"HIS ROYAL MAJESTY" OR "HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS"? THE PROPER NOMENCLATURE FOR TRADITIONAL RULERS IN NIGERIA

 

INTRODUCTION

The nomenclature of traditional rulers in Nigeria is marked by inconsistency. Traditional rulers are addressed interchangeably as "His Royal Majesty" (HRM) and "His Royal Highness" (HRH), with no national standardization. In states with hierarchical classifications, first-class rulers are typically styled HRM, while second- and third-class rulers bear HRH. This essay argues that "His Royal Highness" is the constitutionally and historically proper title for all traditional rulers in Nigeria, and that "His Royal Majesty" is a misnomer inconsistent with Nigeria's republican status.

 

THE CURRENT PRACTICE: A FRAGMENTED LANDSCAPE

The application of royal honorifics varies across states. Hierarchical states reserve HRM for first-class rulers and HRH for lower classes. Delta State, however, operates no classification system under the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council and Chiefs Law (Cap T2); all recognized traditional rulers stand on equal legal footing, with no paramount ruler or permanent chairman. Despite this, individual rulers may unofficially adopt either title, reflecting the absence of a coherent national policy.

 

HISTORICAL ORIGINS: THE COLONIAL LEGACY

During colonial rule, traditional rulers were formally styled "His Royal Highness." This was deliberate. In British royal protocol, "Majesty" is reserved exclusively for reigning sovereigns, while "Highness" designates princes, dukes, and other non-sovereign royals. By applying HRH to Nigerian traditional rulers, the colonial administration signified their subordinate status under the British Crown. The title HRM was withheld because it would have implied equal sovereign status with the British monarch—a concession never made.

 

THE CONSTITUTIONAL REALITY: A REPUBLIC, NOT A MONARCHY

Nigeria is a federal republic. Sovereignty resides in the people, and the President is the head of state. Traditional rulers exercise no constitutional sovereign authority; their powers derive from state laws, not from inherent sovereign right.

The principle is clear: sovereign monarchs are styled "Majesty"; non-sovereign dignitaries are styled "Highness." Since Nigeria has no sovereign monarchs, the proper designation for traditional rulers is HRH. The title HRM implies sovereignty, which no Nigerian traditional ruler possesses in law.

 

THE CASE FOR UNIFORM "HIGHNESS"

Three compelling reasons support a uniform HRH designation:

1. Constitutional Accuracy: HRH reflects the true constitutional status of traditional rulers as non-sovereign authorities within a republic.
2. Historical Continuity: The colonial-era HRH designation remains legally apt, as traditional rulers remain subject to higher constitutional authorities (state governors and the federal government).
3. National Standardization: A uniform title eliminates confusion, promotes clarity in official and legal documents, and prevents the unauthorized assumption of sovereign pretensions.

 

COUNTERARGUMENTS ADDRESSED

Objection: Some states legally classify first-class rulers as HRM, and this should be respected.

Response: State laws may classify traditional rulers administratively, but they cannot confer sovereign status. HRM is not a mere administrative label; it carries constitutional and historical connotations that no state law can alter.

Objection: Ancient kingdoms like Oyo, Benin, and Sokoto have historical sovereignty warranting HRM.

Response: Cultural and historical significance is distinct from constitutional sovereignty. These rulers are revered cultural figures, but they govern no independent state and exercise no sovereign prerogative. HRH honors their status without constitutional misrepresentation.

CONCLUSION

The current haphazard use of HRM and HRH for traditional rulers lacks historical, constitutional, and logical justification. In a federal republic where sovereignty resides in the people and the President is the highest constitutional authority, no traditional ruler can properly bear the title "Majesty."

The uniform designation for all traditional rulers in Nigeria should be "His Royal Highness" —a title that accords dignity and respect while accurately reflecting their constitutional status as non-sovereign cultural leaders. The National Council of Traditional Rulers or appropriate legislative bodies should consider standardizing this nomenclature to eliminate confusion and uphold constitutional propriety.