Theory question 106
Pre-colonial Political Systems(a) State three institutions in Yoruba Pre-colonial political system of administration.
(b) Explain four checks and balances that existed in Yoruba Pre-colonial political system.
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(a) Any three: the Oba/Alaafin; Oyo Mesi (council of kingmakers led by the Bashorun); Ogboni society; Are Ona Kakanfo (army commander) and the army; Baales and town chiefs; the Ifa oracle/priests.
(b) Any four: Oyo Mesi could reject (present an empty calabash or parrot's eggs to) an erring Alaafin, forcing him to commit suicide; the Ogboni checked the Oyo Mesi and mediated between it and the Alaafin; the Alaafin could check the Oyo Mesi, as the Bashorun had to die with a deposed king; Ifa oracle consulted in choosing and guiding rulers; the Are Ona Kakanfo had to commit suicide if he lost a war, and could not enter the capital; the people could revolt or desert an unpopular king.
Three institutions; then explain four checks, saying who checked whom.