In African traditions, there is a belief, often with experiential evidence in families, that a respected ailing leader would have a premonition of his death. The man would call his children and grandchildren. He would ask to be visited by the people he held dear. He would give different messages to his family.

To one, he would caution. To another, he would praise and encourage. To yet another, he would curse. But the man would bless one of the sons, often the firstborn, to lead the family in his absence. An elder would not just die. He will gather his family and bequeath a will. As the traditions hold it, no one would be around at the hour of death. Even those nursing him would step out only to go back to a lifeless body.