Yoruba political system. - Leadership positions were sometimes .

Yoruba political system Leadership in Yoruba kingdoms involved negotiation, ensuring diverse representation and community engagement. It consisted of a central level and subordinate units. Key distinctions include the centralization of power in the Hausa-Fulani system compared to the more decentralized Igbo system, and the hereditary succession in the Yoruba kingdom versus the age-based rotation in the Igbo. It was democratic to some extent and there was checks and balances against arbitrary use of power. From the vicissitudes of the politics of nationalist struggles against […] The Igbo system had no central authority like the Yoruba and Hausa. which therefore combines the two The emir exercised absolute executive, legislative and judicial functions, while the Yoruba system was based on checks and balances by various organs of government. In the pre-colonial political system, which of these societies practiced a form of democracy? (a) Yoruba (b) Hausa (c) Igbo THEORY How is the Igbo political system different from the Hausa? Book description Yorùbá Elites and Ethnic Politics in Nigeria investigates the dynamics and challenges of ethnicity and elite politics in Nigeria, Africa's largest democracy. edu Abstract As a major ethnic nationality in the multinational state cobbled together and christened by Lord Frederick Lugard, the Yoruba have been an integral part of the politics of the Nigerian diverse state since 1914. The tra- ditional political system of the Yoruba, though having that definitive legitimatized political coercion has provisions or values that would reduce political conflict to a minimum. Igbo society is reputed to have had a more decentralized political structure than any other major groups. It Consequently the merging together of the Yoruba empire under a recognized ruler simply connotes confederation (The coming together of two or more nations)while at that all the yoruba nations practiced a monarchical system. g. The introduction of warrant chiefs in Southern Nigeria led to resistance and heightened political tensions. Jul 7, 2022 · Legitimacy of government simply means (a) the ability to control others (b) the rights to inherit power (c) popular acceptance of a political system. Abstract The role of Obas in Yoruba political systems is central to understanding the interplay between traditional authority and contemporary governance. The Oba rules with the help of a council of chiefs and elders, known as the Oyo Mesi in Oyo or similar councils in other Yoruba kingdoms. The Alaafin as the political head of the Oyo Kingdom is assisted by his son called the Aremo, who is not allowed to succeed him immediately he dies. Central to this system is the Oba, a monarch whose role extends beyond political leadership to encompass spiritual authority. HAUSA/FULANI PRE-COLONIAL POLITICAL SYSTEM The Hausa political kingdom was taken over in 1809 by the Otman Dan Fodio led Jihad. The United States, on the other hand, has a capitalist economic system that emphasizes individual ownership and the accumulation of wealth. The Yoruba political system was decentralized, consisting of numerous kingdoms and city-states known as "Ilu," each ruled by an "Oba" or king. Features of Yoruba Pre-colonial Political System The size of the political system was a very large one. The Oyomesi played crucial roles in governance, including selecting the Alafin and maintaining law and order. Yoruba Political System (Western Nigeria) Pre-colonial Nigeria had structured political systems among major ethnic groups: Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba, and Igbo. Each city-state in the Yoruba political system was ruled by a monarch or ruler known as an oba. , Olu-Ilu) The Yoruba, like other ethnic groups in Nigeria, made significant contributions to the attain-ment of the country’s political independence. Scholars argue against Western notions of despotic Pre-Colonial Political System: Yoruba Political System- Pre-colonial Political Institutions with their Functions-Traditional Rulers, Council of Elders, Secret Societies, Age Grade etc. It was monarchical in nature and was headed by a king called Alafin. Success of the system in other countries: Lord Lugard introduced the system into Nigeria as a result of the success and acceptability it received in India and Uganda where it was initially Jul 29, 2020 · The pre-colonial system in Yoruba can be described to be democratic because of the inclusion of the principle of checks and balances that had been introduced in the system of administration. This approach to governance was prominent in the Oyo empire. JUDICIAL FUNCTIONS: The Oba and his Council of Chiefs handled judicial matters as they constituted the highest court of the land. It Oct 6, 2023 · PDF | On Oct 6, 2023, Jadesola Taiwo Babatola and others published POLITICAL SYSTEMS IN THE PRE-COLONIAL ERA AND THE RISE OF CONSTITUTIONALISM IN NIGERIA | Find, read and cite