How Traditional Yoruba Succession Reflects Zoning and Federal Character

Zoning and power-sharing have long existed in the unwritten traditional constitution of Yoruba communities. In many royal dynasties, the throne rotates among recognised ruling houses descended from the dynasty’s founder. This prevents one branch of a family from monopolising the kingship. A similar principle applies in family compounds. Where a founder had several sons or wives, leadership may rotate among the different family branches. After the head of one branch dies, another branch takes its turn. The aim is to give every recognised line a fair opportunity to lead. There can be exceptions where the family agrees that another person is better placed to serve. In my own family, my grandfather became family head even though it was not his branch’s turn. The elder relative whose branch was due to produce the head nominated him, believing he would better serve the family’s interests. These traditions show that zoning is not alien to Yoruba political culture. Even where it is not formally written into a national constitution, it can be adopted as a principle of fairness, inclusion and shared ownership.

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