Country of Kings, Nigeria's Many Monarchs [Photos]

It is not known how many local kings there are in Nigeria, but a new exhibition in London gives a rare glimpse of these monarchs.

This is the emir of Zauzau, whose palace is in the modern-day city of Zaria in northern Kaduna state.

They were stripped of their constitutional power in 1963, but George Osodi's photos show they have not lost any of their pomp and grandeur. See more photos under:

This monarch is the Ovie of Umiaghwa Abraka Kingdom, in the oil-producing Delta state

Ogiame Atuwatse II, the Olu of Warri, rules over parts of the southern Delta state, which is full of creeks and swamps. Ogiame means “king of the river”

 This is the ruler of Ijeshaland, known as the Owa Obokun, a territory which lies in several south-western states

This is Oba Alayeluwa Saheed Ademola Elegushi, Kusenla lll, the Elegushi of Ikateland in Lagos state.

This is a monarch from south-western Nigeria, the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti.

Obi Joseph Chike Edozien, the Asagba of the Asaba people in Delta state, was selected to become king in 1991. An expert in nutrition, he retired as emeritus professor at the University of North Carolina before taking up his role as monarch.

A teacher by profession, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun Larooye II, pictured here in his royal regalia, became the Ataoja of Osogboland, in south-western Osun state, in 2010. But one side of the royal family is disputing his claim to the throne, known as the Ataoja stool

Pictured here is Agbogidi Obi James Ikechukwu Anyasi II, who died earlier this year. He was said to be the longest-reigning king in Africa – and was crowned the Obi of the Idumeje-Unor in southern Nigeria in 1946 when the country was still a British colony..

This is the Ooni of Ife, whose kingdom is in present-day Osun state in the south-west. Alayeluwa Oba Okunade Sijuwade was a successful businessman at the time he was crowned in 1980 – making much of his money from importing vehicles.

Alhaji Ado Bayero, the emir of Kano, has held his position since 1963. He is one of Nigeria's most prominent Muslim leaders.

The Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmumini Kabir Usman, came to the throne five years ago. He loves polo and is the national patron of Nigeria's Polo Association. Regarded as a peacemaker, he lives in the Katsina Royal Palace, known as the Gidan Korau – a huge complex in the centre of Katsina city, reportedly built in 1348.

Benjamin Ikenchuku Keagborekuzi entered the Guinness Book of World Records in 1980 as the youngest monarch when he was crowned at the age of two. He is the Dein of Agbor Kingdom in Delta state.

 This is the Pere of Isaba Kingdom, which came into existence before the 14th Century and is mainly inhabited by the Ijaw ethnic group, who also live in southern Nigeria.