"Since uniting the clans and forging our nation, the leader of the Panther Clan has been crowned Queen or King of Wakanda. Every three years, any adult citizen, be they man or woman, regardless of their tribe of origin- may challenge for leadership of the Panther Tribe, and by extension, Wakanda."
"In the earliest days of my nation, when even Hellenic Civilization was in it's infancy- the Panther Tribe united Wakanda and defended her from invasion. Our stories say that Bast, the Panther Goddess, would reveal a leader to defend her chosen people. And so we have honoured her with holding leadership trials in her name ever since."
He sipped his coffee, then continued. "One bloodline has managed to dominate over the centuries, and so the title has been considered by many to be hereditary. But there have been many rulers from outside of my family line over the years." He grinned "Far more than my relatives would care to admit."