According to an Ife legend, at the death
of one Qni the king's messengers went to Adagba, a wealthy man who was eligible
to succeed, and told him that the Oni was hungry and wanted money from him
He replied sarcastically, "He wants me to send him money? Does he keep
his money in my pocket? Where he sits in the palace, can he go hungry?"
The messengers then went to Otutu, his younger brother who was at his farm,
and delivered the same message. Otutu prostrated himself, saying, "My
father remembers me here in the farm. While I am alive, he will not starve."
Otutu gave the messengers food and drink and sent them back with twenty
slaves carrying goats, chickens, and farm produce. The next day the death
of the Qni was announced and Otutu returned home. Adagba was certain he
would be chosen to succeed because of his wealth, and on the day see for
the selection of the new Qni he had food prepared, dressed himself in the
fine clothes he had provided for the occasion, and sat down to await the
messengers who would inform him. They passed him by and took Otutu, having
to use force because he had not expected to be chosen. Since that time no
one in Adagba compound can be made Qni, even though they are patrilineal
descendants of the royal clan. This legend sets a respected precedent for
choosing the most loyal and generous candidate for office, but there is
a question as to whether such candidates are still so often chosen today
when other qualifications for office are becoming more seriously considered.