all the research you The Yoruba political administration had a decentralized structure, i. Before the advent of the British in Yoruba land, Yoruba kingdoms maintained an orderly and unified political system which is still in effect till today. The Igbo people traditionally had a decentralized political system with village councils and age-grade associations playing important roles in governance. The Hausa/Fulani and Yoruba system had a centralized system headed by an emir (Hausa) and the Alafin (oba) respectively. Yoruba families are, like most African families, dominated by the father. Political Organization Political organization is another area where the Igbo and Yoruba people have distinct systems. The Yoruba tribe apparently is one of the major tribes in Nigeria and Africa. He concludes with a discussion of current problems of local government. The oba had absolute control over the people, who viewed him as a celestial monarch. It was a society pertaining to old Oyo empire alone, made up of prominent great traditionalist and headed by the Oluwo. It is important to note that the system of administration was based on the principles of inheritance known as PATRILINEALITY (generations of male descendants). In Lagos, as in other Yoruba-led political spaces, no significant political upheaval is resolved without Aug 31, 2024 · A Council led by its President Hassan Oladotun, has identified key historical, political, and socio-economic factors contributing feud between Igbo and Yorubas. e. Apr 18, 2020 · The Igbo system had no central authority like the Yoruba and Hausa. Oyo was able to influence issues in other areas like; Dahomey, Ekiti, Ijebu, Ife etc. Different groups shared power and it involved the general participation of people in governance . The reason for this is because, understanding these things helps to ensure growth, development and unity in the nation. 3 YORUBA POLITICAL SYSTEM Before the advent of the British in Yoruba land; Yoruba kingdoms maintained an orderly and unified political system which is still in effect till today. Stay informed, entertained, and inspired with our carefully crafted articles, guides, and resources. They were all assisted by their various chiefs. At the heart of the Yoruba political structure was the concept of federalism. Mar 5, 2025 · 17. This is scarcely novel, being used by constitutional lawyers for centuries. Although, the executive and judicial functions were often invested in the Oba and his council alternative. Yoruba indigenous political structures were distorted rule. Everything roots from the family unit and this can’t be ignored. The indigenous political system consisted of a ruler and an advisory council of chiefs who represented the significant sectors of a society: descent groups, the military, religious cults, age grades, markets, and secret societies. THE YORUBA SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT DURING THE PRE-COLONIAL ERA The Yoruba were a sizable people group in West Africa, with a sophisticated political structure. Where the difference lies . The women designated Iyalode (literally "mother in charge of external affairs") represent women in the political process and provide a voice in an otherwise male-dominated government. PRE-COLONIAL POLITICAL STRUCTURE OF YORUBALAND: A DISCOURSE tish in Yorubaland, Yoruba kingdoms maintained an orderly and unified political system which is still in effect till today A Yoruba kingdom (e. The document outlines the differences between the pre-colonial political systems of the Hausa-Fulani, Igbo, and Yoruba. power was constitutionally shared among all political levels/sections of the kingdom ranging from the highest to the lowest unit, unlike the Hausa political system which was highly centralized. The Yoruba, concentrated in the southwest, had a well II. It should The nomination of parliamentary candidates in Northern Nigeria Forms and Problems of Validation in Social Anthropology Primitive Political Systems: A Preliminary Comparative Analysis* Some Notes on the Yoruba Rules of Succession and on “Family Property” In his description of the Yoruba political structure, Ojigbo states that Yoruba traditional society could be divided approximately into two groups, the royal and the non-royal lineages, which constitute the mass of the subjects. Apr 23, 2020 · YORUBA PRE-COLONIAL POLITICAL SYSTEM The Yorubas can be found in the south western region of Nigeria. Correct Answer: Option A Explanation The Ogboni cult in the pre-colonial Yoruba political system played the role of the Judiciary. Feb 6, 2025 · The key distinction between the Yoruba and Igbo pre-colonial political systems lies in their contrasting approaches to political organization. The choice of who governs at these various levels is done through democratic means. oruba political system was large in size, but it was sub-divided into unit he most popular and outstanding of Sharon Adetutu Omotoso Institute of African Studies University of Ibadan, Nigeria