Oba Ademuwagun Adesida II, the Deji (ruler) of Akure, in courtyard of Akure palace, Akure, Nigeria

The photograph depicts Oba Ademuwagun Adesida II, the Deji (ruler) of Akure, on throne in courtyard of Akure palace. "Because of changing historical circumstances including disputes over succession, and inter-kingdom warfare, there are hundreds of Obas, but in fact not all hold the same degree of authority, and only those who can trace descent from one of the sixteen sons of Odua can wear beaded crowns (Beier 1982:5). The crown (ade) is the most important of all the Oba's regalia, and Obas wear their beaded veiled crowns on all ceremonial and religious occasions." [Arnoldi M.-J. and Mullen Kreamer C., 1995: Focus on Twelve African Hats. Crowning Achievements, UCLA Fowler Museum of Cultural History]. This photograph was taken when Eliot Elisofon was on assignment for Life magazine and traveled to Africa from August 18, 1959 to December 20, 1959.