Week 9: MAJOR CENTRALIZED STATES IN THE PRE-COLONIAL NIGERIA

Content: Examples of Centralized states in Pre-colonial Nigeria.

i)Oyo Empire

ii)Igala Kingdom

iii)Benin Empire

Oyo Empire

Oduduwa's son, Oranmiyan, became the first Alaafin of Oyo and ruler of the Oyo people. The metropolitan city of ancient Oyo was its capital at Oyo-Ile or Oyo Katunga. The two most important structures in Oyo-Ile were the Afin or palace of the Oba and his market called Oja Oba. The importance of the palace and the king's market signified the importance of the king in Oyo.

The political structure of the old Oyo Empire was not based on hereditary or absolute monarchy but on choice. The old Oyo Empire had a council of king-makers known as Oyo Mesi, who appointed the Alaafin of Oyo. The king was not required to be a direct descendant of the deceased Alaafin but should be a member of the royal house of Oranmiyan. The Alaafin is responsible.... View More