In the Yoruba society the Oyomesi

Analyze the question: This is about the traditional political system of the Yoruba, specifically the Oyo Empire. The question asks about the role of the Oyomesi.

Concept: In the Old Oyo Empire, power was shared between the Alafin (the king) and the Oyomesi (the council of seven principal titled chiefs, headed by the Bashorun). The Oyomesi:

• Selected the Alafin and could reject him (by symbolically presenting him with an empty calabash or parrot's eggs, which meant he must commit suicide).
• Acted as a check on the Alafin's power, so the Alafin was not an absolute ruler.
• Advised the Alafin on matters of state and took part in making decisions.

The Ogboni cult (not the Oyomesi) handled the secret-society and religious/judicial functions, and it also served as a check on the Oyomesi.

Going through the options:

• A. Controlled the secret cults: Wrong. The Ogboni society did this, not the Oyomesi.
• B. Exercised powers of general administration: Not the best answer. General administration was the Alafin's duty, carried out through his officials, while the Oyomesi's main roles were kingmaking and checking the Alafin.
• C. Shared authority with the Alafin: Correct. The Oyomesi was a council that balanced the Alafin's power and took part in governing.
• D. Both the executive and legislative head: Wrong. The Alafin was the head of government. The Oyomesi was not the head.
• E. Considered as semi-division: Meaningless in this context.

Answer: The Oyomesi shared authority with the Alafin, which gave the Oyo system a form of checks and balances.

Exam tip: Remember "Oyomesi = kingmakers and checkers." Whenever you see Oyomesi, think of the Bashorun, the seven chiefs, and the check on the Alafin. Remember "Ogboni = secret society or cult."