THE TRAGIC THREE-LEGGED KINGDOM

This book was written to expose the ugly face of the political environment that is eating deep into some African traditions. As a norm, African tradition especially chieftaincy succession are apolitical. It permits its Chiefs or Kings to choose their successors before they embark on a journey to the land of no return. On the other hand, some traditions permit successors to be chosen by dignified kinsmen often called the “King makers”. Such procedures of choosing successors be it by the chiefs or the “King makers” always put the community’s interest at the center of such decisions. Though perceived by many as demonstrated above, this book demonstrates a drift from such norms. The urge to forcefully take and maintain power in some African communities is portrayed. The writer further reveals the role played by an egoistic fan club who benefits from such a discordant way of doing things. Nevertheless, the writer summarizes the success of “the punch receiving group” with a great African proverb which goes “when the rains go to an unknown destination in the dry season, they always leave behind the dew to water the crops of the innocent women who spend their time tilling the soil”.