Chapter One

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of study

Coronation ceremonies have historically been critical events in the

political and religious lives of many societies. These ceremonies often mark
the formal ascent of a leader and reinforce the cultural, spiritual, and
political systems underpinning their authority. In the context of the Ogulagha
Kingdom, located in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, coronations carry
significant weight, intertwining ancestral traditions with contemporary
governance. The Ogulagha Kingdom, a prominent Ijaw community,
showcases its cultural and historical identity through such events, where the
symbolic interplay between political authority and spiritual legitimacy is
vividly demonstrated. Coronations in the Ogulagha Kingdom are not merely
ceremonial. They serve as powerful rituals that underscore the authority of
the king, known locally as the Pere, and solidify the monarch's role as both a
political figurehead and a spiritual custodian. These events provide a
platform for the kingdom to express its cultural values, assert its
independence, and emphasize its relationship with divine authority. By
exploring the religious and political implications of coronations, this study
aims to illuminate the interplay between traditional African spirituality,
modern governance, and the enduring significance of cultural heritage in
contemporary society.
The history of the origin of the Ogulagha kingdom is a complex one
that has been somewhat lost in translation. Due to the lack of written
documents, the origin of the kingdom isn’t certain. The kingdom is named
Ogulagha, which means a place wher war will not occur or transpire, due to
the high level of peace in the kigdom. The people of Ogulagha kingdom have
always occupied the riverine area of Burutu local government area, located
33.3 miles from Warri. It is an oil producing kingdom with its main
occupations as fishing hunting and farming. The kingdom has had a lot of oil
companies in operation in the area like Shell Petroluem Development
Company (SPDC) , Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) and others. They
practices mainly Christianity with almost 60 churches across the kingdom.
Some still practice African traditional religion as evident by the several
ancestral shrines seen in the kingdom. The Ogulagha kingdom has 10
communites with Oguhlagha community being its headquarters.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Despite the profound significance of coronations in the Ogulagha Kingdom,

there is a lack of comprehensive research into their religious and political
implications. While many studies focus on the broader cultural practices of
the Niger Delta, few delve into how coronation ceremonies shape and reflect
the intricate relationship between governance, spirituality, and communal
identity.

FOOTNOTE: Oghulagha –Niger Delta People, [Link].

In particular, the Ogulagha coronation ceremony is not only a display of

cultural heritage but also a reinforcement of the king's dual role as a political
leader and spiritual intermediary. The lack of academic attention to this
unique intersection leaves gaps in understanding how traditional institutions
adapt to modern governance frameworks. Furthermore, the growing
influence of external religions such as Christianity and Islam poses
challenges to the preservation of indigenous traditions, potentially diluting
their impact on political and social structures.

1.3 Aim of the Study

[Link] review and examine the religious and political implications of coronation
ceremonies in the Ogulagha Kingdom. By analyzing the symbolic and
functional roles these ceremonies play

2. Explore how coronations reinforce the authority of the king as both a

spiritual and political leader and investigate the interplay between traditional
religious practices and modern political systems in the Ogulagha Kingdom.
3. Highlight the role of coronations in preserving cultural identity amidst
social, economic, and religious changes.

1.4 Significance of the Study

This study is significant in several ways. First, it provides an in-depth

understanding of the cultural, political, and spiritual dimensions of
coronation ceremonies in the Ogulagha Kingdom, contributing to the broader
discourse on traditional governance systems in Nigeria . By examining how
traditional practices interact with contemporary political frameworks, this
research adds to the growing body of literature on the resilience of
indigenous institutions in a rapidly modernizing world.

Second, the study offers insights into the preservation of cultural identity
amidst external pressures such as globalization, religious conversion, and
political modernization. For the Ogulagha people and other similar
communities, such an analysis is crucial for documenting and safeguarding
their heritage for future generations.
Lastly, this research has practical implications for policymakers, cultural
preservationists, and local leaders seeking to balance tradition and
modernity in governance and cultural practices. By highlighting the
importance of rituals like coronations, the study underscores their potential
as tools for fostering social cohesion, communal identity, and political
legitimacy.

