In which of the following Nigerian pre- colonial political units was the principle of separation of powers institutionalized?
Answer Details
The principle of separation of powers refers to the division of governmental powers into three distinct branches: the legislative, the executive, and the judiciary, each with their own responsibilities and powers. Among the listed pre-colonial political units in Nigeria, the Oyo Empire is known to have institutionalized the principle of separation of powers. The Oyo Empire had a centralized government with the Alaafin (king) as the supreme authority. The Oyo Mesi, a council of powerful chiefs, acted as a legislative arm, while the Bashorun, the second in command to the Alaafin, acted as the head of the executive arm. The Egungun, a group of senior judges, represented the judiciary. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is the Oyo Empire.