The Lavish Royal Lifestyle of Nigeria's Traditional Monarchs [Photos]

Nigeria's traditional Monarchs were formally stripped of their constitutional powers in 1963, but they continue to command great respect among communities and wield considerable influence as this fascinating series of portraits you about to see reveals.

Alhaji Dr Ado Abdullahi Bayero, current 'Emir of Kano'

Photographer George Osodi toured Nigeria extensively for a series of photographs entitled 'Kings of Nigeria' which is due to be exhibited at London's Bermondsey Project in October.

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The Emir of Kano Alhaji Dr Ado Abdullahi Bayero in his vintage Rolls Royce

Well-known and celebrated Nigerian photographer, Mr Osodi was granted rare access to the palaces and throne rooms of these hereditary rulers who now serve as living repositories of Nigeria's enormous cultural heritage.

His Majesty, Wilson Ojakovo Oghoghovwe Oharisi III the 'Ovie of Ughelli'

He told Al-Jazeera: "There are frequent clashes among different ethnic groups… Lots of people have lost trust in their identity. I felt it was important that we see this diverse culture as a point of unity instead of seeing it as something that should divide us as a nation.

His Royal Majesty Oba Oyetunji Jimoh Olanipekun Larooyell, the 'Ataoja of Osogbo'

"The easiest way I could approach this was to look at the monarchy structure in the country because they are closer to the people than the governors."

While their ancestors ruled over vast tracts of Africa, following the abolition of the monarchy in 1963 the regional monarchs were stripped of all their constitutional powers.

Benjamin Ikenchuku Keagborekuzi I is the current 'Dein of Agbor'. Just two years and four months after his birth in July 1977 he was crowned king following the the unexpected death of his father. It meant he was the youngest king anywhere in the world. He is currently the Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, one of Nigeria's most prestigious universities

But far from fading into obscurity, they mostly remain popular leaders and are held in great regard by their hundreds of thousands of loyal subjects.

Omo N'Oba N'Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Erediauwa 'Oba of Benin Kingdom'

And despite lacking any formal powers they continue to wield considerable influence and serve as unofficial intermediaries between their subjects and the Nigerian government.

Alayeluwa Oba Okunade Sijuwade, the current 'Ooni of Ife'

Alhaji Abdulmumini Kabir Usman (Right) is the current and 50th 'Emir of Kasina'

HRM Agbogidi Obi James Ikechukwu Anyasi II, 'The Obi of the Idumuje Unor kingdom'

His Majesty, Deinmowuru Donokoromo III, The 'Pere of Isaba'

Nigerian Monarchs will be exhibited at The Bermondsey Project, London SE1, between October 10 and October 27