The Head of the Army in the Yoruba political kingdom is

In the traditional political system of the Yoruba (centred on the Old Oyo Empire), the Are-Ona Kakanfo was the supreme commander of the army. This was one of the most prestigious titles in the empire, and the holder was responsible for leading the Oyo military forces in warfare and defending the empire's territory.

The Are-Ona Kakanfo was required to live outside the capital (Oyo-Ile) to serve as a frontier military leader. He was expected to win every battle; tradition held that if he lost a war, he must either die in battle or take his own life rather than return in defeat.

The Bashorun was the head of the Oyo Mesi (the council of seven kingmakers and chief advisers to the Alaafin), functioning as a prime minister rather than a military leader. The Ogboni was a powerful secret society that served judicial and religious functions. Sango (Shango) is not a political title but the Yoruba deity of thunder and lightning, associated with the third Alaafin of Oyo.