Nigeria, Oct. 6 -- In Africa, kingship has been considered sacred from time immemorial. We invented the Divine Right of Kings before Europe copied and popularised it. We ascribed ultimate power to the Unmade Maker under whom many gods operated. Next to the gods were the kings. Thus, in Yoruba culture, the king is, "Alase ekeji orisa" (equivalent of deputy gods). Because he ranks next to the gods, he is revered in the customised greeting, Kabiyesi ("Who can question you?") An Oba worthy of the name is an embodiment of goodness, justice and, most especially, the culture of his people.

I am here referring only to kings whose thrones can be traced to hundreds of years. Not quota kings, created over imaginary kingdoms in societies that have n...