The head of the Oyomesi in the old Oyo Empire was the Bashorun. The Oyomesi was a council of chiefs that advised the king (Oba) in the Oyo Empire. The Bashorun was the leader of this council and was responsible for overseeing its activities. He was considered the second most powerful person in the empire after the king and had the authority to depose the king if necessary. The Bashorun was also responsible for leading the army and maintaining law and order in the empire.