By Femi Salako, Publisher Triangle News Media


At the heart of the Yoruba Traditional System when it comes to the installation of Kings is the intricate and important roles of the Afobaje, otherwise known as kingmakers.
The Afobaje (king makers) had the traditional power to enthrone the king and may depose him if too tyrannical towards the people and if the community is not peaceful.

Their work surpasses more than just the installation of Kings in our traditional setting, they are also tasked with the duty of preserving the richness and values imbedded in Kingship in Yoruba land. An ordinary man without the proper skill set, cultural heritage or awareness or the shared belief system of the communal living of the people has no place or right to ascend the throne of power; thus the work of the Afobaje is hinged on ensuring that the right royal materials are given the mantle to rule the people and also in cases whereby they violate the trust of the people, they also ensure that they are removed to preserve the system which is considered sacred.
While the new age realities might have diminished the relevance of the Afobaje within our socio-cultural settings, it’s very much with us as it has found its way into our socio-political setting with many people consciously and unconsciously performing the work of an Afobaje.

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a two time former Governor of Lagos State, Leader of the All Progressive Congress (APC) is one who has conveniently played effortlessly the role of the Afobaje within our socio-political space. From an ordinary State Governor in Nigeria, he has etched himself a place in our history books as one of the personality who has groomed and given power to men under him who has went on to lead various institutions across the 36 states of the Federation.