Regal Nigerian Portraits Celebrate Undocumented Culture

George Osodi collaborates with the kings of his homeland.

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)
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)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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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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