Prince Lekukela (25) Modjadji is set to officially ascend the throne as the King of Balobedu Nation instead of his younger sister Queen Masalanabo Modjadji VII.
The Modjadji Queenship is popularly known of having the superpowers of controlling clouds and rainfall.
On the 7th of May 2020 the Modjadji Royal Council issued a letter to the Balobedu Nation inviting them to the Inagural Ceremony of Prince Lekukela Modjadji which is scheduled to take place on the 1st October 2022.
The letter and the decision of the Modjadji Royal Council to put Lekukela as king of the Balobedu Nation was slammed by many as it is believed that the inheritance of the throne is matrilineal not the other way round and Queen Masalanabo(17) Modjadji VII seen as the perfect candidate to ascend the throne when she reaches 18.
The matter resulted into petitions being signed against the decision of the Royal Council and a legal team was hired to challenge the matter in court and as things stands now there’s no progress in the case.
The government recognised the Balobedu queenship in 2016, paving the way for the 17 year-old Masalanabo to become Rain Queen VII when she turns 18. However, instead of being queen, she will now take the role of the khadi-kholo (great aunt) in the royal family.
The queenship has been matrilineal and all heirs are referred to as rain queens and that seems to be coming to an end, following the death of Queen Makobo Modjadji in 2005 .The throne has since been vacant with Prince Mpapatla being the regent.
The origins of the queenship dates back to 1800 with Maselekwane Modjadji I (1800- 1854) being the first queen, in Succession by Masalanabo Modjadji II (1854-1894), Khesethoane Modjadji III (1895-1959), Makoma Modjadji IV (1959-1980), Mokope Modjadji V (1981-2001)Makobo Modjadji VI (2003-2005).
Prince Mpapatla Modjadji came in defence of the decision of the Royal Council by saying Our throne is not attached to any gender.”
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