4.2 The political developments of Oyo and Dahomey Flashcards
What was the original structure of the Oyo Empire?
The original structure consisted of metropolitan Oyo and expanded through imperial expansion into a federal system with four layers.
What are the four layers of the Oyo Empire?
- Metropolitan Oyo
- Yorubaland
- Egbado Corridor
- Ajaland
Who governed the provinces in Metropolitan Oyo?
Each province was supervised by a governor appointed by the alafin of Oyo.
What was the role of the alafin in the Oyo Empire?
The alafin was the head of the empire, responsible for the safety of tributaries, settling internal disputes, and mediating between sub-rulers and their people.
What was the significance of the Oyo mesi?
The Oyo mesi were seven principal councilors with legislative powers, serving as a check on the alafin’s power.
What was the role of the basorun in the Oyo political system?
The basorun was the head of the Oyo mesi, consulted the Ifa oracle, and had significant power, rivaling that of the alafin.
What does ‘Ekeji Orisa’ mean in relation to the alafin?
‘Ekeji Orisa’ means ‘companion of the gods,’ indicating the alafin’s divine connection.
What was the function of the Aremo in the Oyo political system?
The Aremo was the alafin’s oldest son, often seen as a powerful figure who could influence public perception.
True or False: The Oyo Empire was a hereditary monarchy.
False.
What was the festival of Orun?
A religious divination to determine if the Oyo mesi still held favor with the alafin.
What did the presentation of an empty calabash or parrot’s egg signify?
It signified that the alafin must commit suicide, as he was rejected by the Oyo mesi.
Fill in the blank: The political system of Oyo consisted of patrilineal lineage, the alafin, and the _______.
Oyo mesi.
Who were the ajele in the Oyo Empire?
Agents appointed by the alafin to oversee his interests in tributary towns.
What change occurred in the succession process of the alafin by the 1730s?
It became customary for the alafin, his eldest son, and the Samu to commit suicide if rejected by the Oyo mesi.
What led to the institutionalization of the alafin’s suicide by 1800?
A growing belief that kings should not die a natural death due to unchecked despotism.
Who had the final say in the selection of a new alafin?
The basorun of the Oyo mesi.
What was the political role of the Samu?
A member of the Oyo mesi and personal councillor to the alafin.
What did the power struggle between alafins and councillors often lead to?
Frequent changes in leadership and, at times, the alafin’s assassination.
What was the significance of the term ‘Ogboni society’?
A secret cult group for the worship of the Earth that included male elders of the city.
What was the relationship between the Aremo and the public perception of power?
The Aremo was often seen as the public king while the alafin remained secluded.
What was the impact of Karan’s reign on the concept of alafin’s power?
It established the principle that kings could be dethroned if unpopular, leading to more assertive control by the Oyo mesi.
What role did the basorun and the Oyo mesi play in the succession of the alafin?
They had the final voice in deciding who was to succeed.
What power did the aremo hold even after losing the succession?
He was head of one of the Oyo wards and had the powers of his father.
What action did Ojigi’s successor Gberu take regarding the title of basorun?
He conferred the title upon a personal friend, Jambu, from a different lineage.
What was the motive behind Gberu conferring the title of basorun to Jambu?
Fear of the great wealth and power of the existing basorun family.
What was the outcome of Jambu’s rise to power?
He engineered Gberu’s rejection and suicide, then ruled as Regent.
What significant change occurred to the basorun title in the 1790s?
The attempt to make the office of basorun appointive rather than hereditary was revived.
During the C18, what process was observed in Oyo’s political structure?
A process of centralisation.
What were ajele in the context of the Oyo political system?
Personal representatives installed by the alafin in provincial towns.
What challenges did the Oyo mesi face during the C18?
Growing state power and rising access to resources for elites through international trade.
Who usurped effective power from the alafin between 1754 to 1774?
Basorun Gaha.
What role did the armed forces play in the political struggles of Oyo?
They determined the course and outcome of the troubles.
How many alafin were forced to commit suicide before 1754?