1.5 Scope and Limitations of the Study

The scope of this study focuses on the coronation ceremonies of the

Ogulagha Kingdom, with a specific emphasis on their religious and political
implications. The study will review and examine both historical and
contemporary practices, exploring the symbolism, rituals, and significance of
the ceremonies within the kingdom’s socio-political framework.

However, this study is limited in certain ways. First, it will focus primarily on
the Ogulagha Kingdom, which may not fully represent the diverse coronation
practices of other Ijaw communities. Second, the reliance on oral histories
and qualitative data may introduce subjectivity, as interpretations of rituals
and their meanings can vary. Finally, the lack of research material and
adequate resources makes it difficult to review and examine this study.

1.6 Review of related literature

The cultural significance of coronation practices in Nigeria is a topic of

great interest among historians and scholars of cultural studies. Coronation
practices in Nigeria have a long and complex history, reflecting the evolution
of Nigerian society and culture. This subject has received a lot of scholarly
attention and this has provided a lot of literature to be reviewed. Different
scholars have written on the subject and given their different takes on the
coronation practices of different cultural and ethnic groups in Nigeria.
One of such scholars Abubakar (2015) in his book, “The Role of
Coronation in the Selection of Traditional Rulers in Northern Nigeria. Journal
of Traditional Leadership”, says that ; "the coronation of a traditional ruler in
Northern Nigeria is a significant cultural event that marks the beginning of a
new era in the life of the kingdom" (Abubakar, 2015, p. 5. He provides a
comprehensive and insightful analysis of the role of coronation in the
selection of traditional rulers in northern Nigeria. He examines how cornation
helps in the selection, installation and legalizing of traditional rulers. This
study demonstrates the importance of coronation practices in Nigerian
culture and tradition.
On another note,Babalola (2019) investigates the economic significance of
coronation practices in Nigerian traditional societies. Babalola notes that
coronation practices in Nigerian traditional societies often have significant
economic implications, generating revenue and stimulating local economies.
According to Babalola, "the coronation of a Nigerian monarch is often a
lucrative event that generates revenue and stimulates local economies"
(Babalola, 2019, p. 10). This highlights the economic significance of
coronation practices in Nigerian traditional societies.
In the same light, Adeniyi (2018) investigates the cultural significance of
coronation practices among the Yoruba people of Southwestern Nigeria.
Adeniyi notes that coronation practices among the Yoruba are designed to
promote social cohesion and cultural identity. According to Adeniyi, "the
coronation of a Yoruba monarch is a symbolic event that marks the
beginning of a new era in the life of the kingdom" (Adeniyi, 2018, p. 12). He
emphasizes the role of coronation practices in preserving Yoruba cultural
traditions and promoting national unity.
Ajayi (2016) examines the role of coronation in the legitimation of
traditional authority in Nigeria. Ajayi argues that coronation is a key
mechanism for legitimizing traditional authority in Nigeria, as it provides a
ritual framework for the transfer of power. According to Ajayi, "the
coronation of a Nigerian monarch is a symbolic event that marks the
transfer of power from one ruler to another" (Ajayi, 2016, p. 15). The role of
coronation practices in Nigerian traditional governance and leadership
comes to light in this literary work.
Akintoye (2014) investigates the symbolism of coronation regalia in
Nigerian traditional societies. Akintoye notes that coronation regalia in
Nigerian traditional societies are imbued with deep symbolic meaning,
reflecting the values and beliefs of the society. According to Akintoye, "the
coronation regalia of a Nigerian monarch is a symbol of his authority and
power" (Akintoye, 2014, p. 10). The way coronation practices preserve
Nigerian cultural traditions and promoting national unity is the main focus of
this work.
Awolowo (2013) examines the role of coronation in the promotion of
cultural heritage in Nigeria. Awolowo argues that coronation practices in
Nigeria are an important aspect of cultural heritage, reflecting the country's
rich cultural diversity. According to Awolowo, "the coronation of a Nigerian
