Nigerian Royal Regalia

Nigeria is a federal republic, one composed of a plethora of governorates and kingdoms. Some of the latter had a huge significance in the history of Nigeria before they were subdued by the British during the colonial era. Nevertheless, even today, their principal rulers have been able to maintain their religious, cultural and, to a certain extent, political influence.

The regalia used by these individuals was and is still normally an object or collection of objects of a symbolic significance, such as a coat, robe, mantle, or costume with headgear of same shape or fashion. Other objects included in a comprehensive list of regalia could be small to medium sized statues, such as those found in the Benin Kingdom.

The regalia often had more than merely a political significance. In the southern kingdoms most especially, it was vital for the performance of religious rituals. In this case, the ruler was seen as a link between the world of the living and the spiritual hereafter. Furthermore, in the north, the Muslim emirs and sultans had religious functions as spiritual commanders. The regalia in this case did not have any connotations of a metaphysical nature, but was seen primarily as a symbol of the power of the ruler concerned.

For a list of the Nigerian kingdoms, please refer to the List of Nigerian traditional states.

The regalia today would be kept at the respective capital cities, usually in the palace or palaces of each state.

In April 2005, an exhibition was shown at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, which featured a selection of regalia from 16 states, including Sokoto, Kano, and Borno. The exhibition was organised by the Federal Information Ministry of Nigeria.

A controversy involving some of the crown treasures in question which is currently raging is the celebrated case of the Benin bronzes, sacred items of mostly metallic statuary that were taken by the British colonial powers after their war against the Kingdom of Benin in the 19th century. The bronzes were used for various royal rituals, and were of the highest importance in the traditional religion of the Edo.