Something similar happened in Brazil. Our first Emperor was extremely authoritarian, he wrote our first constitution in a way that his power was indispensable for the political functioning of the country. Unfortunately for Brazil, he was a terrible leader and had to leave the country due to his unpopularity. His successor, his son, was a baby, creating a power vacuum. The result was a decade of civil war, separatist movements, political crisis and economic bankruptcy, almost resulting in the death of Brazil. I can see something similar happening, but with magic instead of politics in the world of GG.
And even if it's not realistic, it could make for a good narrative so I don't mind too much.