History Of Ondo - Ekimogun and Her Cultural Heritage

Ariel View Ondo City | Image Credit: Getty images 

 

This is the complete history of Ondo Kingdom and their rich cultural heritage. This article traces the origin of Ondo Kingdom in Ondo City and the inhabitants.

This is the origin of Ondo Kingdom and Osemawe:

The historical lines of Ondo-Ekimogun originated from the Palace of Alaafin of Oyo in the ancient city of Oyo, when the wife of Alaafin, Oba Oluaso bore him twins; a male called Orere and a female also called Olu which is forbidden in the palace of every Monarch in the then Yoruba land. 

Till today, Oyo is still regarded as the origin of Yorubas, while the Alaafin of Oyo is the political monarch of all Kings in the Yoruba land.

The then Alafin of Oyo loved the twins mother called Olori OLu so much,  so, on hearing the news of the twins, he lamented that this is a mysterious child - "ese-omo-re" which later transform to "Osemawe" as Oba's title in Ondo kingdom till today.

The Alafin, Oba Oluaso ordered that the twins and their mother be taken out of Oyo City, he also gave instruction that one stroke of facial mark should be cut on each cheek of the twins as "kese" or "ibaramu" mark will cause agony for them on their journey.

The single facial stroke mark became an established custom in Ondo city till today, as it is rear to see a core Ondo indegent without the facial tribal mark. One of the core and notable Ondo sons is the popular award winning Musician - King Sunday Adegeye, popularly known as "Sunny Ade".

King Sunny Ade | Photo credit: Getty images

While on their journey, Olori Olu and the twins were accompanied by the Alafin of Oyo warrior's leader called "ija" or " Uja" (The 'i" sound is usually pronounced as "U" in Ondo dialect), to a place called Epin in the then Fulani kingdom. Though, they later returned to Oyo after the death of Alafin Oba Oluaso in 1497 AD. The new Alafin, Oba Onigbogi also ordered them out of Oyo in 1498 AD with Alaafin warrior leader to the direction of Ile-Ife, (The place regarded as ancestral home of Yorubas, headed by Ooni of Ile-Ife) 

They continued the journey until they reached a place called "Ita Ijama", from where they also arrived at Epe where Iyanghede of Epe received them with joy. This is how Ondos are eulogized today as "Ekimogun, ara ita ijama, a fi agogo ide m'omi".

After a brief stay at Epe land, they desired to look for a permanent settlement. As they left Epe, they arrived at a place which is today called "Ile Oluji"- It is less than 20 minutes drive to Ondo City. The name "Ile Oluji" came up after Olori Olu- Alafin's wife slept for days and did not wake up "Ile ti Olu sun ti ko ji".

Osemawe Palace On Goggle Map | Image Credit: Google

After another short stay, Olori Olu and Princess Olu- the female twins left the town with one Ogunja from Epe, leaving Prince Orere behind in Ile oluji and continued a journey until it ended at the foot of a hill known in Ondo up to the present day as "Oke Agunla." Oke Agunla is less than 5 mins drive to the current Palace of Òsèmawe of Ondo Kingdom. The Oke Agunla is also why Ondos are referred today as "Opon inu odi Ogunja." At the hill, they spotted a smoke rising from below, they then followed in that direction down the hill and met a man whose named was Ekiri; neither farmer nor a hunter. 

Ekiri later lead them to a place called Oriden, where they tried to stick their yam stick unto the ground to prove futile as instructed by an Ifa Oracle before they left Epe.

They were happy and exclaimed "Edo du do to Edo do to Idi edo" and finally transform to Ondo in 1510 AD. Princess Olu, the female twin finally became first Oba Pupupu of Ondo in 1516 AD. While Prince Orere, the male twins became the first Jegun of Ile Oluji.

Origin of religion in Ondo City/town:

The Ondos embraced Roman Catholic Christianity in 1875 under the CMS Missionary worker- Rev. Bishop Phillips and accepted by Oba Ayibikitiwodi; while Oba Jimekun accepted the CMS Anglican Communion in 1884 and Islam in 1888. 