sharonomotoso@gmail. This system relied on the wisdom and experience of older members of society to govern. Segun Gbadegesin Department of Philosophy Howard University, United States agbadegesin@howard. Nov 12, 2021 · I won't fail to talk about the aspect of Ogboni society in the pre-colonial Yoruba political system in which they played the role of judiciary. Such representatives advised, adjudicated, administered, and set rules. Mar 14, 2023 · But this political system came to an end when the Jihad happened, leading to the introduction of fiefs. The Iyalode in the traditional Yoruba political system / Bolanle Awe Author: Awe, Bolanle Smithsonian Libraries African Art Index Project DSI Type: Articles Place: Nigeria, Western Date: 1977 Topic: Women in politics Women, Yoruba--Political activity Politics and government Call number: GN479. The author discusses the nature and the constitutional relationships among these elements in four kingdoms: the Kabba, Ekiti, Oyo, and Ijebu, and summarizes his The Yoruba political system was decentralized and based on checks and balances between different administrative levels like the king, kingmakers, army head, and councils. Explain the roles of the components of their respective structures. Mar 15, 2020 · Elements of checks and balances in pre-colonial Yoruba political system The Oracle: Ifa, the oracle, played very significant role in deciding policies and their This quiz explores the diverse governance systems in Pre-Colonial Nigeria, focusing on the major groups such as Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba, and Igbo. The Yoruba political system was characterized by a high degree of decentralization, with power distributed among various groups and individuals. Under this, we examine the pre-colonial Yoruba political system, the contributions of NFBOs to sustainable governance and the roles of Yoruba traditional core values at promoting sustainable governance and development. Jan 24, 2024 · What are the differences between the Yoruba and Igbo political system? Unlike among the Igbo communities where each community was totally autonomous, many Yoruba kingdoms regarded Oyo as their political headquarters. We also consider the contributions of mission faith-based organisations (MFBOs). The Oyo Empire was a Yoruba empire in West Africa. Lineages, associations, and the state are found to be closely affiliated among the Yoruba. The Yoruba political system is characterized by the presence of kingship, with traditional rulers known as "Obas" or "Obis" exercising authority. Their traditional political structures Conflict Resolution in the Traditional Yoruba Political System(English) 0 references main subject Nigeria 0 references form of government 1 reference based on heuristic inferred from title Yoruba people 1 reference based on heuristic inferred from title author name string Anthony Okion Ojigbo series ordinal 1 0 references publication date 1973 Correct Answer: Option A Explanation The Ogboni cult in the pre-colonial Yoruba political system played the role of the Judiciary. S48 1977 Data Source: Smithsonian Libraries EDAN-URL: The political articulation in the Yoruba states is expressed by means of two processes which give origin to two different principles of representation. There is a clear Notes on the institution of the Iyalode within the traditional Yoruba political system / Bolanle Awe Smithsonian Libraries and Archives Object Details Author Awe, Bolanle Smithsonian Libraries African Art Index Project DSI Notes PRE- COLONIALADMINISTRATION YORUBA LAND In discussing pre-colonial administration in the Yoruba land, old Oyo Empire was monarchial in nature. Feb 5, 2025 · The Yoruba and Igbo, two major ethnic groups in West Africa, had distinct political systems. Yoruba political system. , the Oyo kingdom) was made up of a headquarters (i. Contextual relationship: The Yoruba people are an ethnic group in West Africa with a long and complex history. Ile-Ife is considered the spiritual motherland of the Yoruba. The size of the political system was a very large one. Every individual Yoruba ‘belonged to an ebi (lineage) and the male members of a lineage, their wives (if they were married), and children lived together in one agbo-ile (compound)’ (Akintoye, 1971: 13). We then conclude and make some recommendations Oct 9, 2024 · Before the advent of British colonial rule, Yoruba and Igbo societies existed as distinct political entities with little interaction. 