[b]With over 300 tribes, Nigeria is a country of diverse tribes, cultures and 'monarchies', as it were.
But unlike some countries which have a universal monarch wielding varying degrees of influence in the country's governance and socio-political space, Nigeria has several traditional rulers who wield power and considerable influence over their territories.
As we mark the coronation of the 51stOoni of Ifetoday December 7th, we run through a list of some of the most influential traditional rulers in Nigeria.
1.Sultan of Sokoto:
Standing as the president-general of the NigerianNational Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs(NSCIA) and de-facto spiritual leader of Muslims in Nigeria,Sultan Muhammadu Sa'ad Abubakar Iis the 20th Sultan of Sokoto. The Sokoto caliphate is one of the most ancient societies in Nigeria, dating as far back as 1804 and the Sultan wields considerable influence over the Fulanis and Hausas in northern Nigeria
2.Emir of Kano:
Another highly influential traditional position currently held byEmir Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, the Emir of Kano serves as the leader of theTijaniyya sufiorder in Nigeria, which is historically the second most important Muslim position in Nigeria after the Sultan of Sokoto
3.Ooni of Ife:
The traditional ruler of Ile-Ife is in many ways regarded as the custodian of the Yoruba culture as Ile Ife is regarded as the ancestral home of the Yorubas in South West Nigeria. The royal Ife dynasty can be traced back to over 500 BC and was pioneered byOoni Odùduwà.Oba Adeyeye EnitanOgunwusi, who will be presented with a staff of office today, currently sits as the 51st Ooni of Ife
4.Awujale of Ijebuland:
ObaSikiru Kayode Adetonasits as the current Awujale of Ijebuland. Ijebuland is one of the ancient kingdoms in Yoruba land, dating as far back as the 15th century.
Oba Rilwan Akiolu (Information Nigeria)
5.Oba of Lagos:
Serving as the Oba of Lagos since 2003 isOba Rilwan Akiolu. The official residence of the king has been in existence since 1630 and though the oba has no political power, he is sought as a counsel or sponsor by politicians who seek support from the various residents of Lagos. Oba Akiolu generated a lot of controversy during the 2015 Lagos state gubernatorial elections when he made perceived threats against Igbos.
Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo III (Ovacommedia)
6.Alake of Egbaland:
ObaAdedotun Aremu Gbadebo IIIhas ruled Egba kingdom since 2005. The first Alake of Egbaland wasSagbua Okukenunwho ruled between August 1854 to 1862.
Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III (Daily Post)
7.Alaafin of Oyo:
ObaLamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi IIIascended the throne in 1970, after taking over from his fatherOba Adeyemi II Adeniran, who was deposed and exiled in 1954 for sympathizing with theNational Council of Nigerian Citizens(NCNC). The Oyo empire is one of the oldest in Nigeria, dating as far back as the 15th century. It was the most politically important state in South West Nigeria from the mid-17th to the late 18th century and extended its tentacles to as far as theFon KingdomofDahomeyin the modern Republic ofBenin.
Late Oba of Benin, Oba Erediauwa (Biz Watch Nigeria)
8.Oba of Benin:
The Oba of Beninor Omo N'Oba, is the traditional ruler of the Edo people and head of the historicEwekadynasty of the Benin Empire, which dates as far back as 1180.Oba Erediauwa(His Royal MajestyOmo n'Oba n'Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Erediauwa I) till his death earlier in the year, was the 38th Oba of Benin, having ascended the throne in 1979.
Late Olu of Warri, HRM. Ogiame Atuwatse II (Vanguard)
9.Olu of Warri:
The Olu of Warri serves as the traditional ruler of the Itsekiris in Delta state, South South Nigeria. Warri kingdom dates as far back as 1480 whenGinuwa, a prince of Benin founded theIwerre(Warri) Kingdom. Until his death in September 2015,Atuwatse II A.K.A Godwin Toritseju Emikoserved as the 19th Olu of Warri. Prince Ikenwoli Godfrey Emikowas consequently appointed as the Olu-designate, but he will not however ascend the throne for at least three lunar months in line with the tradition of the Itsekiri people. In the meantime, in line with Section 8 of the Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Edict, 1979 of the defunct Bendel State, a regent (Oloriebi - Head of the Ruling House,Dr Duakpemi Andrew Ayu) will oversee the affairs of the king pending the coronation of the Olu.
Igwe Nnayelugo Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe (Feathers Project)
10.Obi of Onitsha:
The Obi of Onitsha is the traditional leader of Onitsha, Anambra State, southeast Nigeria. The post of the Obi is recognised by the state and federal governments of Nigeria and is currently held byIgwe Nnayelugo Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe.
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[b]Am sorry I dnt add their piccs just to save data[/b]