The first Ondo Rev. Father John Akinwale was ordained in 1947, while the first Ondo Anglican Bishop was Rev. D.O. Awosika and Rev. T.O. Olufosoye was the first Archbishop of the Anglican communion of Nigeria; while Alhaji Muhammed Alimi was installed the first Imam of Ondo in 1888. 

Ondo Kingdom has many Cultural events they celebrate yearly, Some of them include: 

1. Odun Oba Festival:

This festival is performed by the King and his Chiefs to celebrate the kingship lineage and also to allow the Prince and princess greet the King. 

Ondo Chiefs during Odun Oba Festival |

Ondo Chiefs during Odun Oba Festival | Photo Credit: Facebook - Adeyemi Tiwalade {Adecocoa}

HRM Oba Victor Kiladejo And His Wife during Odun Oba Festival | Photo Credit: Facebook - Adeyemi Tiwalade {Adecocoa}

FL: Wife of former Ondo State Governor- Olufunke Mimiko, Former Ondo State Governor- Olusegun Mimiko, HRM Oba Victor Kiladejo, jillo III, Olori Kiladejo | Photo Credit: Facebook - FFC

Oba Kiladejo during a festival outing |

2. Odun Ogun Festival

This festival is largely celebrated by Citizens of Ondo Kingdom. It's a day to warship, appreciate and appease Ogun - god of Iron deity. 

Ogun worshippers in Ondo City 

3. Ekimogun Day:

This is a popular celebration in Ondo Kingdom. It is a day celebrated to bring all sons and daughters of Ondo Kingdom; home and diasporas together to celebrate their culture. On this day, various Cultural troops will perform while Ondo people put on various traditional attires to mark the day.

Ondo Culture Heritage Attires, Cloths (Aso Oke) And Beads (uleke) | Photo Credit: Instagram - Ondo Diary

Ondo Kingdom also celebrate some exclusive festivals like: Odun Moko, where females will stay in door from dawn till dusk; Odun opepee, among others.

Ondo people while dancing Obitun Cultural Dance In Ondo Kingdom | Photo Credit: Instagram - Ondo Diary

The Ondo warriors of that time are Ago, Taagba and Jomu-lila known as Jomu till today and that chieftaincy title is family hereditary. The current Jomu is High Chief Ambrose Boluwaji Akinsade. 

History of Osemawe Palace in Ondo Town:

The first Osemawe palace was built by Oba Airo, first son of Oba Pupupu who became Oba in 1530 AD. Oba Adeuga Fidipote 11 built the first modern palace in Ondo when he became Oba in 1935 AD, while Oba Festus Ibidapo Adesanoye- Osungbedelola II built the best recent Oba's palace located at the heart of Ondo Kingdom when he became the 43rd Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom in 1992. The current King is Oba Dr. Victory Adesumbo Ademefun Aderele Kiladejo, Jillo III. 

Entrance gate to Osemawe Palace | Photo Credit: Getty Images

Late Ondo King Festus Ibidapo (1930-2006) | Photo Credit: Getty Images

Current Ondo Monarch, Oba kiladejo, 2006 till Date | Photo Credit; The Punch

Here are Ondo chieftaincy Titles:

The Ondo chieftaincy title are The Iwarefa - (The six High Chiefs: Jomu, Sasere, Odunwo, Lisa, Adaja and Odofin), Ukule, Elegbe, Otu headed by the His Highness Osemawe. While the Upojis- female chiefs headed by the Her Highness, Olobun Oba Obirin in Ondo Kingdom.

The Ukule Chiefs During A Cultural Odun Oba Festival | Image credit: Adeyemi Tiwalade {Adecocoa}

History made it known that Ondo had only one Female Monarch - Oba Pupupu. She was dethroned after she left her Chiefs while in a crucial meeting and went to pack her chickens. Till today, a female never become Monarch in Ondo Kingdom.

But, to make the female more relevant, the title of "Olobun" - Oba Obirin was created and headed by a Female till today.

Major occupations of Ondo People:

The Ondos are known to be Farmers and Marchants. Ondos produce more Cocoa after Idanre Town. Their staple food is Iyan (Pounded Yam), made from yam and they have their own peculiar dialect and very hard working. It must be noted however that Ondo emigrants settlers also founded towns like Igbado, Igbindo, Ajue, Agbabu, Odowo, Igburowo, Odigbo, Oro, Imorun, Ilu Nla, Erinla, Igunshin, Araromi, Araromi Obu, Ajebandele, Oboto, Bolorunduro, Fagbo, lake, Tekuile, Owena, Oke-Opa, Aiyesan, Oka, Oke-igbo and etc.

