The country’s traditional rulers were stripped of their constitutional power in 1963, but their descendants still serve as the local custodians of law and order. Lagos-born photographer George Osodi has captured their kingdoms and cultures since 2012
HRM Oba Alayeluwa Saheed Ademola Elegushi (Kusenla III), Ikateland. He’s the youngest Oba in Lagos and went to university in Manchester. Photograph: George Osodi/George Osodi c/o Z Photographic Ltd
HRM Benjamin Ikenchuku Keagborekuzi I, Dein of Agbor Kingdom in Delta state, became the youngest king in the world in 1980, when he was crowned aged two. Photograph: George Osodi c/o Z Photographic Ltd
HRH Queen Hajiya Hadizatu Ahmedu, Magajiya of Kubwada. Women are banned from ruling in Nigeria’s conservative north, except in Kubwada where an ancient curse keeps men off the throne. Photograph: George Osodi/George Osodi c/o Z Photographic Ltd
HRM Orhue I, the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom. The kingdom dates back to the 17th century, but Orhue was the first university graduate to be crowned. Beforehand, he had been working as a senior partner at a law firm in Lagos.
Photograph: George Osodi
HRM Alhaji Abdulmumini Kabir Usman, the Emir of Katsina. He is a big fan of polo, which the area is famous for. Photograph: George Osodi/George Osodi c/o Z Photographic Ltd
HRM Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, Agbogidi Obi of Onitsha, celebrating 10 years on the throne in 2012. He had previously enjoyed a long career with Shell Nigeria.
Photograph: George Osodi/George Osodi c/o Z Photographic Ltd
HRM Alayeluwa Oba Okunade Sijuwade(Late), the Ooni of Ife. He was a successful businessman when he was crowned in 1980, after making much of his money importing Soviet vehicles. Photograph: George Osodi/George Osodi c/o Z Photographic Ltd
HRM Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun Larooye II, Ataoja of Osogboland. He took the throne in 2010 after working in education for 32 years. Photograph: George Osodi/George Osodi c/o Z Photographic Ltd
HRM Agbogidi Obi James Ikechukwu Anyasi II, Obi of Idumuje Unor. He was Africa’s longest reigning monarch, ruling for 66 years until he died in 2013. Photograph: George Osodi/George Osodi c/o Z Photographic Ltd
HRM Deinmowuru Donokoromo II, the Pere of Isaba Kingdom. He has ruled over this oil-rich part of the Delta State since 1983. Photograph: George Osodi/George Osodi c/o Z Photographic Ltd
Source: theguardian.com
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