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Nigeria's traditional leaders retain huge influence in many parts of the country but recent events have made some young people question the role of the monarchy in the 21st Century.
- Nigeria country profile - BBC News
Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa, with the...
- In pictures: Country of kings, Nigeria's many monarchs
It is not known how many local kings there are in Nigeria,...
- Nigeria country profile - BBC News
Oct 13, 2013 · 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...
Oct 9, 2024 · Cierra Tolentino | Family Trees | October 9, 2024. Nigeria has been a democratic nation since its independence in 1960. However, the country has a storied chieftaincy system of traditional monarchs – many of whom still hold power today. The Yoruba, Hausa-Fulani, and Igbo all have their own royals as glamorous as the next.
The Nigerian Chieftaincy is the chieftaincy system that is native to Nigeria. Consisting of everything from the country's monarchs to its titled family elders , the chieftaincy as a whole is one of the oldest continuously existing institutions in Nigeria and is legally recognized by its government.
- The Emir of Kano
- Alaafin of Oyo
- Sultan of Sokoto
- Ooni of Ile-Ife
- Dein of Agbor
- Oba of Benin
- Oba of Lagos
- Olu of Warri
- Obi of Onitsha
- Olubadan of Ibadan
His Royal Highness Mallam Muhammad Sanusi II is currently the Emir of Kano. He heads the entire Kano Emirate and is loved passionately by his people. He became the successor of Alhaji Dr. Ado Bayero who ruled for 51 years. Before becoming the Emir, Mallam Sanusi was a renowned banker and former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
Among the most powerful and influential monarchial titles attainable in Nigeria is the position of the Alaafin of Oyo. The ruling Alaafin of Oyo is Lamidi Olayiwola III, who is the successor of AlaafinGbadegesi Ladigbolu II. This position is very powerful and the title owner until recently was also the Chairman of the Council of Obas and the Chiefs...
As far back as the era of the British, the position of the Sultan has been held in high esteem. The Sultan is also known to be the spiritual leader to the Muslims in Nigeria. The current Sultan is Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar IV; he was the successor of his late brother Muhammadu Maccido who lost his life in the ADC Airline flight 53 flight.
The current Ooni of Ile-Ife is Ooni Okunade Adele Sijuwade(now late) and is the ruler of the dynasty of Ife, which has been in existent for many years. This powerful ruler is known to play a strong role in determining who becomes the governor of Osun state.
The ruling King is called Benjamin Ikenchukwu Keagborekuzi and he ascented the throne when he was just four months after the death of his father thus he became the youngest monarch to ascend a royal throne. He is known as the Officer in the order of the crown.
The Oba of Benin is also referred to as the Omo N’Oba. The current Oba of Benin is Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Erediauwa(now late) and he is the ruler of the Edo people. His power stretches to politicians too and he is often called upon by politicians to intervene in important political issues.
This is the traditional ruler and ceremonial head of one of the largest cities in Africa. The current Oba of Lagos is his Royal Highness Oba Rilwan Babatunde Osuolale Aremu Akiolu and is also referred to as the Eleko of Eko.
The Kingdom of Warri is currently under the rule of Godwin Toju Emiko. He is a lawyer by profession and has held several important positions in Warri. He is the head of the Itsekiri people.
Currently sitting on the throne is Igwe Nnayelugo Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe and he is the traditional ruler and Obi of Onitsha people. He is often widely consulted and has made tremendous contributions to the development of his people.
This title is prominent and highly influential and is currently held by Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade. He has a strong hold in Ibadan land and calls political leaders to order on issues such as corruption and violence.
Getty Images. In our series of letters from African writers, novelist Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani looks at whether Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee is being celebrated in Nigeria, the largest former...
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How did their roles and status change under colonial rule and in postcolonial Nigeria? Is Nigeria unique in having princes or are there other equivalents in West Africa? Archived post.