 

Map of Ondo State | Google Map

Ondo People  are very accommodating and friendly. Though, they are also very stubborn. Ondo People also love eating Dogs, known as 404. They do use both Dog and Goat meat for "Asùn" - a cooked meat with pepper and onion; it could be roasted or boiled after roasting. Arguably, Ondos do say Dog meat is sweeter than Goat Meat.

Dogs displayed for Sale in Ondo | Image credit: Getty Images

When you meet one Ondo indigene next time, tell him "Le o Omo'ndo Ekimogun".

Biography of Rishi Sunak

Rishi Sunak, the United Kingdom Prime Minister, who is also the first Asian leader the UK has ever had and is also one of the youngest. He is a  British politician and financier who became leader of the Conservative Party and prime minster of the United Kingdom in October 2022.

Rishi Sunak's biography, Age, wife, family, children, education, height, net worth and his Political career. But, before we proceed, check out some quick facts about him below.

1. Full name: Rishi Sunak  
2. Date of birth: May 12, 1980  
3. Age:  42 year as at May, 2022 
4. Position in Family: First born among three Children 
5. Nationality: Southampton, England 
6. Father:  Yashvir  
7. Mother: Usha 
8. Spouse: Akshata Murthy (Wife) 
9. Children: Krishna and Anoushk 
10. Title / Office held: United Kingdom House of Commons (2015-2022) | United Kingdom Chancellor of the Exchequer (2020-2022),UK Prime Minister (2022 - ) 
11. Political Affiliation: Conservative Party (CP)

Rishi Sunak was born on May 12, 1980 in Southampton, England. Sunak was born into a family with immigrant origin. His linage shows that his grandparents emigrated from Punjab, in northwestern India, to East Africa, where his mother and father were born in Tanzania and Kenya, respectively.

Read: Biography of Taaooma

 

Rishi's father name is Yashvir and his mother is Usha. It was through immigration that his Father and Mother met and married in the 1960s and later settled in Southampton in southern England. 

Sunak’s father became a general practitioner for the National Health Service (NHS), while his mother, a pharmacist, owned and operated a small pharmacy. 

Later, during his political career, Sunak would draw parallels between his experiences working in the family business and the values he gained from them and those of Conservative Party icon - Margaret Thatcher, the daughter of a grocer.

Rishi's Educational background:

It was as a result of his parents’ sacrifices and saving to fund his education that sunak was able to attend Winchester College, the noble private school that has produced no fewer than six chancellors of the Exchequer. In addition to becoming “head boy” at Winchester, Sunak was the editor of the school’s newspaper.

During summer vacations, he waited tables at a Southampton Indian restaurant. Sunak went on to study philosophy, economics and politics at Lincoln College, Oxford. There, he was president of the Oxford Trading and  Investment Society, which provided students with opportunities to learn about financial markets and global trading. While at Oxford, Sunak also had an internship at the headquarters of the Conservative Party.

After graduating from Oxford in 2001, Sunak became an analyst for Goldman Sachs, working for the investment banking company until 2004. As a Fulbright scholar, he then pursued an MBA at Stanford University, where he met his future wife, Akshata Murthy, daughter of Narayana Murthy, an Indian billionaire and cofounder of technology giant Infosys.

Returning to the United Kingdom in 2006, Sunak took a job with The Children’s Investment Fund Management (TCI), the hedge fund operated by Sir Chris Hohn, who made him a partner in some two years later. In 2009 Sunak left TCI to join another hedge fund, Theleme Partners. That year, he married Murthy. 

Rishi Sunak's Family; Wife, Children, Height, Complexion, Hair Colour, and net worth :

Rishi married his wife, Akshata Murthy, in 2009, where they had a two-day wedding ceremony in Bangalore. She owns her own fashion label, Akshata Designs, and is also a director of venture capital firm founded by her dad.

His wife - Akshata is the daughter of billionaire N.R. Narayana Murty, a co-founder of IT company Infosys.