6 of the 9.
What was the principal cause of dissension in Oyo during this period?
The recurrent opposition of alafin and basorun.
According to Akinjogbin, what dilemma did rulers face by 1750?
Whether to keep expanding or to concentrate on commerce, especially participation in the slave trade.
What economic sources became significant due to territorial expansion?
Booty, including slaves, and increased tribute.
What event in 1774 highlighted the conflict between the alafin and the basorun?
Abiodun’s rise to power and subsequent violence against Gaha.
What was the outcome of Abiodun’s death in 1789?
The Oyo mesi reasserted their power.
What caused the disintegration of the Oyo kingdom in 1796?
The coup d’état against Awole.
What characterized the political system of Dahomey under Agaja?
A centralised monarchy with appointed officials based on ability.
What led to civil war after Agaja’s death?
Rival claims to the throne by Aghidisu and Avissu.
What challenges did Tegbesu face upon his accession?
Opposition from rival claimants and discontent from the people.
How did Tegbesu maintain political power?
Systematic use of terror and execution of rivals.
What was Tegbesu’s approach to succession?
He stated that the crown was hereditary in the male line, but he designated the successor.
What curse did Tegbesu put on the sons of another brother?
He deprived them of succession by putting a curse on them.
What actions did Tegbesu take against potential threats to his throne?
He sold many princes into slavery and executed citizens and army captains.
What was the hereditary law governing succession in Dahomey?
The crown was hereditary in the male line, with the king designating which son should succeed.
Who could be chosen as a successor in Dahomey?
A successor could only be chosen from the children born by the six legally designated wives.
What significant event occurred on 20 June 1754?
It was announced that Tegbesu was dead and had been succeeded by his son.
How did Tegbesu ensure no one challenged his son’s right to rule?
He hid away for 6 months during which no one challenged his son.
What was the state of Dahomey a generation later due to Tegbesu’s actions?
Dahomey was a stable, highly autocratic, and centralised state.
What did Norris note about the Dahomians in the 1770s?
He noted their success in winning the allegiance of conquered peoples and the subservience of the population.
According to Akinjogbin, what was crucial for the survival of the Dahomian state?
The efficiency of its military organization and the ability to defeat rival claimants.
How did Dahomian kings win over dissidents?
They showed considerable skill in winning over dissidents and recruiting allies.
What was an example of Tegbesu’s political compromise after the civil war?
He conceded to leading families a hereditary claim to political office.
What strategy did Tegbesu use to secure the acceptance of Dahomian rule?
He struck collaborative bargains with local leaders.
Fill in the blank: Tegbesu’s kingdom was so well organized that everyone knew their _______.
rights and duties.
What was the role of the ilari system introduced by Tegbesu?
They were messengers/civil servants used to check remote officers and coordinate national plans.
What were the key administrative positions created under Tegbesu?
- Temigan (prime minister)
- Mehu (finance and commerce)
- Agau (General of the army)
- Ajau (first Counsellor)
- Diau (chief eunuch)
- Aplogan (assistant to Migan)
- Yovogan (assistant to Mehu)
- Sogan (assistant to Agau)
What was the significance of the administrative division of Whydah?
It was vital for trade, and officers had to be under the king’s authority.
What happened to the Yovogan position in Whydah between 1743 and 1760?
5 were beheaded and 3 recalled in disgrace.
What was the relationship between Dahomey and the European directors?
Directors were considered ‘guardians’ and were integrated into the administrative system.
What tribute was settled between Dahomey and Oyo?
- 41 men
- 41 young women
- 41 guns
- 400 bags of cowries
- 400 corals
What rights did Oyo have over Dahomey?
Oyo made laws, could ask for military contingents, and prevent Dahomey from waging war.
True or False: Dahomey retained control over its internal administration under Oyo.
True.
What did Kpengla adopt as a policy towards Oyo rule?
He adopted the policy of independence from Oyo rule.
What happened to Dahomey’s tribute payments to Oyo in 1823?
Dahomey ceased paying tribute to Oyo.
