Country of kings, Nigeria's many monarchs: See Pictures
Country of kings, Nigeria's many monarchs: See Pictures
Can you believe the Number of Monarchs in our beloved Motherland. In Pictures are just a few, with so many Monarchs yet so much confusions. Leaders expected to give directions to the youths of tomorrow, are still the ones drawing the Nation backward. With due respect to all the Monarchs of this Great Nation. Be the true fathers our Nation and direct us your children through the right path.
13 October 2013 Last updated at 01:31 GMT Courtesy: BBC News
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Benjamin Ikenchuku Keagborekuzi entered the Guinness Book of World Records in
1980 as the youngest monarch when he was crowned at the age of two. He is the
Dein of Agbor Kingdom in Delta state. “Despite the violence in Nigeria this
exhibition shows Nigeria has a rich and varied culture and the kings who I have
photographed have great dignity, a great sense of humour and a great sense of
style,” says Mr Osodi. The Custodians of Peace and Cultural Heritage is on view
at the Bermondsey Project in London until 3 November. (George Osodi was
interviewed by BBC Newsday’s Sunita Nahar)
monarchs
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It is not known how many local kings there are in Nigeria, but a new
exhibition in London gives a rare glimpse of these monarchs. They were stripped
of their constitutional power in 1963, but George Osodi's photos show they have
not lost any of their pomp and grandeur. This monarch is the Ovie of Umiaghwa
Abraka Kingdom, in the oil-producing Delta state.
Nigeria's many monarchs
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Mr Osodi, a Nigerian photographer, was granted rare access to the palaces and
throne rooms of these rulers who enrich the cultural heritage of a country whose
160 million people come from hundreds of ethnic groups. This is the Pere of
Isaba Kingdom, which came into existence before the 14th Century and is mainly
inhabited by the Ijaw ethnic group, who also live in southern Nigeria.
Nigeria's many monarchs
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The persona of a king reveals the ancient customs, architecture and fantastic
finery of Nigeria’s many ethnic groups, Mr Osodi told the BBC. This is the emir
of Zauzau, whose palace is in the modern-day city of Zaria in northern Kaduna
state.
Nigeria's many monarchs
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Mr Osodi says the aim of his exhibition is to mirror Nigeria's great culture
through its personalities and in this time of sectarian violence and insecurity,
diversity should be seen as a strength rather than a weakness. Pictured here is
Agbogidi Obi James Ikechukwu Anyasi II, who died earlier this year. He was said
to be the longest-reigning king in Africa – and was crowned the Obi of the
Idumeje-Unor in southern Nigeria in 1946 when the country was still a British
colony.
Nigeria's many monarchs
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Nigeria has 36 states, with a mainly Muslim population in the north, while
the south is largely Christian. “There are frequent clashes among different
ethnic groups,” Mr Osodi says. “Lots of people have lost trust in their
identity. I felt it was important that we see this diverse culture as a point of
unity instead of seeing it as something that should divide us as a nation. This
is a monarch from south-western Nigeria, the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti.
Nigeria's many monarchs
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“The easiest way I could approach this was to look at the monarchy structure
in the country because they are closer to the people than the governors,” Mr
Osodi says. Alhaji Ado Bayero, the emir of Kano, has held his position since
1963. He is one of Nigeria's most prominent Muslim leaders.
Nigeria's many monarchs
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Mr Osodi says he has been disturbed by the continual ethnic clashes and
security challenges facing the country. “I felt there was a misplaced priority
and identity among some groups of people." This is the ruler of Ijeshaland,
known as the Owa Obokun, a territory which lies in several south-western
states.
Nigeria's many monarchs
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This is the Ooni of Ife, whose kingdom is in present-day Osun state in the
south-west. Alayeluwa Oba Okunade Sijuwade was a successful businessman at the
time he was crowned in 1980 – making much of his money from importing vehicles.
Nigeria's many monarchs vary in hierarchy and importance and some like the
northern emirs and the Ooni of Ife rule over large areas, while others are
traditional rulers of a village or town.
Nigeria's many monarchs
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Ogiame Atuwatse II, the Olu of Warri, rules over parts of the southern Delta
state, which is full of creeks and swamps. Ogiame means “king of the river”. Mr
Osodi says documenting and archiving culture is key to understanding Nigeria's
historical origins and thus developing a sense of national identity
Nigeria's many monarchs
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The Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmumini Kabir Usman, came to the throne five
years ago. He loves polo and is the national patron of Nigeria's Polo
Association. Regarded as a peacemaker, he lives in the Katsina Royal Palace,
known as the Gidan Korau – a huge complex in the centre of Katsina city,
reportedly built in 1348.
Nigeria's many monarchs
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“Nigeria is a country, not only rich in natural resources but also in its
cultural and religious diversity,” says Mr Osodi. This is Oba Alayeluwa Saheed
Ademola Elegushi, Kusenla lll, the Elegushi of Ikateland in Lagos state.
Nigeria's many monarchs
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Obi Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe is the 21st Obi of Onitsha, a traditional ruler in
Anambra in south-eastern Nigeria – the home state of renowned Nigerian author
Chinua
Nigeria's many monarchs
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A teacher by profession, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun Larooye II, pictured
here in his royal regalia, became the Ataoja of Osogboland, in south-western
Osun state, in 2010. But one side of the royal family is disputing his claim to
the throne, known as the Ataoja stool. “People are very proud of their origins
and they still celebrate that and I wanted to showcase that Nigerians must look
deep to examine where you are coming from,” Mr Osodi told the BBC.
Country of kings, Nigeria's many monarchs: See Pictures
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