Rishi Sunak has two children who are females, namely: Krishna and Anoushka.

Rishi is 1.7m which is 5ft 7inches in height. The PM's height has become quite the talking point for many who follow his career as he falls just below the average height for a man in the UK

Rishi Sunak, Wife and daughters | Image credit: IG @rishisunakpm

He is light in complexion with a gray hair and dark eyes' balls.

His net worth: As a politician, his actual worth isn't known yet, but he is estimated to have Billions of dollars.

His Career before politics:

Rishi spent his professional career before politics in business and finance, working internationally. He also co-founded an investment firm working with companies in multiple geographies. He then used that experience to help small and entrepreneurial British companies grow.

Rishi's Political career:

In 2010, Sunak began working for the Conservative Party. During this period he also became involved with Policy Exchange, a leading Conservative think tank, for which he became head of the Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) Research Unit in 2014. That year, Policy Exchange published a Portrait of Modern Britain, a pamphlet that Sunak wrote with Saratha Rajeswaran, deputy head of the BME unit.

In 2014, Sunak was chosen as the Conservative Party’s candidate for the House of Commons representing Richmond in North Yorkshire, a safe Conservative seat in the north of England long held by onetime party leader (1997–2001) William Hague. 

In May 2015, Sunak was elected by a commanding majority. He came into office as Euroskeptic and firmly in the “leave” camp on the issue of Brexit, which he said would make the United Kingdom “freer, fairer, and more prosperous.” He voted three times in favour of Prime Minister Theresa May’s Brexit plans.

From 2015 to 2017, he was a member of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee and parliamentary private secretary at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. 

In January 2018, he was appointed to his first ministerial post as undersecretary of state at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. Sunak became a vocal supporter of Boris Johnson’s pursuit of the party’s leadership, and, when Johnson became leader and prime minister, he rewarded Sunak with a promotion, appointing him chief secretary to the Treasury in July 2019.

During Sunak’s tenure as second-in-command at the Treasury ministry, tensions were high between his boss, Chancellor of the Exchequer Sajid Javid, and Johnson. When Javid resigned in February 2020, Johnson replaced him with Sunak, who, at age 39, became the fourth youngest person ever to hold that position. Almost immediately Sunak was faced with the manifold challenges brought about by the arrival in Britain of the COVID-19 global pandemic. 

As the British economy was clobbered by the shutdowns imposed by the government in an attempt to stem the spread of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, the cause of COVID-19, Sunak employed the powers of his office to try to offset the economic and human damage. He instituted a broad economic-support program that dedicated some £330 billion ($400 billion) in emergency funds for businesses and salary subsidies for workers aimed at job retention and easing the burden of the lockdown for individuals and companies alike. Those rescue programs were widely popular, and the polished, poised Sunak became the welcome face of the government at daily press conferences where the prime minister appeared less composed.

In 2022, Sunak was reported to be "quick" to declare his intention to replace Johnson as leader with his produced campaign video that was released hot on the heels of Johnson’s announcement that he was stepping down - a decision many could think as a betrayer.

With Johnson remaining as a caretaker prime minister until the party could choose a replacement for him, the parliamentary party (sitting Conservative MPs) set about the series of votes that incrementally winnowed the field of candidates for the leadership from eight to two. At the end of that process, Sunak and Foreign Secretary Liz Truss remained as the final duo whose names were submitted for a vote by the party’s whole membership.

Sunak stood to be the first person of colour and first Hindu to lead Britain. To achieve that end, he overcame the perception among some Conservatives of his being too wealthy to understand the needs of the average British citizen at a time of devastating inflation and the reservations of other Conservatives who were put off by the tax increases Sunak had imposed on corporations and national insurance in an attempt to help offset the costs of the government’s pandemic relief programs. 

When the results of the election were announced on September 5, 2022, Sunak came up short, taking 42.6 percent of the vote, compared with 57.4 percent for Truss, who became party leader.

On October 23, the day before nominations were due, Johnson withdrew from consideration. By early October 24, more than half the MPs had already committed to nominate Sunak. When Mordaunt dropped out shortly before the deadline, the way was clear for Sunak, as the sole remaining candidate, to be confirmed as party leader, setting the stage for him to become prime minister.