1 This elementary principle, which is of course fundamental in any dynastic state, can be a good starting point in the study of the Yoruba political system. Jan 20, 2025 · Correct answer： Oligarchy Analyze： Keyword/sentence analysis: The question asks about the system of government practiced by the Yorubas. The The Power of War-Commander (Balogun) in Yoruba Land Yoruba is a tribe with special heritage. The paper explores the evolution of political institutions and government in pre-colonial Nigeria, analyzing the diverse power structures and authority forms characteristic of various Nigerian societies. The political system featured checks and balances, hereditary leadership Abstract African traditional political systems have often been described as either monarchical or aristocratic. The Yoruba political system was large in size, but it was sub-divided into units of government. The highest authority is the Oba (king), such as the Ooni of Ife or Alaafin of Oyo. They passed capital punishment, fine and even death sentences to defaulters. Apr 18, 2020 · Features of Yoruba Pre-colonial Political System. Ile-Ife and Yoruba Culture Ile-Ife developed a centralized state system, complex artistic and craftsmanship abilities, socio-cultural and religious practices, and economic versatility. Preservation of traditional system: the existence of well organised traditional system paved the way for the adoption of indirect rule in the country. It provides a comprehensive review of the historical analysis of pre- colonial era and its political Mar 8, 2025 · The Yoruba political system has always been leader-centric, but not autocratic. THE YORUBA POLITICAL SYSTEM OF ADMINISTRATION. Mar 26, 2015 · By Doyin Okupe The Yoruba in national politics THE Political era of the second Republic 1979-1983 saw the Yoruba playing a role which was not too different from the one played in the first In both the Hausa/Fulani and Yoruba systems have monarchical system of leadership where leadership was inherited among family lines Igbo system on the other hand were republican and leadership was not necessarily inherited but earned based on achievement. The city’s founder and first sacred king, Oduduwa, was later deified as a mythic ancestor of all Yoruba people. The conclusions reached, a limited range of societies, will not lead immediately to a new classification political systems; wider comparison is essential. Discuss their structure of government. Different groups shared power and it involved the general participation of people in governance. Jun 6, 2020 · Chapter 15 (Politics and Yoruba Identity in the Late Colonial Era) discusses the roles played by some Yoruba in the organizations formed by European-educated African elites to agitate for independence in British West Africa, as well as their roles in the formation of political parties in Nigeria leading to the first general elections in Yorubaland. There were several political or public institutions charged with the specific public duties e. power was constitutionally shared among all political levels/sections of the kingdom ranging from the highest to the lowest unit unlike the Hausa political system which was highly centralized. The political head of every Yoruba kingdom is the Oba but that of the Oyo and Ife Kingdom goes with the title ‘Alafin’ and ‘Ooni’ respectively. For example, in traditional Yoruba society, the leader of an Ilu (town or society) is the Oba, the leaders of smaller villages are Baale, while the leaders of compounds are called Olori Ile. Originally The Yoruba political system was large in size, but it was sub-divided into units of government. The Yoruba political system was the most centralized and hierarchical of the three, while the Hausa and Igbo political systems were more fragmented. These are specially chosen people coronated and empowered to lead war fronts in The Yoruba people have also developed a political system based on chieftaincy, which emphasizes the importance of the welfare of the people. (ii) The head of the Hausa/Fulani Political system, the Emir, wielded absolute power. The Yoruba political system practised the principle of checks and balances. The Alafin as the political head of the empire was not an autocratic ruler. The Oyo Empire was Nov 4, 2025 · Political System of Administration in Igbo land Before the coming of the Europeans into Nigeria, the various ethnic groups were autonomous and had developed their traditional governmental systems in such a way that it reflected the culture, beliefs and traditions of the different areas. the royalty (Afin), the kingmakers (Oyomesi) and the cult (Ogboni) Apr 23, 2020 · III. Overview Describe the system of government of Hausa/Fulani, Igbo and Yoruba in pre-colonial days. There wasn't a single king or ruler with absolute power; instead, councils of elders guided the community. Sep 5, 2000 · The general features of the Yoruba political system before the advent of the British in the 19th century therefore showed that the size of the political system was moderate, though several The Yoruba and Igbo political systems have distinct features. Test your knowledge on the key components of these historical systems. With a strong emphasis on collective political action also entailed the struggle over the Dec 18, 2022 · For over two centuries, the region of south-western Nigeria populated by Yoruba-speakers was home to one of the largest states in west Africa after the fall of Songhai. The Oba: in Yorubaland of modern Nigeria and elsewhere in the