OYO MESI
Alaafin of Oyo during the Oyo-Ile era (old Oyo empire) was not a king, he was an Emperor, a deity! Even up to date, Alaafin of Oyo’s power is paramount.
The trio phrase of; ‘IKÚ BÀBÁ YÈYÉ” which is translated as; ” THE DEATH, THE PATERNAL and THE MATERNAL” might not mean anything to us in this modern Democratic Era but in the ancient Yoruba Days, it meant a great deal.
Yet, as powerful as the Alaafin is, the system of government in Yorubaland is considerate and gives room for “checks and balances”. Alaafin’s power can be checked and cautioned by the Oyomesi.
The Oyo Mesi developed as a check on the Alaafin’s power, preventing the Alaafin from being an autocrat; the Oyo Mesi compelled many Alaafin to commit suicide during the 17th and 18th centuries. The Bashorun has the final say on the nomination of the new Alaafin, his power rivalling the king himself.
Oyo mesi can be regarded as kingmakers. Oyo Mesi consists of the seven most noble and most honourable councillors of the state. The consent of the Oyomesi is required before any reasonable decision could be taken by Oba.
There are two classes of noblemen at Oyo; in the first, the title is hereditary; the second which is strictly military is the reward of merit alone and not necessarily hereditary.
In both, each member is styled “Iba” which means a lord being a diminutive of “Oba” a king.
The position of each of the seven state councillors, Oyo Mesi is hereditary in the same family but not necessarily from father to son; it is within the king’s prerogative to select which member of the family is to succeed to the title or he may alter the succession altogether.
The Oyomesi represent the voice of the nation; on them devolves the chief duty of protecting the interests of the kingdom. The king must take counsel with them whenever any important matter affecting the state occurs.
Each of them has his state duty to perform, and a special deputy at court every morning and afternoon whom they send to the Alaafin at all times when they are unavoidably absent.
According to Samuel Johnson in his book: The History of the Yorubas, the Seven Oyo Mesi are of the following order:
- Basorun
- Agbaakin
- Samu
- Alapini
- Lagunna
- Akiniku
- Asipa
BASORUN: THE OSORUN OR IBA OSORUN
Basorun (the lord that performs the Orun) may be regarded as the prime minister and chancellor of the kingdom. He is not only the president of Oyomesi but his power and influence are immeasurably greater than those of the remaining six Oyo Mesi put together.
Basorun’s power is absolute. If the Alaafin is ultra-tyrannical and withal unconstitutional hence unacceptable to the nation it is the Basorun’s prerogative as the mouth-piece of the people to move his rejection as a king in which case the Alaafin has no alternative but to take poison and die.
There were times in the history of Oyo when the Basoruns were more powerful than the Alaafin himself. A good example is Basorun Gaa; the most controversial figure in Oyo History.
Some points of similarities may be noted between Alaafin and his Basorun also. The Alaafin is “Oba” (a king) he is “Iba” (a lord). The Alaafin’s wives are called “Ayaba“, and the Basorun’s “Ayinba”.
The Alaafin has his crown, his throne, and his “Ejigba” around his neck. The Osorun has a specially made coronet of his own, a special ornament skin called “Wabi” on which he sits, and a string of beads (Ileke) around his neck also like “Ejigba”.
AGBAAKIN
The Agbaakin comes second. He is also powerful and well respected but not up to Basorun. Agbaakin is a noble title, just as the name implies: Àgbàlagbà akin which means “elderly brave one”.
Agbaakin can be assigned to perform responsible roles. He is well respected and highly esteemed.
In history, Agbaakin has been known to be in charge of the worship of Oranmiyan, the founding father of Oyo.
SAMU
Samu is another notable member of the Oyo Mesi. Although not as powerful as the Basorun, he is also a force to reckon with.
Just like the Agbaakin, Samu can also be assigned to perform responsible roles as a member of the council.
His presence is expected in meetings and contributions needed in a crucial decision that affects the kingdom.
ALAPINI
Alapini is the head of the Egungun mysteries, as such he is the head of religious affairs in general.
He has the charge of the famous Jenju, who is the head Egungun of the country, and who executes witches!
Alapini is a religious and highly spiritual figure. He shares with the priests all religious offerings, and secular matters with the noblemen of his class.
By virtue of his Peculiar office, he must be a “monorchis“.
LAGUNNA
Lagunna is another reputable member of the Oyomesi. Asides taking part in the decision that affects the kingdom, he is also the kingdom’s representative.
The main duty of Lagunna amongst the Oyo Mesi is to act as the state ambassador in critical times. By default, his oratory skills are top-notch and he can influence the citizens.
AKINIKU
Akiniku is another notable member of the Oyo Mesi. Although not as powerful as the Basorun, he is also a force to reckon with.
Akiniku can also be assigned to perform responsible roles as a member of the council.
His presence is expected in meetings and contributions needed in a crucial decision that affects the kingdom.
ASIPA
As the last of the Oyo Mesi, Asipa performs the duties of the junior.
He is referred to as the “Ojuwa” i.e. the one who distributes whatever presents are given to the Oyo Mesi. This makes Asipa very close to the remaining six Oyomesi on a personal level.
Asipa is also well respected and usually play an active role in serving the kingdom.
FUNCTIONS OF THE OYOMESI
Select a new Alaafin
One of the functions of the Oyomesi is the selection and replacement of the Alaafin or king when he died or abdicated his throne.
Installation of a new Alaafin
Another function of the Oyomesi is to take part in the installation of a new king after a candidate was found. The installation of kings is one of the high points in the administration of the empire and the Oyomesi are required to partake in all its activities.
Initiate laws
The Oyomesi have the power to initiate laws for consideration and subsequent adoption if deemed necessary for the efficient administration of the kingdom.
Checks on the powers of the Oba
The Oyomesi serve as a check on the powers of the Alaafin or king. Led by the Bashorun, the Oyomesi are invested with the power to dethrone the Alaafin if the people lost confidence in his administration.
Ensure policies were implemented
The Oyomesi are tasked with ensuring that the policy decisions taken by the state are implemented throughout the empire. They make sure there is full compliance.
Religious functions
It is the duty of the head of the council of Oyo Mesi, the Bashorun, to consult the Ifa oracle for the approval of the gods. Though the appointment of a new king is the duty of the Oyomesi, the new Alaafin is seen as an appointment by the gods.
Advise Alaafin on good governance
It is the duty of the Oyomesi to advise the Alaafin on matters of good governance.
REFERENCES
- www.virtualkollage.com
- www.wikipedia.com
- The History of the Yorubas by Samuel Johnson
Written By Johnson Okunade
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