The Ogboni cult in the pre-colonial Yoruba political system played the role of the Judiciary.
The Ogboni was the third organ of government of old Oyo Empire. It was a secret society, made up of prominent diviners and headed by the Oluwo. One of their constitutional functions was to check the excesses of the Oyemesi, such as the rejection of an Alaafiri. It was also its duty to mediate between the Alaafiri and the Oyemesi. The Ogboni performed judicial functions especially on cases involving spilling of blood.