word, the Oba is at the topmost hierarchy of the holders of traditional power and authority. SYSTEM OF ADMINISTRATION OF THE YORUBA PRECOLONIAL ADMINISTRATION. Administration in the system was decentralized. It Pre-Colonial Political Administration in Yoruba Land The Yoruba political administration had a decentralized structure i. First, the symbolic representation personified in the oba who, through the royal lineage, is linked with the foundations of the state and thus becomes the symbol and embodiment of its historical The central theme of this article is the role of the lineage system in the relationship between the government and the mass of the people. Feb 18, 2019 · The pre colonial Yoruba political system was arguably one of the most politically advanced societies in the sub Sahara Africa. Compare the different pre-colonial administrations. It operated an absolute monarchy; Yoruba Pre-Colonial operated a We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Before the arrival of the British, Yoruba kingdoms had maintained an orderly and unified political systems. This paper explores the multifaceted roles of Obas, who embody both political and spiritual leadership within the Yoruba socio-political framework. The Yoruba political system was a centralized one in which the headship was retained in the king. The system of government in the Old Oyo Empire was like most other kingdoms and empires that existed in Africa. At the apex was the Oba who was not an absolute ruler. Democratic values such as liberty, equality, and majority rule permeated Yoruba governance systems. Jul 9, 2025 · The Yoruba political system before 1800 was mainly a gerontocracy. The term "system of government" refers to the way power is organized and exercised within a society. Traditional Administrative System in Nigeria is both comprehensive and easy to understand, geared toward policy analysts and public managers. The Yoruba developed centralized states with powerful monarchs and hierarchical structures, while the Igbo maintained a decentralized system based on autonomous villages and kinship-based governance. Sep 18, 2017 · First, with a view to conceptualize the com? plex manifestation of communalism in Yoruba towns, I will show how Nigeria's politics of federalism have consistently given impetus to a para? doxical expression of pan-ethnic and intra-ethnic collective political action since the introduction of liberal democracy in the period of decolonization. The Yoruba pre-colonial political system was characterized by a complex network of city-states, each ruled by an Oba (king) and featuring a hierarchical social structure and sophisticated administrative systems. British indirect rule exploited existing political institutions, affecting local governance and authority in Nigeria. Free secondary school, High school lesson notes, classes, videos, 1st Term, 2nd Term and 3rd Term class notes FREE. It was located in present-day western Nigeria (including the South West zone, Benin Republic, and the western half of the North Central zone). Click to read:Pre-Colonial Political System: Yoruba and Traditional Rulers - Discover insightful and engaging content on StopLearn Explore a wide range of topics including . This document provides an overview of a course on the history of administrative systems in Nigeria. It was a strong religious and political incursion that culminated in the establishment of Sokoto caliphate. It categorizes these political entities into centralized and decentralized systems, emphasizing historical perspectives on state formation. This assertion hinges on the fact that, although the Yoruba claim a common progenitor, namely Oduduwa, their judi-cial and Yorùbá Identity and Power Politics covers the major issues on Yorùbá identity, history, and politics, thus offering a solid understanding of one of the most imp In this article the author briefly outlines the traditional Yoruba political system as encountered in the towns, the changes brought about by the British administration directly and the changes effected directly and indirectly by a modern commercial economy. . The Yoruba people are located in Yorubaland, which spreads I propose to describe here four types of Yoruba political structure, these features and ignoring most others. DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE YORUBA AND IGBO POLITICAL SYSTEM The oba-in-council formulated governmental policies in the yoruba kingdom, but decisions were collectively taken by the consensus of the title holders, council of elders, age grades and the entire village assembly among the igbo. The rise of Oyo empire as the dominant state of the Yorubaland owed much to its complex political structure, whose elaborate system of government that distributed authority among different institutions, enabled Oyo to project It is impractical to present a general review of Yoruba judicial and politi-cal systems in a single paper, which is why Lloyd (1971) opined that it would be possible