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.
