Nigeria’s Traditional rulers are revered and their influence stretch beyond their kingdom. So, when the demise of any traditional ruler is announced, it is considered as a monumental loss.

The ruler is accorded all traditional rites and sent his ancestors with pomp and pagentry. Only, insiders understand this process because it is carried out in deep secrecy. After the ceremony is done, the jostle to select the next traditional ruler begins. This process involves wide consultations with political bickering being the order of the day.

For example, despite the controversy surrounding the death of the Ooni of Ife, Alayeluwa Oba Okunade Sijuwade, it has not stopped the various families entitled to the throne from scurrying to take over the great throne even with the dead yet unburied.

Jovago.com, Africa’s No 1 Hotel Booking Portal takes a look at how traditional rulers are selected in Nigeria’s three more ethnic groups namely Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa.


Yoruba

In Yoruba tradition, even though the position is hereditary, there are three to four families that are entitled to the throne. It is like a rotational system of government where rulership of a kingdom is rotated among the different families. For example, there are four ruling families that are entitled to the throne. The families are Osinkola, Lafogido, Giesi and Ogboru. Oba Sijuade is from the Ogboru ruling house which automatically rules the family out of the contest.

The palace elders who have a grounded knowledge of the selection process meet consistently and also consult oracles for guidance. Also, the state government have a key role to play. This is because they want to be on the same page with the Oba. This may be a major reason why the contest is controversial.


Hausa and Fulani

The Hausa and Fulani succession process is quite transparent when compared to other ethnic groups in Nigeria. The succession process is anchored by the Kingmakers with the State government playing a key role. A list is then drawn up of eligible individuals entitled to the throne and the best among them is selected.

This was exactly the process that was followed when Sanusi Lamido Sanusi became the Emir of Kano. Even before he became the emir, he already knew he would mount the throne. Perhaps other cultural groups in Nigeria should adopt this idea. There was little or no controversy in the process. Even the religious demands were strictly based on Islamic religion.


Igbo

During the colonial era the Igbos in South East Nigeria did not have king. They practiced a decentralised system of administration. In other words, everyone had a say in the socio-political system of the community.

However, that system has dissipated. Today, Kings (Obi, Igwe or Eze) are numerous across the region. The Igbos system is almost similar with the Yoruba process of succession. It is hereditary, requires spiritual atonement and consultation.

its naïve to say other cultures should adopt the 'idea' of another. that is a disrespect to other people's culture.
It would be better you write plainly without insinuating. For instance, you were insinuating religious intolerance.


"Even the religious demands were strictly based on Islamic religion"
This statement is insinuating that one religion is superior to another.

Don't forget you are writing for a corporate entity and this is a repute-shattering piece of writeup. Not adequate for a polycultural audience.

What happened with the Dasuki own a lil while ago?
I think I read something about it that the wrong heir was crowned.