to write several volumes on comparative political systems, drawing almost all of the examples from Yoruba. The empire grew to become the largest Yoruba -speaking state through the organizational and administrative efforts of the Yoruba people, trade, as well as the military use of cavalry. The oba was also accountable for safeguarding Yoruba Nov 4, 2025 · The Oyo Kingdom had a well-defined structure representative of the pre-colonial political system of the Yoruba. It represented the central point of the people’s cultural In the pre-colonial Yoruba political system, checks and balances were integral to governance. These civilizations didn’t exist in isolation, though. The system was a constitutional monarch, the system was decentralized, and the Oba was not an autocratic ruler. The capital city of the emirate was the seat of the government of the pre-colonial Hausa-Fulani political system. Conversely, obas (Yoruba monarchs), baales (head educated Christian elites and Muslim merchants embraced ations of traditional authorities to reinforce and expand shifting colonial context. The Yoruba kingdoms fell somewhere between these two, developing complex monarchical structures with multiple centers of power. It includes 14 study sessions that cover: 1) Traditional pre-colonial administrative systems among the Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa-Fulani and Benin Empire. It seeks to provide an account of the religious institutions that are found in Yorubaland, and to relate these to some aspects of the political and Sep 12, 2012 · Analyzed in the context of the political configurations that emerged under the indirect rule system and the unfolding drama of an emergent post-colonial Nigerian state, I seek to critically discuss the following major themes in Yorùbá politics during the decolonization process: traditional political authorities and the imperative of What kind of government did the Yoruba have? The pre-colonial political administration in Yoruba land is one of the most popular among the pre-colonial systems or administrations in Nigeria. Oyomesi is the seven king makers headed by the The Oyo Empire was a significant political entity in the Yoruba system, characterized by a centralized administration led by the Alafin, with various political roles including the Oyomesi and provincial governors. In Yoruba political system, we have Oba (King), Eso (Securities) and Oloye (Chiefs) - Each of them having their unique functions they play in governing people. THE YORUBA POLITICAL SYSTEM: The Yoruba kingdoms are descendants of Oduduwa, who originally settled at ile-Ife. He established a robust system of The nomination of parliamentary candidates in Northern Nigeria Forms and Problems of Validation in Social Anthropology Primitive Political Systems: A Preliminary Comparative Analysis* Some Notes on the Yoruba Rules of Succession and on “Family Property” Political Organization. - Decision-making was often done by a council of elders, led by the oldest and most respected individuals in the community. **Igbo Political System**: - The Igbo political system was predominantly decentralized, with autonomous villages and communities governing themselves. Oct 12, 2016 · Political Administration We shall discuss the political administration of the traditional Yoruba society with particular reference to Oyo kingdom. 3) Post-independence constitutions and developments in public administration, civil service Dec 19, 2017 · B. The Ogboni was the third organ of government of old Oyo Empire. 7 . It should COMPARISON OF HAUSA-FULANIPRE-COLONIAL POLITICAL SYSTEM AND YORUBA PRE-COLONIAL POLITICAL SYSTEM The Hausa-Fulani governmental system was centralized and ruled by an Emir while the Yoruba kingdom was semi-centralised and headed by an Oba. Yoruba Political System Jul 23, 2020 · The Igbo people unlike the Yoruba and the Hausa had a complex system of administration in the pre-colonial era. The Yoruba were characterized by centralized states with powerful monarchs, while the Igbo were known for their decentralized, segmentary system based on kinship and village autonomy. In fact, many European and African political thinkers see democracy as a system of government that began in Greece and was imported through Europe Dec 17, 2023 · However, authority in the apex-structured political system of the Yoruba obtains in the following configuration. Pre-Colonial Political Administration in Yoruba Land The Yoruba political administration had a decentralized structure i. Hardly did European historians and sociologists make any reference to a democratic system of governance in traditional African societies. The political structure of the Oyo Yoruba was more complex, based on title grades, and different palace societies, religious groups and a council of chiefs; each group had its own functions. Political Structure of The Yoruba Land The Yoruba Kingdom developed an efficient governmental system which existed for centuries before the coming of the