Queen Elizabeth II & Nigeria: Colonial Legacy, Commonwealth Journey
Introduction
QUEEN Elizabeth II’s long reign—spanning seven decades from 1952 until her death in 2022—left an indelible mark on nations across the globe, particularly those in Africa that transitioned from colonial rule to independence and beyond. Among these, Nigeria’s historical relationship with the late British monarch encapsulates key political, social, and diplomatic shifts that continue to resonate today. Her role was complex: as a constitutional monarch, a symbol of the British Empire and later of the Commonwealth of Nations, she exercised influence not through executive power, but through representation, diplomacy, and continuity of institutional relationships rooted in Nigeria’s colonial past.
Colonial Context and Early Reign
Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor became queen on 6 February 1952, ascending the British throne at the age of 25 after the death of her father, King George VI. As Queen of the United Kingdom and Head of the Commonwealth—a voluntary association of former British colonies—she presided over a period of decolonisation and geopolitical realignment.
In the context of Nigeria, British colonial rule formally began in the early 20th century, and through successive administrative arrangements, Nigeria was unified as a British territory. By the time Elizabeth became queen, Nigeria was still under colonial administration, governed by British officials acting in her name. While she had little direct administrative involvement, her symbolic position provided continuity and legitimacy for British rule.
The Historic 1956 Royal Tour of Nigeria
One of the most significant early intersections between the young queen and Nigeria occurred during her 20‑day visit from 28 January to 16 February 1956, in the late colonial period. This tour, carried out with Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, was part of a broader effort to reinforce ties between Britain and its colonial territories in the run‑up to independence movements sweeping Africa.
The monarch was received with elaborate ceremonial fanfare across several regions. She landed in Lagos, later travelled to northern cities such as Kano and Kaduna, and visited Jos and Enugu, engaging with traditional leaders, colonial officials, and thousands of Nigerians who lined the streets. Elders, chiefs, and government representatives participated in events designed to project goodwill and unity under monarchy.
Although symbolic, the tour had important diplomatic undertones. It was a public affirmation of British commitment to Nigeria during a period of mounting nationalist sentiments. The visit also resulted in a commissioned bronze sculpture by renowned Nigerian artist Ben Enwonwu, intended to be a permanent commemoration of her tour and displayed in Nigeria’s federal legislative chamber before independence.
Independence, Monarchy, and Early Republic
Nigeria attained independence on 1 October 1960, but for three years thereafter, it remained a constitutional monarchy with Queen Elizabeth II as titular Head of State. During this period (1960–1963), Nigeria’s government functionally operated with full self‑government, yet its Head of State was the British monarch, represented locally by a Governor‑General. This arrangement was part of a compromise between full sovereignty and continuity with Commonwealth constitutional structures.
Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe became Governor‑General, serving as the queen’s representative until Nigeria transitioned to a republic on 1 October 1963, when the office of President replaced the monarchy and Nigeria affirmed its full sovereign identity.
During the brief period of constitutional monarchy, Nigeria’s armed forces carried the title “Royal Nigerian Army” and “Royal Nigerian Navy,” and a special Nigerian Independence Medal was authorised by the Queen to commemorate the transition and honour those serving at independence.
Commonwealth Leadership and Continued Diplomacy
After Nigeria became a republic, Queen Elizabeth II’s role shifted from being Head of State to being Head of the Commonwealth, a symbolic position representing voluntary cooperation among member states. Under her leadership, the Commonwealth developed as an organisation focused on cultural ties, education, diplomatic engagement, and cooperative development.
Nigeria remained an active member of the Commonwealth, benefiting from diplomatic exchanges, scholarship opportunities for students, and participation in multinational events such as the Commonwealth Games. This engagement helped sustain international ties, even as debates about colonial legacy and neo‑imperial influence continued.
Her second state visit to Nigeria came in December 2003, when she attended the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) hosted by President Olusegun Obasanjo in Abuja. This visit, unlike the 1956 tour, occurred in the context of a fully independent Nigeria engaged in democratic governance and global diplomacy. It was marked by cultural presentations, formal receptions, and speeches emphasising unity and cooperation among Commonwealth members.
Contested Legacies and Colonial Memory
Queen Elizabeth II’s legacy in Nigeria is shaped by divergent perspectives. For some Nigerians, her role as Head of State during independence and as a figure of continuity through decades of post‑colonial relationship signifies diplomatic engagement and a symbolic bridge to global networks. Many Nigerians participated in Commonwealth educational and cultural exchanges, and figures like Emeka Anyaoku served at high levels within the Commonwealth, reinforcing bilateral ties.
However, her era also evokes memories of colonial exploitation, extraction of resources, and the structural legacies of British administration—issues that continue to inform debates over national identity, economic inequities, and reparations. Her death in September 2022 rekindled discussions around colonial histories and the enduring influence of empire in Africa’s political imagination.
Conclusion: A Multifaceted Impact
Queen Elizabeth II did not personally wield executive authority in Nigeria, yet her reign coincided with pivotal moments in the country’s political evolution: from colonial rule through independence and into post‑colonial membership of the Commonwealth. Her influence, therefore, can be understood not in direct policy decisions, but in the symbolic continuity of statehood, diplomatic engagement, and institutional legacies that have shaped how Nigeria’s modern state interacts with the world.
Whether viewed through the lens of unity or as a reminder of empire, her place in Nigeria’s history remains undeniable. Nigeria’s colonial past cannot be disentangled from the institutions, languages, and global affiliations shaped during and after her reign—a reality that continues to shape national conversations on identity, sovereignty, and historical memory.
