The Head of the Army in the Yoruba political kingdom is

Analyze the question: The question asks for the title given to the military commander in the traditional Yoruba (Oyo Empire) political system.

Explain the concept: In the Old Oyo Empire, power was shared among several institutions:

• Alaafin: the king and supreme ruler.
• Oyo Mesi: the council of seven kingmakers, headed by the Bashorun. They checked the Alaafin's power.
• Ogboni: a cult and council with judicial and religious roles. It also acted as a check on authority.
• Are-Ona Kakanfo: the commander-in-chief of the army. He was usually stationed at the frontier (at Ilorin in later years), so that he could not easily stage a coup against the Alaafin.

Solution, option by option:

• A. Are-Ona Kakanfo: This was the field marshal or generalissimo of the Yoruba army. ✔
• B. Ogboni: This was a council of elders and a socio-religious society. It was not a military title. ✘
• C. Bashorun: He was the Prime Minister and head of the Oyo Mesi. He also played a key role in the Alaafin's religious rites, but was not the army head. ✘
• D. Sango: He was a deity of thunder, and according to tradition a past Alaafin. He was not an army head. ✘

Answer: The Head of the Army in the Yoruba political kingdom was the Are-Ona Kakanfo, so the correct option is A.

Exam tip: Match each title with its role:

• Alaafin = King
• Bashorun = Prime Minister / head of Oyo Mesi
• Ogboni = Judicial and religious council
• Are-Ona Kakanfo = Army commander ("Kakanfo" sounds like a warrior's title)