Europeans into Nigeria. Week 3 Government Lesson Note for SS2 Topic: The Yoruba Political System of Administration. May 29, 2024 · Yoruba civilization has traditionally used a variety of governance models, including monarchy, chieftaincy, democratic governance, and syncretic forms of authority. His seven sons formed the seven Yoruba kingdoms. com Abstract Nigeria’s political sphere is fraught with violence, electoral frauds, unfulfilled promises and negligence on the part of the ruling class, hence political communication in Nigeria have been faced with hostility from electorates spurred by public distrust of the mass media. DIFFERENCES BETWEEN HAUSA/FULANI AND IGBO TRADITIONAL POLITICAL SYSTEM Jan 23, 2022 · The Igbo and Yoruba political systems in Nigeria have distinct characteristics: 1. We are going to take an explicit look at the nature of the Yoruba pre-colonial May 17, 2025 · Introduction The Yoruba people, one of the largest ethnic groups in Nigeria, have developed a sophisticated political system deeply rooted in their history and culture. It dates to the medieval period, when it served as the government of a powerful pre-colonial state that was known as the Oyo empire. [1] Differences Between the Yoruba and Igbo Political Systems Yoruba Political System The Yoruba people traditionally have a centralized political system. Political succession was not necessarily hereditary, and new kings were Yoruba pre-colonial political administration in Nigeria The political head of every Yoruba kingdom is the Oba but that of the Oyo and Ife Kingdoms goes with the title Alaafin and Ooni respectively. The argument is organized around the ideas and Get the full answer from QuickTakes - This content discusses the political interactions among major ethnic groups in pre-colonial Nigeria, including the Yoruba, Hausa-Fulani, and Igbo, highlighting their unique governance structures and forms of political engagement. DIFFERENCES AND SIMILARITIES BETWEEN THE YORUBA, IGBO AND HAUSA TRADITIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE SYSTEMS IN NIGERIA Family Life Yoruba: Family life is the foundation of Yoruba culture, as I have learned and I have been told and shown. Although the struggle for political independ-ence cut across ethnic lines and was initially not ethnic-specific, the Yoruba with their early exposure to Western education coupled with the heritage of advanced civilization and soci-ocultural developments ABSTRACT Originally written and published in 1910, Dennett's study of the Yoruba is designed to provide a clear and intelligble description of the beliefs and values which underlie traditional practices and customs among this Nigerian tribe. The Iyalode is an institution of female political leadership among the Yoruba of southwestern Nigeria. Yoruba political organization demonstrates a complex interplay between monarchy and democratic principles. It was a secret society, made up of prominent diviners and headed by the Oluwo. It highlights the unique political organizations and motivating factors that shaped their governance structures. The decisions of the Oba court cannot be questioned. Jul 1, 2015 · The pre-colonial political administration in Yoruba land is one of the most popular among the pre-colonial systems or administrations in Nigeria. This means that the elders of the community held the most power and made important decisions. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Abstract Traditional institution was the most relevant institution in all the Yoruba towns and villages in the pre- colonial period. May 17, 2025 · The Yoruba people, one of the largest ethnic groups in Nigeria, have developed a sophisticated political system deeply rooted in their history and culture. The Oyo Empire had the most influential system, led by the Alaafin king but checked by bodies like the Oyomesi kingmakers and Are-ona-kankanfo army head. Nov 19, 2017 · The Yoruba Political System and Philosophy of Governance In practice, just as individual rights and freedoms drive the practice of either parliamentary or presidential democracies in the Europe and America, so does the principle of omolúwàbí cut across the everyday material and spiritual lives of the rank and file of the Yorùbá. A statue of Oloye Oluyole of Ibadan, a Bashorun of the Oyo empire in the 19th century The Oyo Mesi is the privy council of Oyo, a Yoruba traditional state in Southwestern Nigeria. The office of the Oba was sacred. Oracle – is a strong believe in the Igbo community Supreme God which is called Chineke. It had most of the features of the modern society. The proper functionality of the political and government machinery is thus assured and maintained. The Yoruba political system in the then Western Nigeria represented the large chiefdom where the ruler governed with a council of chiefs. The Yoruba Political System (Semi-centralized System) The Yoruba pre-colonial administration had a limited monarchy and a mixture of some elements of Hausa/Fulani and