In the Oyo traditional political system, the Alafin of Oyo was elected or chosen by a group known as

Analyze the question: The question asks which group selected (installed) the Alafin of Oyo in the traditional Oyo political system.

Concept: The Oyo Empire had a structured system of checks and balances:

• Alafin: the king, the political and spiritual head.
• Oyo Mesi: a council of seven principal chiefs (headed by the Bashorun). They represented the people and were the kingmakers. They chose the Alafin, and they could also force him to abdicate if he became unpopular or tyrannical, by sending him a symbolic parrot's egg (awon).
• Ogboni: a cult or society of elders that handled religious and judicial matters and balanced the power of the Alafin. They did not select the king.
• Bales: heads of towns and villages who were subordinate to the Alafin.
• Obas: rulers of subordinate towns or kingdoms under Oyo's authority.

Step-by-step solution:

1. The selection of the Alafin was a political function, which rules out the religious Ogboni.
2. Bales and Obas were provincial or subordinate rulers, so they had no role in choosing the king.
3. The Oyo Mesi, the council of seven kingmakers led by the Bashorun, selected the Alafin from the royal lineage.

Correct answer: A. Oyo Mesi

Tip: Remember "Mesi = Make the king". The Oyo Mesi made (and could unmake) the Alafin. Also link Ogboni with "religion and judiciary" so you do not confuse the two.