Alas, Rishi Sunak became Prime Minister of the Uk on 25 October, 2022.

His duties as The UK Prime Minister is the leader of His Majesty’s Government and is ultimately responsible for the policy and decisions of the government.

Also, as the leader of the UK government, the Prime Minister also performs the following:

• Oversees the operation of the Civil Service and government agencies. 
• Chooses members of the government. 
• He is the principal government figure in the House of Commonwealth.  
• As Minister for the Union, the Prime Minister works to ensure that all of government is acting on behalf of the entire United Kingdom, namely; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. 
• He is the Minister for the Civil Service : The Minister for the Civil Service is responsible for regulating the Civil Service. The Civil Service (Management Functions) Act of 1992, allows the Minister for the Civil Service to delegate power to other ministers and devolved administrations. This role was created in 1968 and is always held by the Prime Minister.

His Twitter handle is @RishiSunak and he has 1.9 million followers as at March, 2023.

Rishi Sunak is active on social media. You can connect with him via his official handles on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X.

Full List Of Past British Monarchs Before King Charles III

This article is a complete list of names and biographies of all Past Monarchs of the United Kingdom (UK), before King Charles III

Here are the names and Biographies of Past British Monarchs and King Charles III:

Before the reign of King Charles III, the United Kingdom witnessed the reign of several monarchs. However, late Queen Elizabeth II is the most popular of them all and also the longest-serving ruler of the United Kingdom 

Before King Charles III, the United Kingdom had been ruled by Twelve Monarchs with two queens before Queen Elizabeth II.

The death of Queen Elizabeth II was announced by Buckingham Palace on Thursday, September 8, 2022.

Late Queen Elizabeth II | Image credit: Getty Images

How was Queen Elizabeth II death announced?

Buckingham Palace said in a statement: “The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon. The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”

However, before the ascension of King Charles III, let's take a look back at the monarchs before his reign.

Here is the full list Video clip of past Monarchs of United Kingdom: Video credit: Cottereau

The First British Monarch is Queen Anne - 1702 – 1714

At 37 years of age, Anne, daughter of James II ascended the throne as the first British monarch. According to Britannica, she was born on February 6, 1665, in London.

It was gathered that she became queen in March 1702, where she ruled until 1714 after her demise.

The Second British Monarch is King George I - 1714 -1727

Son of Sophia and the Elector of Hanover, great-grandson of James I. The 54-year-old George I arrived in England and able to speak only a few words of English with his 18 cooks and 2 mistresses in tow.

George never learned English, so the conduct of national policy was left to the government of the time with Sir Robert Walpole becoming Britain’s first Prime Minister.

George spent little time in England – he preferred his beloved Hanover, although he was implicated in the South Sea Bubble financial scandal of 1720.

The Third British Monarch Is King George II - 1727 – 1760

He is the only son of George I. He was more English than his father but still relied on Sir Robert Walpole to run the Country.

George II was the last English king to lead his army into battle at Dettingen in 1743.

In 1745, the Jacobites tried once again to restore a Stuart to the throne. Prince Charles Edward Stuart, ‘Bonnie Prince Charlie’. landed in Scotland.

He was routed at Culloden Moor by the army under the Duke of Cumberland, known as ‘Butcher’ Cumberland. Bonnie Prince Charlie escaped to France with the help of Flora MacDonald, and finally died a drunkard’s death in Rome.

The Fourth British Monarch Is King George III - 1760 – 1820

He was the grandson of George II and the first English-born and English-speaking Monarch since Queen Anne.

His reign was one of elegance and the age of some of the greatest names in English literature – Jane Austen, Byron, Shelley, Keats, and Wordsworth.

It was also the time of great statesmen like Pitt and Fox and great military men like Wellington and Nelson.

In 1773 the ‘Boston Tea Party was the first sign of the troubles that were to come in America. The American Colonies proclaimed their independence on July 4th 1776.

George III was well-meaning but suffered from a mental illness due to intermittent porphyria and eventually became blind and insane. His son ruled as Prince Regent after 1811 until George’s death.

