The Monarchs Who Are Making A Difference In Nigeria

Monarchy grew obsolete as a form of direct rule in Nigeria following the advent of colonialism and independence in the 19th and 20th centuries. However, despite a lack of absolute political power in the hands of Nigerian monarchs, here is a handful of them who continue to wield significant influence in the country’s socio-political sphere.

Oba of Benin, Ewuare II

Before becoming the 40th Oba of Benin, Eheneden Erediauwa was a renowned diplomat with the United Nations, serving as Nigeria’s ambassador to Angola, Italy, and Sweden at different times. Thus, it comes as no surprise that since his coronation in 2016, Ewuare II has been actively involved in trying to resolve the ongoing communal crisis in Edo State. Soon after his coronation, the Oba of Benin banned all the operations of the Community Development Associations (CDA) in his community due to the frequent allegations of their harassment of community members.

In March, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo visited the monarch as a show of respect and admiration of his proposed socioeconomic initiatives to advance his state. Actions like the ban of the CDAs and standing up for community members in matters of injustice have put the Oba in the good books of his people. The Oba also lends his voice to national political issues from time to time.

Ooni of Ife, Ojaja II

It turns out fostering traditional unity and cultural advancement in what encompasses Yorubaland—as well as the rest of the country—is one thing the latest Ooni is passionate about. In line with his passion for culture, the Ooni paid the registration fees for 1,000 contestants of the Queen Moremi Beauty Pageant. The pageant is aimed at preserving the memory of the brave 12th-century monarch who famously gave her life to save her land.

Alaafin of Oyo, Lamidi Adeyemi III

The 78-year-old monarch of the historic Oyo Kingdom is one of those presently calling for the restructuring of the Nigerian economy. The Alaafin has been actively involved in the Nigerian political sphere and has aligned with political parties in a bid to help the country reach its full potential. In 2011, a political party alignment saw him lose his position as the Permanent Chairman of the Council of Obas and Chiefs in Oyo State. The Alaafin served as Chancellor of the Uthman Dan Fodio University in Sokoto between 1980 and 1992.

Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II

Sanusi Lamido Sanusi is arguably one of the country’s most influential modern monarchs. This is also against the backdrop of his previous role as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria. The position of Emir of Sokoto is second only to that of Sultan of Sokoto, and both are charged with the spiritual leadership of Nigerian Muslims. The Emir’s most recent projects include collaborating with the Ooni of Ife to peacefully address the Hausa-Yoruba clashes in the southwestern part of the country as well as offering advice to the federal government on ways it can truly succeed in eliminating corruption in the country.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.