Beyond the throne, Nigeria’s monarchs carry language, art, fashion and faith to the world stage. These traditional rulers are not just symbols of authority; they are living vessels of culture, identity and memory. From royal rituals in Ile-Ife to bronzes in Benin and durbars in Kano, monarchs are actively shaping how the world sees Nigeria.
Guardians of Sacred Tradition: The Ooni of Ife
Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ọjájá II, the 51st Ooni of Ife, stands as a powerful emblem of Yoruba heritage. His spiritual role as custodian of Ile-Ife, a city regarded as the cradle of the Yoruba people, goes hand in hand with his cultural advocacy . Festivals like Olojo, which celebrates the creation of the world in Yoruba cosmology, draw thousands each year . The Ooni expands Ife’s story globally through collaborations with diaspora institutions, cultural diplomacy forums and pan-African identity movements. In 2023, he co-hosted the African Fashion and Arts Expo in Lagos, helping export Yoruba aesthetic language to fashion capitals like Paris and New York.
Stewards of Imperial Legacy: The Oba of Benin
Oba Ewuare II of Benin carries forward one of Africa’s richest artistic legacies. His palace guardianship encompasses the Benin Bronzes, world-renowned artifacts looted in 1897 and now returning through restitution efforts. In June 2025, the Netherlands handed over 119 of these bronzes at the National Museum in Lagos, marking the largest single repatriation to date; Oba Ewuare II hailed the return as a “divine intervention” . Under a 2023 Nigerian decree, the Oba serves as custodian of returned bronzes while the National Commission for Museums and Monuments provides conservation and display support . Plans are underway for the Edo Museum of West African Art in Benin City, designed by Sir David Adjaye and set to open in 2026, where these treasures will highlight Edo innovation in metallurgy, symbolism and courtly aesthetics.
Emblems of Northern Heritage: The Emir of Kano
The Kano Emirate, centered on Gidan Rumfa palace, merges Hausa and Islamic architectural motifs. Emir Aminu Ado Bayero, the 15th Fulani Emir of Kano, revives centuries-old traditions while engaging global audiences. He leads the Durbar Festival, a spectacular equestrian pageant that UNESCO inscribed as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in December 2024 . The festival combines horsemanship, music and prayer, and its livestreamed ceremonies draw devotees and scholars alike. Under the Emir’s guidance, Kano’s indigo dyeing, leatherwork and embroidery have gained international attention through exhibitions and artisan collectives that celebrate Northern Nigeria’s craftsmanship.
Monarchs in the Digital Age
Nigeria’s monarchs harness modern platforms to share ancient stories.
The Ooni’s social media channels mix Yoruba folklore with futurism, engaging younger audiences in cultural philosophy.
The Oba of Benin partners on virtual repatriation tours, offering millions an online glimpse of palace carvings.
The Kano Emirate Council livestreams Durbar parades and religious sermons, transforming local ritual into global content.
These initiatives show a forward-thinking monarchy that embraces innovation without sacrificing ancestral roots.
Conclusion
Nigeria’s monarchs do more than wear crowns. They embody living history, language and artistry. As custodians of sacred rites, patrons of cultural restitution and champions of Indigenous fashion, they ensure that Nigeria’s rich tapestry of identities resonates worldwide. Their thrones serve as stages from which the nation’s stories are continually projected with pride and purpose.
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References
Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ọjájá II, Ooni of Ife profile, Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adeyeye_Enitan_Ogunwusi
Olojo festival, Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olojo_festival
Netherlands returns 119 looted artifacts known as Benin Bronzes to Nigeria, AP News, June 19, 2025. https://apnews.com/article/78eab1381f1e219507e2d7607ed41d4f
Nigeria’s museum agrees with royal ruler on custody of Benin Bronzes, Reuters, February 26, 2025. https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/nigerias-museum-agrees-with-royal-ruler-custody-benin-bronzes-2025-02-26/
The Netherlands Returns 119 Looted Benin Bronzes to Nigeria, My Modern Met, June 18, 2025. https://mymodernmet.com/benin-bronzes-returned-nigeria-wereldmuseum/
Durbar festival, Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Durbar_festival