The Fifth British Monarch Is King George IV - 1820 – 1830

Known as the ‘First Gentleman of Europe’. He had a love of art and architecture but his private life was a mess, to put it mildly! He married twice, once in 1785 to Mrs. Fitzherbert, secretly as she was a Catholic, and then in 1795 to Caroline of Brunswick. Mrs. Fitzherbert remained the love of his life. Caroline and George had one daughter, Charlotte in 1796 but she died in 1817. George IV was considered a great wit but was also a buffoon and his death was hailed with relief.

The Sixth British Monarch Is King William IV - 1830 – 1837

Known as the ‘Sailor King’ (for 10 years, the young Prince William, brother of George IV, served in the Royal Navy), he was the third son of George III. Before his accession, he lived with Mrs. Jordan, an actress, by whom he had ten children. When Princess Charlotte died, he had to marry in order to secure succession.

He married Adelaide of Saxe-Coburg in 1818. He had two daughters but they did not live. He hated pomp and wanted to dispense with the Coronation. The people loved him because of his lack of pretension.

During his reign, Britain abolished slavery in the colonies in 1833. The Reform Act was passed in 1832, this extended the franchise to the middle classes on a basis of property qualifications.

The Seventh British Monarch Is Queen Victoria - 1837 – 1901

Victoria was the only child of Princess Victoria of Saxe-Coburg and Edward Duke of Kent, the fourth son of George III.

The throne Victoria inherited was weak and unpopular. Her Hanoverian uncles had been treated with irreverence.

In 1840 she married her cousin Albert of Saxe-Coburg. Albert exerted tremendous influence over the Queen and until his death was the virtual ruler of the country.

The Queen withdrew from public life after the death of Albert in 1861 until her Golden Jubilee in 1887. Her reign saw the British Empire double in size and in 1876 the Queen became Empress of India , the ‘Jewel in the Crown’. When Victoria died in 1901, the British Empire and British world power had reached their highest point.

She had nine children, 40 grandchildren, and 37 great-grandchildren, scattered all over Europe.

The Eighth British Monarch Is King Edward VII - 1901 – 1910

A much-loved king, the opposite of his dour father. He loved horse racing, gambling, and women. This Edwardian Age was one of elegance in the history of UK Monarchs. Edward had all the social graces and many sporting interests, yachting and horse racing – his horse Minoru won the Derby in 1909. Edward married the beautiful Alexandra of Denmark in 1863 and they had six children.

The eldest, Edward Duke of Clarence, died in 1892 just before he was to marry Princess Mary of Teck. When Edward died in 1910 it is said that Queen Alexandra brought his current mistress Mrs. Keppel to his bedside to take her farewell. His best-known mistress was Lillie Langtry, the ‘Jersey Lily’.

The Ninth British Monarch Is King George V - 1910 – 1936

George V had not expected to be king, but when his elder brother died he became the heir-apparent. He had joined the Navy as a cadet in 1877 and loved the sea. He was a bluff, hearty man with a ‘quarter-deck’ manner.

In 1893 he married Princess Mary of Teck, his dead brother’s fiancee. His years on the throne were difficult; the First World War in 1914 – 1918 and the troubles in Ireland which lead to the creation of the Irish Free State were considerable problems. In 1932 he began the royal broadcasts on Christmas Day and in 1935 he celebrated his Silver Jubilee.

His later years were overshadowed by his concern about the Prince of Wales and his infatuation with Mrs. Simpson.

The Tenth British Monarch Is King Edward VIII - June 1936 – December 1936

Edward VIII was the most popular Prince of Wales Britain has ever had. Consequently when he renounced the throne to marry Mrs. Wallis Simpson the country found it almost impossible to believe. The people as a whole knew nothing about Mrs. Simpson until early in December 1936.

Mrs. Simpson was an American, a divorcee and had two husbands still living. This was unacceptable to the Church, as Edward had stated that he wanted her to be crowned with him at the Coronation which was to take place the following May. Edward abdicated in favour of his brother and took the title, "Duke of Windsor". He went to live abroad.

The Eleventh British  Monarch Is King George VI - 1936 – 1952

George VI was a shy and nervous man with a very bad stutter, the exact opposite of his brother the Duke of Windsor, but he had inherited the steady virtues of his father George V. He was very popular and well loved by the British people. The prestige of the throne was low when he became king, but his wife Elizabeth and his mother Queen Mary were outstanding in their support of him.

