Papa Abraham Adesanya passed away on Sunday 27 April at the age of 85. The courageous old man led the home front of the National Democratic Coalition, NADECO, while other pro-democracy activists, including this writer, were strategising from outside.

As usual, the death of such a man naturally attracts high-octave eulogies and, to a large extent, photo opportunities for politicians. As it is often the case, it is the perfidy of some of the politicians shedding crocodile tears that lead to the death of such sages.

Beyond this, however, the death of Adesanya has, again, created a vacuum in the leadership of the Yoruba and brought up the issue of unity among them. Even before Adesanya joined his ancestors, there had been certain individuals who, given their political footwork, have been eyeing the leadership stool.

This contest is the subject of our cover story this week. We look at the evolution of past Yoruba leaders, their characteristics and those traits that are expected of whoever will bear the mantle.

The story is written by our General Editor, ADEMOLA ADEGBAMIGBE. There are also interviews to complement the story which is both historical and contemporary.

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Professor Wole Soyinka, the Nobel Laureate, granted TheNEWS an exclusive interview about the development of the nation’s human resources.

Read up what he meant by Inert, Virtual and Dynamic stages of human development.