Ọyọmesi

Yoruba

Etymology

From the phrase Ọ̀yọ́ mọ èsì (“Ọ̀yọ́ knows how to respond”).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ɔ̀.jɔ́.mè.sì/

Proper noun

Ọ̀yọ́mèsì

1. A senior council of seven of the highest ranking chiefs in the Ọ̀yọ́ empire, consisting of the Baṣọ̀run, Aṣípa, Àgbàakin, Alápinni, Lágùnnà, Sàmù, and Akíníkù.
   • They are advisors of the Aláàfin and also served as checks and balances, and if necessary, could depose the king. They also served as Afọbajẹ, chiefs that elected the new monarch.

   Synonym: Ìwàrẹ̀fà Ọ̀yọ́