The Second World War started in 1939 and throughout the King and Queen set an example of courage and fortitude. They remained at Buckingham Palace for the duration of the war in spite of the bombing. The Palace was bombed more than once. The two Princesses, Elizabeth and Margaret, spent the war years at Windsor Castle.

The Twelveth British Monarch Is Queen Elizabeth II -1952 – 2022

Elizabeth Alexandra Mary, or ‘Lilibet’ to close family, was born in London on 21 April 1926. Like her parents, Elizabeth was heavily involved in the war effort during the Second World War, serving in the women’s branch of the British Army known as the Auxiliary Territorial Service, training as a driver and mechanic.

She married her cousin Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and they had four children: Charles, Anne, Andrew, and Edward. When her father George VI died, Elizabeth became Queen of seven Commonwealth countries: the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Pakistan, and Ceylon (now known as Sri Lanka).

Queen Elizabeth II's coronation in 1953 was the first to be televised, serving to increase popularity in the medium and doubling television license numbers in the UK. The huge popularity of the royal wedding in 2011 between the Queen’s grandson, Prince William, and the commoner Kate Middleton, now the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, reflected the high profile of the British Monarchy at home and abroad.

Complete image gallery of all British Past Monarchs | Image credit: Getty Images

On 9th September 2015, Elizabeth became Britain’s longest-serving monarch, ruling longer than her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria who reigned for 63 years and 216 days.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II died at Balmoral on 8th September 2022 at the age of 96. She was the longest reigning monarch in the history of the United Kingdom, celebrating her Platinum Jubilee in June 2022.

The Thirteenth British Monarch Is King Charles III - 2022 - Date

The current British Monarch is King Charles III. His full name is Phillip Arthur Geroge. Born on 14th November, 1948; in Buckingham palace during the reign of his maternal grandfather, king George VI.

History of Nigeria; Independence and Facts

This article is the complete history of Nigeria. It centres on the Country's biography, pre-colonialism, colonialism, independence, republic, ethnic groups, and political setting

History of Nigeria's Independence day:

Independence day in Nigeria is a day to commemorate the freedom, but partial freedom of Nigeria from the powerful hands of colonialism. 

Before we go further, be informed that the day is always a free day as the Federal Government declares such day as a work-free day. 

Independence Day is celebrated in Nigeria, at every First of October, yearly. Should the day fall on weekends- i.e Saturday/Sunday, the Federal Government, through the office of the Interior Minister shall shift the Public Holiday to the following working day- Monday.

Take for instance, the 2022 Independence day falls on Saturday, 1, 2022, the Federal government, through the Interior Minister- Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola declared Monday as public holiday for Nigerians to mark the Independence day.

Daily News Report's Editor-In-Chief, takes you through the scenarios and FAQs surrounding Pre and post Independence of Nigeria

What does The 1960  Independence day Signify in Nigeria?

Nigeria got her Independence in 1960 and thus celebrate it yearly on October 1. The 1960 independence celebrates the Country’s Independence from British rule which occurred in 1960. Though, the 1960 Independence only gained partial freedom to Nigerians because Queen Elizabeth II was still the head of Government then, while She controls Nigeria with a Prime Minister- Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.

It was the 1963 Republic that gave Nigeria total Independence from the power of the British government. This era marks the original freedom, as Nigerians now gained total dominance of their Country and territory, that was when Nigeria started running Presidential system of Government. The first Executive President of Nigeria was Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe.

What is the meaning of Independence day | What Happens On Independence Day?

The government of Nigeria celebrates this holiday annually. The President’s address to the public marks the beginning of the festivities, this is broadcasted LIVE on Radios and Television Nationwide, anchored by the NIgerian Television Authority (NTA). Among what the President will say is to felicitate with Nigerians on the day and give updates on the current situations and positions of the Country.

The Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the workforce, national education services and all parastals do celebrate this day with the Public (Nigerians). Offices, Schools and markets will close on this day and the citizens take to the street or stadium, dressed in green and white to celebrate. The President is moved to Eagle's Square to open the Celebration as military officers, workers and Students engage in parades and matchpast. This process also happes across the Thirsty-Six States of the Federation.

