Monarchy of Nigeria (1960–1963)

From 1960 to 1963, Nigeria was a sovereign state and an independent constitutional monarchy. During this period, Nigeria shared the same monarch with the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and other Commonwealth realms, with constitutional functions mostly carried out by the Governor-General of Nigeria.

Elizabeth II was the only monarch to reign during this period and was officially titled the Queen of Nigeria. The monarchy was abolished on 1 October 1963, when Nigeria became a republic with a president as head of state.

History

• 1 October 1954 – The Federation of Nigeria replaced the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria as a quasi-federal British colony.
• 1 October 1960 – Nigeria became independent as a dominion under the Nigeria Independence Act 1960.
• Princess Alexandra of Kent represented the Queen during Nigeria's independence celebrations, presenting the Freedom Charter to Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.
• Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, as Governor-General-designate, invited the Princess to open the first Nigerian federal parliament by reading the Speech from the Throne.
• 1 October 1963 – Nigeria abolished the monarchy and became the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The Queen’s Independence Message:

“My husband and I return the happiest of memories of our visit to Nigeria, and our thoughts are with you on this memorable day… May God bless and guide your country through the years to come.”

Constitutional Role

• Nigeria was a Commonwealth realm, with the monarch as head of state.
• After independence:
  • British ministers no longer advised the Queen on Nigerian matters.
  • Royal Assent was required for all laws.
  • The Governor-General acted on the advice of the Nigerian Prime Minister and ministers.

Executive and Legislature

• Nigeria’s government was officially Her Majesty's Government.
• The monarch, Senate, and House of Representatives formed the Parliament of Nigeria.
• Powers of the Governor-General included:
  • Summoning, proroguing, and dissolving parliament
  • Appointing or dismissing the Council of Ministers
  • Reserving bills for “The Queen’s pleasure” or withholding assent

Foreign Affairs

• The Royal Prerogative extended to treaties, alliances, and diplomatic representation.
• Nigerian diplomats were accredited in the Queen’s name, and foreign diplomats were received on her behalf.
• Letters of credence were issued by the monarch.

Courts and Legal Role

• The monarch was the fount of justice in Nigeria.
• Criminal prosecutions were styled The Queen vs. Name.
• The Judicial Committee of the Privy Council was Nigeria’s highest court of appeal.
• The monarch (or Governor-General) could:
  • Grant pardons
  • Exercise the royal prerogative of mercy

Federal and Provincial Structure

• The monarchy was federal, with four jurisdictions:
  • One federal (Governor-General)
  • Three regional (Northern, Western, Eastern governors)
• Governors and the Governor-General were appointed by the Queen on the advice of Nigerian leaders.

Royal Style and Titles

• Royal Style and Titles Act 1961 gave the monarch a distinct Nigerian title:

1. 1 October 1960 – 1 June 1961:
   Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of Her other Realms and Territories Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith

2. 1 June 1961 – 1 October 1963:
   Elizabeth the Second, Queen of Nigeria and of Her other Realms and Territories, Head of the Commonwealth

• Colloquially referred to as “Oba Obirin” (Yoruba: King Lady).

Oath of Allegiance

• Officials swore to “bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, Her Heirs and Successors, according to law”.

Cultural and Military Role

Crown and Honours

• The Queen, as fount of honour, conferred Nigerian honours and awards.

Crown and Defence Force

• The Queen was Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
• Forces bore “Royal” titles:
  • Royal Nigerian Army
  • Royal Nigerian Navy
• Naval ships used the prefix HMNS – Her Majesty’s Nigerian Ship.

Abolition of the Monarchy

• The monarchy was unpopular and all political parties supported a republic.
• 1 October 1963 – Nigeria adopted the president as head of state.

Queen Elizabeth II’s Message to President Azikiwe:

“As Nigeria becomes a republic, I send you, Mr. President, and to all the people of Nigeria my sincere good wishes for success and prosperity… I wish you all good fortune in the years to come.”

• Queen Elizabeth II visits to Nigeria:
  • 28 January – 16 February 1956
  • 3 – 6 December 2003 (Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting)

See Also

• Statue of Queen Elizabeth II, Lagos

References

• Nigeria Independence Act 1960
• Historical records of the Commonwealth Realms and Monarchies