Discuss six features of the traditional Yoruba political system.

Answer Details

Six features of the traditional Yoruba political system

1. The Oba as head: Each Yoruba town or kingdom was headed by an Oba, a sacred and revered monarch regarded as second in command to the gods (Alaye or Kabiyesi), who was the political, religious and judicial head of the community.
2. Monarchy based on ruling houses: The office of Oba was hereditary within recognised ruling houses, and a new Oba was chosen from the eligible houses by the kingmakers.
3. Rule by kingmakers and a council of chiefs: The Oba did not rule alone but governed with the advice and consent of the Oyo Mesi (in Oyo) or a council of chiefs, who selected the Oba and checked his powers.
4. Checks and balances: The powers of the Oba were checked by institutions such as the Oyo Mesi, led by the Bashorun, and the Ogboni society, so that a tyrannical Oba could be asked to abdicate or commit suicide, guarding against absolutism.
5. Decentralised administration: The kingdom was divided into wards, quarters and villages headed by subordinate chiefs (Baale) who administered their areas and were responsible to the Oba, allowing local self-government.
6. The Ogboni and other institutions: Powerful bodies such as the Ogboni secret society performed judicial, legislative and religious functions and served as a further check on the Oba.

The system also featured a standing military organisation, headed by the Are-Ona-Kakanfo, for the defence of the kingdom.