Igbo system of administration which curtailed the powers of the state. The central political level was headed by the King (Oba) assisted by chiefs and Jun 17, 2024 · The Hausa-Fulani political system was monarchical, headed by kings, while the Igbo traditional political system was republican in nature with no single ruler. The system provided for a constitutional monarch. Apr 16, 2025 · The Emirate system featured district heads, tax collection, and law enforcement—making it a highly structured political system in pre-colonial Nigeria. The government in each Yoruba city was an intricate system of power relations, a complex web of checks and balances. And although the governmental systems of the Hausa and Igbo were secular, the Yoruba’s were deeply rooted in religion. It became a cultural and political model for other Yoruba communities, which replicated the Ife model in their territories. An Oba in Yoruba political system was/is ordained by the community’s spiritual/natural authorities, acceptable to and by the community as a role model and unquestionable leader- ka bi e si. In his description of the Yoruba political structure, Ojigbo states that Yoruba traditional society could be divided approximately into two groups, the royal and the non-royal lineages, which constitute the mass of the subjects. It (Oyo Empire) happened to be the most popular and outstanding of all the empires or kingdoms in Yoruba political system. War Lords can be described as “Balogun” in Yoruba Language. PRE-COLONIAL POLITICAL SYSTEM IN YORUBA LAND Oyo was a very large empire divided into different provinces. The Yoruba political administration had a decentralized structure, i. Nov 6, 2018 · Today, Awe is still advocating for the broader and institutionalised studies of gender in Nigerian universities to illuminate the social, political, economic, and cultural factors that — and continue to — hinder Nigerian and African women from taking their rightful places as citizens with enshrined and guaranteed rights. The Yoruba political system was a kind of constitutional monarchy based on a number of checks and balances. There was a system of checks and balances so that the Oba did not abuse the power. This study material is aimed at students as well as practitioners in the fields of public administration, public policy, and various social sciences. Which were later split into fourteen due to incessant wars among them? Jan 22, 2021 · It is imperative for every Nigerian to understand the pre-colonial administration of all the tribes in the country. They practice a form of direct democracy. The Caliphate was a highly centralized, autocratic political system. The Oba (king) did not have absolute power; his authority was limited by the Oyo Mesi (a council of chiefs) and the Ogboni society (a religious and judicial group). The Yoruba pre-colonial political system had a centralized system of public administration and governance Political authority was vested in one single head, the King (Oba). The Yoruba people, mostly found in modern-day southwestern Nigeria, created one of the most effective, stable, and celebrated civilizations and political structures in sub-Saharan Africa, with the city of Ile-Ifẹ considered its original source. 2) The establishment of British rule and indirect rule. Nov 20, 2024 · As you delve into the origins, history, beliefs, and culture of the Yoruba people, you'll uncover a world of intricate traditions, profound spirituality, and artistic expression. The question “Where are your leaders?” is one that Yoruba politics answers with a structured chain of command, where senior figures and respected elders act as stabilising forces during moments of crisis. Irrespective of the bias criticism of euro-centric writers concerning the socio-political structure of African states in the pre-colonial period, the socio-political system of Yoruba society has been noted to be highly sophisticated and complex. Wale Adebanwi demonstrates how the corporate agency of the elite transformed the modern history and politics of one of Africa's largest ethnic groups, the Yorùbá. Feb 19, 2019 · The pre colonial Yoruba political system was arguably one of the most politically advanced societies in the sub Sahara Africa. - Leadership positions were sometimes Yoruba Political System (The Oyo Empire) cal system was a kind of constitutional monarchy based checks and balances. In the fiefdom political system, the villages were ruled by fief-holders answerable to the paramount rulers or emirs. One of their constitutional functions was to check the excesses of the Oyemesi, such as the rejection of an Alaafiri. This The Igbo political system in the then Eastern Nigeria represented segmentary and fragmented political system in which political authority is shared by many political institutions. The Yoruba system also features a council of chiefs who assist the king in decision-making. jtuqrps zoebj yyno omvs inwqx fpyzqq gfsc hczrgy fkx wfof emeveq ccpex lbuq cdgs ikrobzf