Emeka Anyaoku vs Yanagisawa Yoshiyasu

Emeka Anyaoku was elected as the third Commonwealth Secretary-General at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Harare, Zimbabwe, in 1991. He took office on July 1, 1990, becoming the first African to hold the position.

During his tenure, Anyaoku played a key role in coordinating Commonwealth policy on the dismantling of apartheid in South Africa. He supported the transition to majority rule and the readmission of South Africa to the Commonwealth in 1994 after the election of Nelson Mandela.

Under Anyaoku's leadership, the Commonwealth suspended Nigeria's membership in 1995 following the execution of Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight other Ogoni activists by the military regime of Sani Abacha. This was a significant diplomatic sanction against his own country.

Yanagisawa Yoshiyasu became the close confidant and favorite of Shogun Tokugawa Tsunayoshi, rising from a minor page to the highest ranks of the shogunate. His influence grew as he managed Tsunayoshi's personal affairs and policy decisions.

Yoshiyasu was appointed roju, formalizing his control over shogunate policy. He used this position to amass wealth and power, appointing allies and suppressing critics, becoming one of the most powerful officials in Edo Japan.

Yoshiyasu patronized Confucian scholars like Arai Hakuseki and supported the publication of historical works. He also sponsored the construction of temples and gardens, contributing to the cultural flourishing of the Genroku era.

Upon Shogun Tsunayoshi's death, Yoshiyasu lost his protector and was forced to retire from his official positions. His influence ended abruptly, and he spent his remaining years in retirement, though he avoided execution or exile.