Meet the last kings of Africa:How Nigeria's tribal monarchs still live in lavish royal splendor.

 Well-known and celebrated Nigerian photographer, Mr George Osodi was granted rare access to the palaces and throne rooms of these hereditary rulers  to create a stunning set of portraits due to be exhibited at London's Bermondsey Project in October titled ''Kings of Nigeria''.
With their stunning robes, ornate thrones and legions of flunkeys attending every whim, the pictures above are their Royal Majesties Benjamin Ikenchuku Keagborekuzi I Dein of Agbor (left), Alhaji Dr Ado Abdullahi Bayero Emir of Kano (centre) and the late Agbogidi James Ikechukwu Anyasi II, former Obi of the Idumuje Unor (right).They serve as little more than living repositories of Nigeria's enormous cultural heritage.

George Osodi 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.

Nigeria's traditional Monarchs may have been stripped of their powers more than 50 years ago, but these fascinating series of portraits showcases their regal pomp and splendour is still untouched:

Posing on his ornate throne, Alhaji Dr Ado Abdullahi Bayero is the current 'Emir of Kano', a position he has held since 1963. A former ambassador to Senegal he is renowned for his abundant wealth, which has been amassed by investing in the stock market and agriculture

Robes of office: HRM Agbogidi Obi James Ikechukwu Anyasi II, 'The Obi of the Idumuje Unor kingdom', was until his death earlier this year, the longest reigning African Monarch. He was crowned king on October 9, 1946 at the age of 22. His robe, depicting a young Queen Elizabeth, gives a clear nod to the period of British colonial rule

The Emir of Kano Alhaji Dr Ado Abdullahi Bayero is attended by aides as he sits on the back of his vintage Rolls Royce on his way to the Central Mosque in Kano

Source: Dailymail