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The Bashorun (also Baṣọ̀run, Ọṣọrun or Iba Ọṣọrun) 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 chosing 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.

References

1. ^ Ogundiran, Akinwumi (2020). The Yorùbá: a new history. Bloomington, Indiana: Indiana University Press. p. 359. ISBN 978-0-253-05150-9.
2. ^ Johnson, Samuel (August 2011). The history of the Yorubas : from the earliest times to the beginning of the British Protectorate. ISBN 0948390891. OCLC 989713421.
3. ^ Akintoye, Stephen Adebanji (2010). A History of the Yoruba People. Chicago: Amalion. pp. 261–280. ISBN 978-2-35926-005-2.
4. "Alaafin of Oyo: Wo Alàáfin 43 tó jẹ́ láti ìgbà ìwásẹ̀ ṣáajú Lamide Adeyemi tó ṣẹ̀ṣẹ̀ wàjà". BBC News Yorùbá (in Yoruba). 2022-04-24. Retrieved 2025-01-16.

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