king makers. They are prominent chiefs comprising seven notable individuals within the community. Specifically, Oyomesi are the institutions charged with the responsibility of appointing the king from a royal family. It is headed by Bashorun. However, the consent of the Oyomesi is required before any reasonable decision could be taken by Oba.
It is important to stress that the principle of checks and balance in Yoruba kingdom makes it possible for the Oyomesi to check the excesses of the king. For instance, the Oyomesi (kingmakers) may compel the king to open calabash (it is an order to commit suicide) if the king is dictatorial and arbitrary in rulling the people.

The Ogboni:
The Ogboni cults on the other hand is often regarded as secret cult because their activities are much hidden to the public. They perform rituals on behalf of the society, and also check the excesses of both the Oba abd king makers. The group of Ogboni therefore is headed by Oluawo.

Pre Colonial Egungun Festival In Western Part Of Nigeria.

Aare Ona Kakanfo: ( The Army Commander) 
Esos or warlords is a group of people that provides adequate security in the Yoruba kingdom. They helped to protect the life and properties as well as preventing the community from both internal and external aggression. It is headed by ‘Aare Ona Kakanfo’ who provides military support to the king. He is abnormally powerful and that explains why he stays outside the community. More importantly, Aare Ona Kakanfo is expected to commit suicide if he losses any battle which means he must not be defeated at the war front. Nevertheless, he check the excesses of any institutions by withdrawing or neglecting military responsibility.

Yoruba pre-colonial systems, Oyo empire as case study was centralized though with the principle of checks and balance.

Functions of the Oyomesi in the Pre-Colonial Oyo Kingdom
1. Select a new Alaafin
One of the functions of the Oyomesi was to take part in the selection and replacement of the Alaafin or king when he died or abdicated his throne.

2. Installation of a new Alaafin
Another function of the Oyomesi was to take part in the installation of a new king after a candidate was found. The installation of kings was one of the high points in the administration of the empire and the Oyomesi made sure they partook in all its activities.

3. Initiate laws
The Oyomesi had the power to initiate laws for consideration and subsequent adoption if deemed necessary for the efficient administration of the empire.

4. Checks on the powers of the Oba
The Oyomesi served as a check on the powers of the Alaafin or king. Led by the Bashorun, the Oyomesi could dethrone the Alaafin if the people lost confidence in his administration.

5. Ensured policies were implemented
The Oyomesi was tasked with making sure that the policy decisions taken by the state was implemented throughout the empire. This was to ensure that there was full compliance.

6. Religious functions
It was duty of the head of the council of Oyo Mesi, the Bashorun, to consult the Ifa oracle for the approval of the gods. Though the appointment of a new king was the duty of the Oyomesi, the new Alaafin was seen as an appointment by the gods.

7. Advised Alaafin on good governance
It was the duty of the Oyomesi to advise the Alaafin on matters of good governance.
It was headed by a king as Oba. Council of alders consisting of senior Chiefs assisted him in the administration. The council helped in implementing the law. They could be made by either Oba or Council of elders or both. Oba’s court was the highest in the kingdom.

FEATURES
i. It was constitutional monarch
ii. No formal system of taxation but tribute payment
iii. No separation of power
iv. There was system of checks and balances
v. It was based on feudal mode of production

5. The Aremo.

The Aremo is also called Ọba lóla (The King tomorrow or King to be). He is the eldest son of the reigning King and in most cases, he would be the next king after the demise of his father. The Aremo is not just the eldest Prince, he holds an office too. The Aremo often times is the youth leader in the kingdom or empire. He uses his position as the Prince to present the desires of the youths in the kingdom to the king, therefore giving them a say on what goes on in the kingdom. Also, he is seen as a good example of what a youth is expected to be  He is expected to be well bred, cultured and mannered such that parents use him as an example of what they expect their own children to be. 

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