This is the History of Nigeria's  Independence Day:

The birth of Nigeria came from the 1914 amalgamation by Sir. Lord Lugard, where Southern Protectorate (South and Lagos colony) was merged with the Northern Nigeria Protectorate in 1914 to create the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria.

 British Authorities sitting with A Monarch and Nigerians during the colonial Era.

Image credit: Getty Image

This is the British Colonial style | How it looses in Africa:

After the merger, In 1950, the British Empire begins to lose its power grip over Africa as  many territories in Africa were calling for independence already. In 1956, Anthony Enahoro called for the self Independence of Nigeria from the British government, though the North rejected it and this led to various arguments.

With the agitations and awareness from Nigerians' top Nationalist- Sir Herbert Marculay, and others llike Dr. Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Sir Ahmadu Bello and others, coupled with the help of newspaper and elites in Nigeria and diasporas, The Brirish Government agreed and granted Independence to Nigeria on October 1, 1960, thus becoming the Federation of Nigeria. 

First Premier of the Western Region- Chief Obafemi Awolowo having a handshake with Queen Elizabeth II, during her visit to Nigeria.

Image credit: Getty Image

Upon getting Independence, a new constitution was established with an elected prime minister and a ceremonial head of state. Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, who was previously the Governor-General was the first President. Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa continued to serve as the prime minister, a position he had held since 1957.

In the quest to gain full autonomy, on June 1961, the Northern part of the Trust Territory of the Cameroons joined the Northern region of Nigeria and in October, the Southern Cameroons united with the Republic of Cameroon to form the Federal Republic of Cameroon. Also, On October 1, 1963, Nigeria became a republic as a sovereign State, with Dr. Azikiwe as President of the Country.

Sequence Of Nigeria Independence Story:

In 1850s, the British Government establish their presence in Lagos, making Lagos the crown colony, where the British resides.

What led to British arrival into Nigeria?

The era was during an industrial revolution in Europe, so in the quest for resources and manpower, the British stumbled on Africa.

Colonialism | Colonialism Book | Queen Elizabeth II

What are the roles Queen Elizabeth II played in the Colonization of Nigeria?

Queen Elizabeth II was the British Monarch then and as Britain colonized Africa, she is definitely part of those giving instructions to the Colonial Masters on what to do.

After the Queen Elizabeth II death, there seem to be this harsh tone coming from Citizens in the African Countries. Records show that the Britain "stole"  so much resources from the colonized African Countries, engaged them into slavery, while many Africans died during the course.

Definition of Slavery | Slavery abolish | Africa slavery:

Does slavery start from the British government?

Historical facts surfaced that African Kings, Queens and elites were already engaging in slavery of their people before the advent of the British Government. What played out there was that the British took advantage of what they met (slavery), bribed the African leaders and make use of them to rule their subjects through what is called "indirect rule". After Queen Elizabeth II death, there are calls for Britain to return "Stolen" Gems, Diamonds and other resources back to the real owners.

Queen Elizabeth II was  born in London, 21st April, 1926 and her death was announced by Backingham Palace on Thursday, September 8, 2022.

Credit: BBC News

The amalgamation of Nigeria:

1861—1914: The Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria was done.

October 1, 1960 marks the official Independance which was granted to Nigeria, as Journalist Flora Shaw suggested the name- Nigeria, which was coined due to the Country's nearness to River Niger.

Here are quick historical facts about Nigeria:

Seventh-most populous Country in the World, with more than 200 million people.

The population is divided to roughly 250 ethnic groups, while religion is divided into three: Christian, Muslims and African Traditional Religion.

This is the Demography of Nigeria | This is the current estimatesd Population growth in Nigeria:

Nigeria is located in the West Africa, alongside Ghana, Senegal, and co. The population of Nigeria is over 200 Million, and predicted to grow more higher than China in coming years.

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This is the Language in Nigeria | Lingua franca in Nigeria:

English Language is the official language of Nigeria, with many other dialects accounting to over 520 Languages; majorly grouped into three:

1. Yoruba
2. Igbo
3. Hausa

Colour code of Nigeria flag;

Green and White is NIgeria's colour code.

What are the Importance of Independence Day in Nigeria:

The Nigeria Independence day is so important and unique because it marks the beginning of an era.