Research has shown that the ancient kingdom of Nri in Igboland, South East, is the oldest kingdom in Nigeria.
In the words of the compiler, “the following comparative analysis confirms an unhidden fact that kingship was firmly established in Igbo life long before most of the much-talked about kingdoms/kingships in Nigeria which Nigerian rulers have promoted to high heavens for reasons already referred to.
See below Kingships/kingdoms in Nigeria in a chronological order of age from 900 AD to date, along with authorities who studied them:
- 1st Nri kingdom before 900AD (date established by Shaw with carbon 14) by Northcote Thomas (1913), MDW Jeffreys (1934) and Prof. M.A. Onwuejeogwu (1974 and 1981)
- 2nd Kanuri Kingdom: about 900AD by Abdullah Smith (1971), Smith (1971) and Onwuejeogwu (2000)
- 3rd Kano kingdom 950AD by J. Hunwick (1971), R.A. Adeleye (1971) and Onwuejeogwu (2000)
- 4th Agbor kingship 950AD by Chief Iduwe (1985)
- 5th Daura Kingdom 950AD by J. Hunwick (1971), Dr. R.A. Adeleye (1971) and Onwuejeogwu (2000)
- 6th Ife Kingdom (Yoruba) 1045AD by Dr. R. Smith (1969) F. Willet (1960) and Johnson (1921)
- 7th Ijebu Ode Kingdom 1080AD by Dr. R. Smith 1969, Prof. E.A. Ayandele (1992) and Johnson (1921)
- 8th Old Oyo Kingdom 1145AD by Dr. R. Smith (1969) Dr. P.M Williams (1967) Johnson (1921)
- 9th Benin Kingdom 1140AD by Chief Egharevba (1934 and 1968) and Dr. R.E. Brandbury (1957)
- 10th Ubulu-Ukwu Kingship 1280AD by Mr. E.A. Ikemefuna and Obi Anene (1985)
- 11th Owa Kingship (Off-shoot of Nri) 1280AD by Obi Efeizemor II (1994)
- 12th Igala Kingdom 1450AD by Dr. J.S. Boston (1962)
- 13th Ogwashi-Ukwu Kingship (Offshoot of Nri) 1500AD by Mr. Ben Nwabua (1998)
- 14th Aro Kingdom 1650AD by Prof. Kenneth Dike and Prof. J. Ekejiuba (1990)
- 15th Onitsha Kingship 1750AD by R.N. Henderson (1972) Prof Ikenna Nzimiro (1972)
- Sokoto Sultanate was established barely 206 years ago, after the Fulani wars of 1804-1808AD.
(Source: Onwuejeogwu: “Igbo Nwe Eze,” Iguaro Igbo Heritage Inaugural Lecture 2001, Unizik, Awka by Front for Defence of Igbo Heritage)
