Osofisan, Shehu of Borno and a cultural moment
An essayist reflects on the cultural intersection of traditional and academic honors during the investiture of the Nigerian Academy of Letters. The piece contrasts the symbolic choices of traditional rulers when receiving academic caps alongside their traditional crowns.
Why it matters
The article explores the tension between traditional authority and modern academic institutions in Nigeria.
A cultural moment struck this essayist at this year’s investiture of the Nigerian Academy of Letters. The Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Umar El Kanemi, was bedecked with the prestigious honorary fellow. After the citation, the president, Prof. Andrew Haruna, helped him into his gown. Then it was time for the head gear. The ceremony is not done without a cap, and the good don wanted him to don it. Was he going to take off his traditional and august crown for a secular ‘embellishment?’ It was a cultural moment. Was it resolved? The Shehu placed the academic cap on top of his crown. Was the traditional crown taking second fiddle to the academic, since one was on top of the other? Or was the one in the bottom supporting the ornate covering? Was it ornate?
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