Even though Charles ascended to the throne when his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, passed away in September of last year, the actual crowning of the king took place on Saturday. Crowned in a once-in-a-lifetime royal ceremony, a few number of notable Nigerians were also in attendance inside Westminster Abbey. Not to be forgotten, is King Charles’s dedication to the African continent and these British-Nigerians were closely involved in the ceremonies by virtue of their positions making it a huge achievement for Nigeria as a whole.
Eva Omaghomi
Present as a senior aide, Eva Omaghomi has had a long working relationship with the Royal family. She was Charles’s Director of Community Engagement and worked with him at The Prince’s Trust and Clarence House. She was originally a civil servant with the Greater London Authority and has worked with the King for 15 years. For the event, she opted for a pink monochrome traditional wear that featured a Duaba Serwa’s textured coral and a matching gele. Accessories included pink pumps and Gbenga Artsmith’s coral beads.
Dame Elizabeth Anionwu
Dame Elizabeth Anionwu, an Emeritus Professor and British Nurse carried the gold Sovereign Orb at the Coronation Ceremony at Westminster Abbey. She was the first nurse to specialise in sickle cell care in the UK. The daughter of Lawrence Anionwu of Onitsha and Mary Furlong, and was part of the peers that bore the royal insignias into the abbey sanctuary.
Rev. Tosin Oladipo
Rev. Tosin’s role was intergral to the proceedings. He is the Chaplain to the Archbishop of Canterbury, Lambeth Palace Chapel, and St Anselm at Lambeth Palace. He is the son of Rev. Emmanuel Oladipo, who was later appointed Secretary General of the Scripture Union worldwide.
Sir Kenneth Aphunezi Olisa
Sir Kenneth Olisa is the High Bailiff of Westminster Abbey and Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London. He is 72 years old and is the king’s personal representative in the City. He was born of a Nigerian father from Onitsha.
