Prince of
Nigeria
As compared to other nations of the world where monarch systems
are highly regarded –England, Wales, the Arab world etc. Nigeria, a country in
West Africa known for rich cultural events and lifestyle is oftentimes assumed,
especially by Non-Africans, to be on the same pedestal with other countries
where “Throne-rulers” their kings and queens command nationwide authority and
appeal.
As I write to uncover the truth regarding the keyword in question,
which is “Prince of Nigeria”, below are simple facts you need to know. As you
read this – however – do note at the back of your mind that Nigeria is not a
single monarch land (Or a one-king/one-queen country if it could be written
that way) therefore there cannot be a “Prince of Nigeria”. I should nonetheless
acknowledge the existence of many Princes from various traditional domains
across the country.
1. Nigeria
is a multi-cultural and diverse nation. It has more than 250 ethnic groups. The
three largest ethnic groups, however, are Igbo, Yoruba and Hausa.
2. The
country is not governed by a monarchy system where king/queen determines the
political direction of the land.
3. Does
it then means that Nigeria does not have kings and queens, or princes? No, the
West African nation has multiple traditional rulers who are ranked according to
the largeness of their kingdoms.
4. Most
regarded traditional rulers in Nigeria are, Sultan of Sokoto –Sokoto is located
up-north of Nigeria and also Kano whose traditional ruler is accorded with
the title of "Emir". Down south of Nigeria there is Oni of Ife.
Ife is believed to be historic to the origin of one of the three largest ethnic
groups in Nigeria which is Yoruba. This does means that the origin of Yoruba
could be traced to Ile-Ife.
Moving on, other regarded rulers are Alaafin of Oyo - Ibadan is
the capital of Oyo and it is the largest city in West Africa; second
largest in Africa after Cairo, Egypt. Oba of Benin is the traditional ruler of
Edo province in south-south Nigeria.
There are few other known traditional rulers and tones of other
smaller rulers across the length and breadth of Nigeria.
Top-ranked traditional rulers in Nigeria command the following;
Political influence: They are able to influence the choice of
political leaders within their regions. This is made possible by the number of
their subjects and the great following they wield.
Politicians oftentimes recognize this and as a result pay homage
to them during election seasons.
Wealth: Highly rated traditional rulers in Nigeria are placed on
government payroll. In addition to that, they receive numerous financial gifts
from highly placed Nigerians, these financial largess are often born out of
honor and respect for “throne rulers” and sometimes rewards for title
bestowment. The titles being said are kingdom generated; they are closely
linked to the throne. These titles comes with glory and honor, as a result they
are revere and greatly acknowledged by whosoever the king deems fit to bear the
name. The choice of who bears what title by the king, more often than not, is
influenced by the riches and estates commanded by prospective title holder.
Also, historical events had somewhat designed a structure that
make it possible for occupants of certain thrones in the country to
automatically be in control of strategic local resources [such as forest, land
etc.].
In conclusion, there is no singular kingdom-ruler of Nigeria;
therefore no one holds the singular honor of bearing the title of a “Prince of
Nigeria”. The West African nation is a multi-ethnicity country with several
traditional rulers spreading across the nation.
There is
no Prince of Nigeria rather Princes in Nigeria.
No comments:
Post a Comment