What is the meaning of Oyo Mesi?

The Oyo Mesi is the privy council of Oyo, a Yoruba traditional state in Southwestern Nigeria. 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.

When was Oyo founded?

17th century
The people created a government that established its power over a vast empire. During the 17th century, Oyo began a long stretch of growth, becoming a major empire….Imperial period (1608–1800)

What is the function of Oyo Mesi?

The Oyomesi served as a check on the powers of the Alaafin or king. Led by the Bashorun, the Oyomesi could dethrone the Alaafin if the people lost confidence in his administration.

Who is the head of Oyo Mesi?

The Bashorun
The Bashorun, head of the Oyo Mesi, was a sort of prime minister. He was in charge of the religious divinations held annually to determine whether or not the Alafin retained the approval of the gods.

Who is the most powerful king in Yorubaland?

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi is the most powerful king in Yorubaland. The Alake says the Oni is the first of the five principal Obas in Yorubaland just like the Sultan is the highest ruler in northern Nigeria. The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III ranks second among the Obas in Yorubaland.

What is Oyo state known for?

Oyo State is noted for being the site of the first university in Nigeria, the University of Ibadan. The state economy remains largely agrarian, with the western city of Shaki being described as the state’s breadbasket. Cassava, cocoa, and tobacco are among the most important crops to Oyo State’s economy.

How much does Oyo pay to hotel owner?

Oyo rooms charges a commission of 22% from its hotel partners. However, this commission does vary according to the services provided by the brand.

How did the Oyo Empire fall?

Although the Fulani intrusion into Ilorin largely contributed to the collapse of the Oyo empire,… The decline was exacerbated by quarrels between the alaafin and his advisers; it continued throughout the 18th century and into the 19th, when Oyo began to lose control of its trade routes to the coast.

What was used as check and balance in the Yoruba kingdom?

The Oyo Empire was based on a complex system of checks and balances. It was structured in layers of traditional rulers and almost every layer of authority served as a check on the other. At the top of the Yoruba political structure was the king, called the Alaafin.

How was the Oyo empire governed?

Oyo was ruled by an alafin (king) who shared power with the Oyo Mesi, aristocratic leaders from each of Oyo city’s seven wards. The Oyo Mesi were responsible for the selection of the alafin. They could also call for an alafin’s suicide if he abused his power.

Why was the Oyo Empire important to Yoruba history?

During the 17th century, Oyo began a long stretch of growth, becoming a major empire. Oyo never encompassed all Yoruba-speaking people, but it was the most populous kingdom in Yoruba history. Oyo Empire and surrounding states, c. 1625. The key to Yoruba rebuilding of Oyo was a stronger military and a more centralized government.

When did the Oyo Empire invade the Kingdom of Dahomey?

It met little serious opposition until the early 18th century. In 1728, the Oyo Empire invaded the Kingdom of Dahomey in a major campaign of its cavalry. Dahomey warriors, on the other hand, had no cavalry but many firearms. Their gunshots scared the Oyo cavalry horses and prevented their charging.

What was the most important building in Oyo Ile?

The two most important structures in Oyo-Ile were the ‘Afin,’ or palace of the Oba, and his market. The palace was at the center of the city close to the Oba’s market called ‘Oja-Oba’.

Who was the supreme overlord of the Oyo Empire?

While the Alaafin of Oyo was supreme overlord of the people, he was not without checks on his power. The Oyo Mesi and the Yoruba Earth cult known as Ogboni kept the Oba’s power in check. The Oyo Mesi spoke for the politicians while the Ogboni spoke for the people and were backed by the power of religion.