CHAPTER V
NATIVE AUTHORITIES.
Peculiarity of Government—"Ibashorun" or Prime Minister—Shukenu—"His Highness Ogubonna," Friend of Civilization—"You are of my own kindred"—Atambala—Agé—Mr. Crowther and the Doctors—Order of Succession—Departments of Govern-ment—Shodeke.
THE government of Abbeokuta is peculiar, combining the monarchical, the patriarchal, and no small share of the republican. Almost every free man, woman and child is a member of the Ogboni Lodge, of which there is one in every township or chiefdom. These lodges are presided over by elders of their own election, and the elders at the decease of the chief choose his successor from his relatives, generally his brother, seldom or never from among his own sons, as hereafter explained. The successor of the king is also choosen by the chiefs and elders combined, their act being subsequently ratified by the people, assembled en masse. It is in this that the republican element of the government of Abbeokuta is recognized. There is, as already observed, a king, the Alake, or chief of Ake, which place ranks first among the numerous
