Regal Nigerian Portraits Celebrate Undocumented Culture

George Osodi collaborates with the kings of his homeland.

His Imperial Majesty Alayeluwa Oba Okunade Sijuwade the OONI of Ife - In his latest exhibition, acclaimed Nigerian photographer George Osodi showcases his homeland’s rich culture and heritage through formal portraits of several Nigerian kings. NIGERIA MONARCHS introduces us to a way of life rarely glimpsed in the African nation. Keep reading to learn more about the making of this unique series. – Patrice Peck(Photo: Courtesy of George Osodi)

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His Imperial Majesty Alayeluwa Oba Okunade Sijuwade the OONI of Ife - In his latest exhibition, acclaimed Nigerian photographer George Osodi showcases his homeland’s rich culture and heritage through formal portraits of several Nigerian kings. NIGERIA MONARCHS introduces us to a way of life rarely glimpsed in the African nation. Keep reading to learn more about the making of this unique series. – Patrice Peck(Photo: Courtesy of George Osodi)

HRM Pere Donokoromo ll JP The Pere of Isaba Kingdom - Governed by monarchs, many kingdoms existed in Nigeria prior to Great Britain’s colonization of the country in the 1800s. The rulers were responsible for managing inter-village diplomacy, executing the will of the people and preventing tyranny.(Photo: Courtesy of George Osodi)

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HRM Pere Donokoromo ll JP The Pere of Isaba Kingdom - Governed by monarchs, many kingdoms existed in Nigeria prior to Great Britain’s colonization of the country in the 1800s. The rulers were responsible for managing inter-village diplomacy, executing the will of the people and preventing tyranny.(Photo: Courtesy of George Osodi)

EMIR of KANO - The monarchy system was abolished in 1963, when Nigeria became a republic within the Commonwealth of Nations. Today, the monarchs have no constitutional rule, but the structure has stayed relevant in Nigeria’s political landscape. (Photo: Courtesy of George Osodi)

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EMIR of KANO - The monarchy system was abolished in 1963, when Nigeria became a republic within the Commonwealth of Nations. Today, the monarchs have no constitutional rule, but the structure has stayed relevant in Nigeria’s political landscape. (Photo: Courtesy of George Osodi)

His Highness The Emir of Kano Alhaji Ado Bayero - “Documenting and archiving culture is the key to understanding origins and thus developing a sense of identity,” wrote Osodi. “Few would argue that in Nigeria, there are simply not enough cultural archives in existence.”(Photo: Courtesy of George Osodi)

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His Highness The Emir of Kano Alhaji Ado Bayero - “Documenting and archiving culture is the key to understanding origins and thus developing a sense of identity,” wrote Osodi. “Few would argue that in Nigeria, there are simply not enough cultural archives in existence.”(Photo: Courtesy of George Osodi)

The Dein of Agbor Kingdom Keagborekuzi I - Though they are a major part of Nigerian history, not much is known about the country’s many different royalties. (Photo: Courtesy of George Osodi)

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The Dein of Agbor Kingdom Keagborekuzi I - Though they are a major part of Nigerian history, not much is known about the country’s many different royalties. (Photo: Courtesy of George Osodi)

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HRM Solomon Akenzua, Oba Erediauwa of Benin Kingdom - To educate viewers, a brief biography and historical notes on the tribe, rituals and history of each ruler accompanies each portrait. (Photo: Courtesy of George Osodi)

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HRM Solomon Akenzua, Oba Erediauwa of Benin Kingdom - To educate viewers, a brief biography and historical notes on the tribe, rituals and history of each ruler accompanies each portrait. (Photo: Courtesy of George Osodi)

HRM Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun Larooye II, Ataoja of Osogboland - “Photographing the Nigeria Monarchs project did come with its challenges as a majority of these kings live in their various kingdoms, which [required] that I travel [to tough] areas,” said Osodi. For some of the rulers, he had to deliver a letter requesting permission to take the ruler’s portrait. If they were interested, Osodi returned in two or three weeks for the photo shoot. However, some rulers were not interested.(Photo: Courtesy of George Osodi)

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HRM Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun Larooye II, Ataoja of Osogboland - “Photographing the Nigeria Monarchs project did come with its challenges as a majority of these kings live in their various kingdoms, which [required] that I travel [to tough] areas,” said Osodi. For some of the rulers, he had to deliver a letter requesting permission to take the ruler’s portrait. If they were interested, Osodi returned in two or three weeks for the photo shoot. However, some rulers were not interested.(Photo: Courtesy of George Osodi)

HRM Agbogidi Obi James Ikechukwu Anyasi ll, Obi of Idumuje - NIGERIA MONARCHS is available for private viewing on Oct. 10 by invitation only and open to the public as an exhibition in London from Oct. 11 through Nov. 3, 2013.(Photo: Courtesy of George Osodi)

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HRM Agbogidi Obi James Ikechukwu Anyasi ll, Obi of Idumuje - NIGERIA MONARCHS is available for private viewing on Oct. 10 by invitation only and open to the public as an exhibition in London from Oct. 11 through Nov. 3, 2013.(Photo: Courtesy of George Osodi)