Basorun

Basorun is a traditional Yoruba title used in several Yoruba polities, most notably the Oyo Empire. It designated a senior official who served as a prime minister and as the leader of the royal council. As a high-ranking court official, the Basorun was closely involved in advising the Oba (king) and in the administration of state affairs.

In the political system of the Oyo Empire, the Basorun was a leading member of the Oyomesi, the council of state that counseled the Oba and helped govern the realm. The office carried considerable influence, often extending to military matters and policy decisions. The Basorun could act as a check on the Oba and, in some periods, play a central role in the selection or deposition of rulers, reflecting the balance of power between the monarchy and the council.

The prominence of the Basorun varied with historical circumstances. During certain eras, the Basorun and the Oyomesi could constrain or even remove a king; in other periods, central authority shifted toward the Oba or other power centers. This dynamic helped shape the political landscape of the Yoruba states and contributed to the complex governance traditions that characterized the region.

In contemporary Nigeria, the title Basorun is largely historical and ceremonial. It may appear in traditional contexts or as part of local chieftaincy structures, and the term also survives as a personal or family name in Yoruba communities.