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 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.Johnson, Samuel (August 2011). The history of the Yorubas : from the earliest times to the beginning of the British Protectorate. . OCLC 989713421.
TenureIncumbent Bashorun Incumbent Aláàfinc.1300 Foundation of Oyo Empirec. 1300 Ẹfufu-kò-fẹ-oriOranyan, Aláàfin??? "Ẹrin-din-logun-Agbọn kò ṣe dani ifa"Ajaka, Aláàfin??? SalekuodiShango, AláàfinAjaka (restored), Aláàfin??? BanijaAganjusola, Aláàfin c. 1400 ẸrankogbinaKori, Aláàfin??? EṣugbiriOluaso, Aláàfinc. 1500 Ayangbagi AroOnigbogi, Aláàfin??? Sokia "ti iwọ ẹwn irin"Ofiran, Aláàfin??? ỌbalohunEguguojo, Aláàfinca.1550-1560 AṣamuOrompoto, Aláàfinlate 1500s Ibatẹ̀Ajiboyede, AláàfinAbipa, Aláàfinca 1580-1600 Iba MagajiObalokun, AláàfinOluodo, AláàfinAjagbo, Aláàfin1600sAkindeinOdarawu, Aláàfinmid to late 1600s WorudaKanran, AláàfinJayin, Aláàfinlate 1600sIba BiriAyibi, AláàfinOluajaYabi ApalàOsiyago, Aláàfinearly 1700s Yau YambaOjigi, AláàfinJambuGberu, AláàfinAmuniwaiye, Aláàfinmid 1700sKogbọ̀nmid 1700s - 1754 Soyiki/ÈṣùògbóOnisile, AláàfinJuly 1754 - ca.1780 GáàLabisi, AláàfinAwonbioju, AláàfinAgboluaje, AláàfinMajeogbe, AláàfinAbiodun, Aláàfinca.1780-ca.1790Kangidilate 1700s Aṣamu-Agba o-léèkanAwole Arogangan, Aláàfinca.1800 Alobitoki (?)Adebo, AláàfinMakua, Aláàfinvacant, vacant??? ?Majotu, Aláàfin ?Amodo, Aláàfinearly 1800s - 1831 AkioṣoOluewu, Aláàfin
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