Bashorun


The Bashorun was the second highest title in the Oyo Empire, following the Aláàfin, the king. The Bashorun was the leader of the 7-person council of Oyo called the Ọ̀yọ́ Mèsi and his position was essentially that of a Prime Minister or Chancellor, which he is often referred to as. In times without an Aláàfin, the Bashorun would rule as regent. It was his duty to protect the unwritten constitution and counter the Aláàfin when he becomes unfit to rule, either through disability or by becoming tyrannical. They are also known as "the king maker" because they play the biggest role in choosing the next Aláàfin. The Bashorun intern is appointed by the Aláàfin; it was custom for the Bashorun to be a descendant of a former Bashorun which has led to various dynasties forming throughout the existence of the title. The office greatly lost significance after a Bashorun, Gáà, overthrew the Aláàfin in 1754.
TenureIncumbent BashorunIncumbent Aláàfin
c.1300 Foundation of Oyo Empire
c. 1300Ẹfufu-kò-fẹ-oriOranyan, Aláàfin
???"Ẹrin-din-logun-Agbọn kò ṣe dani ifa"Ajaka, Aláàfin
???SalekuodiShango, Aláàfin
???SalekuodiAjaka , Aláàfin
???BanijaAganjusola, Aláàfin
c. 1400ẸrankogbinaAganjusola, Aláàfin
c. 1400ẸrankogbinaKori, Aláàfin
???EṣugbiriKori, Aláàfin
???EṣugbiriOluaso, Aláàfin
c. 1500Ayangbagi AroOnigbogi, Aláàfin
???Sokia "ti iwọ ẹwn irin"Ofiran, Aláàfin
???ỌbalohunEguguojo, Aláàfin
ca.1550-1560AṣamuOrompoto, Aláàfin
late 1500sIbatẹ̀Ajiboyede, Aláàfin
late 1500sIbatẹ̀Abipa, Aláàfin
ca 1580-1600Iba MagajiObalokun, Aláàfin
ca 1580-1600Iba MagajiOluodo, Aláàfin
ca 1580-1600Iba MagajiAjagbo, Aláàfin
1600sAkindeinAjagbo, Aláàfin
1600sAkindeinOdarawu, Aláàfin
mid to late 1600sWorudaKanran, Aláàfin
mid to late 1600sWorudaJayin, Aláàfin
late 1600sIba BiriJayin, Aláàfin
late 1600sIba BiriAyibi, Aláàfin
late 1600sOluajaAyibi, Aláàfin
late 1600sYabiAyibi, Aláàfin
late 1600sApalàOsiyago, Aláàfin
early 1700sYau YambaOjigi, Aláàfin
early 1700sJambuGberu, Aláàfin
early 1700sJambuAmuniwaiye, Aláàfin
mid 1700sKogbọ̀nAmuniwaiye, Aláàfin
mid 1700s - 1754Soyiki/ÈṣùògbóOnisile, Aláàfin
July 1754 - ca.1780GáàLabisi, Aláàfin
July 1754 - ca.1780GáàAwonbioju, Aláàfin
July 1754 - ca.1780GáàAgboluaje, Aláàfin
July 1754 - ca.1780GáàMajeogbe, Aláàfin
July 1754 - ca.1780GáàAbiodun, Aláàfin
ca.1780-ca.1790KangidiAbiodun, Aláàfin
late 1700sAṣamu-Agba o-léèkanAwole Arogangan, Aláàfin
ca.1800Alobitoki Adebo, Aláàfin
ca.1800Alobitoki Makua, Aláàfin
ca.1800Alobitoki vacant, vacant
????Majotu, Aláàfin
????Amodo, Aláàfin
early 1800s - 1831AkioṣoOluewu, Aláàfin
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