King Oyo Nyimba of Uganda was once the youngest monarch in the world. He was buried on September 12 amid a bitter succession dispute that has troubled the royal family and captivated the nation.
The traditional monarch, who became the king of Uganda’s Tooro Kingdom as an infant in 1995, died last month from cancer at the age of 34.
Elders from the ruling clan of the kingdom stated that Oyo, who was unmarried, never declared an heir to them. This contradicts the accounts of others in the kingdom, who claim that he left behind a son born out of wedlock.
The son has not been publicly identified, leading to sensational claims on social media about at least two possible heirs alleged to be Oyo’s children.
On September 9, a committee of Tooro elders announced their decision to select a prince who works as a journalist to succeed Oyo. The move was praised by traditionalists who desire an adult on the throne.
Oyo’s closest relatives expressed their disapproval. His sister, Ruth Komuntale, said the announcement sought to “bring division and turmoil”.
Queen mother Best Kemigisa said in a statement that the succession battle undermined their ability to mourn the king’s death: “I also appeal to those fighting over the throne: please, there will be time for all of that,” she said. “Let us grieve and bury my son.”
In the East African country, many cherish traditional monarchs despite their lack of formal governing power.
Oyo was crowned king in 1995 at the tender age of three, following his father’s death. He was a curious child, dressed in colourful robes and became an object of adoration. During his coronation, he took part in a series of tribal rituals, including a significant coming-of-age ceremony.
The issue surrounding Oyo’s successor may still be brought before the courts, as his family claims that the Tooro elders have disregarded the will he left behind.
Oyo once held the unofficial title of the world’s youngest king and was a captivating figure, even for global leaders who met him at national events, including South Africa’s Nelson Mandela.
Until he turned 18, Oyo was guided by regents appointed by the kingdom.
“This is one of those deaths, the Bob Marley kind, that one never heals from,” said Timothy Kalyegira, a prominent analyst who is from Tooro, in a eulogy posted on social media.
The late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi developed a close friendship with the Tooro royal family, treating them as if they were part of his own family. He made several trips to Uganda and supported Oyo and his mother for many years before his death in October 2011.
After Uganda gained independence from British colonial rule, a republican president banned Uganda’s traditional kingdoms to unify the country.
These kingdoms were restored in 1993. Although they have no political power and are legally prohibited from taking part in partisan politics, the monarchs play an important role as guardians of tribal culture.
