It's rare that we see Africa represented like this. Even with the invention of the Internet, the most frequent images posted of an African draped in expensive garb is French Montana's Versace scarf collection (never forget).
Luckily, WE stumbled upon a story showcasing "Kings of Nigeria" a group of monarchs still holding (unofficial) rank, despite losing constitutional powers over 40 years ago.
Images of the kings will be featured in a UK exhibit this fall.
From the Daily Mail:
Nigeria's traditional Monarchs may have been stripped of their powers half a century ago, but they appear to have lost little of their regal pomp and splendour as this fascinating series of portraits shows.
Photographer George Osodi toured the west African country extensively for a series of photographs entitled 'Kings of Nigeria' which is due to be exhibited at London's Bermondsey Project in October.
As a well-known and celebrated Nigerian photographer, Mr Osodi was granted rare access to the palaces and throne rooms of these hereditary rulers who now serve as living repositories of Nigeria's enormous cultural heritage.
He told Al-Jazeera: 'There are frequent clashes among different ethnic groups… 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.
'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.'
While their ancestors ruled over vast tracts of Africa, following the abolition of the monarchy in 1963 the regional monarchs were stripped of all their constitutional powers.
But far from fading into obscurity, they mostly remain popular leaders and are held in great regard by their hundreds of thousands of loyal subjects.
And despite lacking any formal powers they continue to wield considerable influence and serve as unofficial intermediaries between their subjects and the Nigerian government.
His Majesty, Wilson Ojakovo Oghoghovwe Oharisi III became 'Ovie of Ughelli' in 1980. He has ruled the Ughelli and Urhoboland for more than 30 years
The Emir of Kano Alhaji Dr Ado Abdullahi Bayero.
The Emir of Kano Alhaji Dr Ado Abdullahi Bayero.
HRM Agbogidi Obi James Ikechukwu Anyasi II, 'The Obi of the Idumuje Unor kingdom.' Before his death in earlier this year, held the longest reign of any African monarch ruling his 1946 crowning at the age of 22
Omo N'Oba N'Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Erediauwa I, crowned King of Nigeria's "Oba of Benin Kingdom" since 1979
Alayeluwa Oba Okunade Sijuwade, the current "Ooni of Ife
His Royal Majesty Oba Oyetunji Jimoh Olanipekun Larooyell, the 'Ataoja of Osogbo.' Crowned in 1976, Larooyell rules over 300,000 followers
Dein of Agbor' Benjamin Ikenchuku Keagborekuzi I. He became the world's youngest king at 4-months-old, after the sudden death of his father
His Majesty, Deinmowuru Donokoromo III. He has ruled the Pere of Isaba since 1983
His Majesty, Deinmowuru Donokoromo III. He has ruled the Pere of Isaba since 1983
His
Majesty, Deinmowuru Donokoromo III. He has ruled the Pere of Isaba
since 1983. - See more at:
http://hiphopwired.com/2013/07/30/kings-of-nigeria-west-african-monarchs-showcased-for-uk-art-exhibit-photos/11/#sthash.MRB0ssPE.dpuf
Alhaji Dr Ado Abdullahi Bayero the "Emir of Kano," He has held the position since 1963. Known for his wealth, much of Bayero's fortune comes from stock market investments
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