monarch is a cultural event that promotes cultural heritage and national
unity" (Awolowo, 2013, p. 15). This highlights the importance of coronation
practices in Nigerian cultural heritage and national unity.
Idoko (2020) explores the coronation rites in Igala kingdom, emphasizing
the role of traditional symbols and rituals. Idoko notes that "the coronation
rites in Igala kingdom are designed to ensure the continuity of the kingdom
and the well-being of its people"⁹. This study focuses on the role of
coronation practices in preserving Igala cultural traditions and promoting
national unity.
Osagie (2017) examines the coronation practices in Edo kingdom,
highlighting their cultural significance. Osagie argues that "the coronation
practices in Edo kingdom are an integral part of Edo culture and tradition"¹⁰.
The author demonstrates the importance of coronation practices in Edo
culture and tradition.
 Ojo (2019) explores the symbolism of coronation in Nigerian traditional
societies, highlighting the role of traditional symbols and rituals. Ojo notes
that "the coronation of a Nigerian monarch is a symbolic event that marks
the transfer of power from one ruler to another"¹¹. The theme of symbolism
of coronation practices in Nigerian traditional societies is emphasized by the
author.
Bamidele (2015) explores the role of coronation in the resolution of
conflicts in Nigerian traditional societies. Bamidele argues that coronation
practices in Nigerian traditional societies often provide a framework for
resolving conflicts and promoting social harmony. According to Bamidele,
"the coronation of a Nigerian monarch is often a symbol of peace and unity"
(Bamidele, 2015, p. 12).
Ekeh (2016) examines the relationship between coronation practices and
traditional governance in Nigeria. Ekeh argues that coronation practices in
Nigeria are closely tied to traditional governance, providing a mechanism for
the exercise of traditional authority. According to Ekeh, "the coronation of a
Nigerian monarch is a key aspect of traditional governance" (Ekeh, 2016, p.
15). Falola (2014) investigates the historical context of coronation practices
in Yoruba kingdoms. Falola notes that coronation practices in Yoruba
kingdoms have a long and complex history, reflecting the evolution of
Yoruba society and culture. According to Falola, "the coronation of a Yoruba
monarch is a cultural event that reflects the rich history and cultural heritage
of the Yoruba people" (Falola, 2014, p. 20)
Fapohunda (2018) explores the role of coronation in the promotion of
social cohesion in Nigerian traditional societies. Fapohunda argues that
coronation practices in Nigerian traditional societies often promote social
cohesion, fostering a sense of community and shared identity. Fapohunda
says that, "the coronation of a Nigerian monarch is often a symbol of social
cohesion and national unity" (Fapohunda, 2018, p. 15).
Oyebade (2015) investigates the cultural significance of coronation
practices among the Igbo people of Southeastern Nigeria. Oyebade notes
that coronation practices among the Igbo are designed to promote social
harmony and cultural identity. He writes that "the coronation of an Igbo
monarch is a cultural event that reflects the rich cultural heritage of the Igbo
people" (Oyebade, 2015, p. 15).
Taiwo (2019) explores the role of coronation in the promotion of national
unity in Nigeria. Taiwo argues that coronation practices in Nigeria often
promote national unity, fostering a sense of shared identity and common
purpose. According to Taiwo, "the coronation of a Nigerian monarch is often
a symbol of national unity" (Taiwo, 2019, p. 10).
This literature review highlights the cultural significance, symbolism,
and impact of coronation practices on traditional governance and leadership
in Nigeria. The regional variations in coronation practices underscore the
diversity of cultural traditions in Nigeria. Further research is needed to
explore the contemporary relevance of coronation practices in Nigeria.
FOOTNOTE: Abubakar, 2015,p.5. Babalola, 2019, p.10. Adeniyi, 2018, p.12.
Ajayi, 2016, p.15. Akintoye, 2014, p.10. Awolowo, 2013, p.15. Bamidele,
2015, p.12. Ekeh,2016, p.15. Falola,2014, p.20. Oyebada,2015, p.15.
Fapohunda, 2018, p.15. Taiwo, 2019,p.10.

1.7 Research methodology

This research is done using both primary and secondary sources. The
former represented by oral interviews especially within the area with the
latter in view of materials such as books, articles and so on. Narrative and
descriptive methods are used to analyse the data.
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