Follow eastern leader (4)
I believe the answer is:
doge
'leader' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'follow eastern' is the wordplay.
'follow' becomes 'dog' (I've seen this before).
'eastern' becomes 'e'.
'dog'+'e'='DOGE'
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for doge that I've seen before include "Title of former ruler of Venice" , "foreign magistrate" , "Old Italian chief magistrate" , "Ancient lord of Venice" , "Chief of ancient Venice" .)