Chief Solomon Osagie Alonge (1911–1994) was a pioneering Nigerian photographer renowned for his extensive documentation of the Benin Kingdom’s royal court and its people. Born in Benin City, Nigeria, Alonge moved to Lagos at the age of 14 to live with an uncle and learn a trade. During his time in Lagos, he developed an interest in photography and began an apprenticeship to hone his craft. Upon returning to Benin City in 1930, Alonge established himself as a photographer, capturing everyday life in and around the city. His work included school portraits, images of social club gatherings, sporting events, and government ceremonies.
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Key Events and People
In 1933, Alonge was appointed as the first official photographer to the royal court of Benin by Oba Akenzua II. This position marked a significant milestone in his career, allowing him to document the royal household, palace events, and cultural ceremonies with an insider’s sensitivity. His photographs offered an intimate and dignified view of royal life, portraying both the splendour of Benin’s ancient customs and the evolving identity of postcolonial Nigeria.
Alonge’s work was recognized by the British colonial administrators, who invited him to photograph official ceremonies and historical events for the Nigerian government. In 1956, he photographed Queen Elizabeth’s visit to meet Oba Akenzua II at the Benin airport. He also captured the Oba shaking hands with Princess Alexandra during her visit to Benin in 1963.
Economic and Social Changes
Alonge’s Ideal Photo Studio, established in 1942, became a cultural landmark in Benin City. The studio was a bustling hub, frequented by locals and dignitaries alike. Here, Alonge captured generations of Nigerians in formal and candid moments weddings, naming ceremonies, graduations, and portraits with the same care and precision he devoted to royal subjects.
Alonge’s photographs reveal the elegance of traditional attire, the evolution of urban Benin, and the resilience of a community balancing heritage with modern life. His work provides a visual chronicle of a society undergoing significant social and cultural transformations during the 20th century.
Colonial Influence
During the colonial era, photography in Nigeria was predominantly controlled by European professionals, who often depicted Africans through a colonialist lens. Alonge’s appointment as the first indigenous royal court photographer marked a departure from this tradition. His work allowed the subjects to present themselves in a way that they felt was dignified, challenging the prevailing narratives imposed by colonial photographers.
Legacy Today
Today, Chief Solomon Osagie Alonge’s legacy extends far beyond the borders of Benin. His works have been exhibited internationally, including at the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art in Washington, D.C., where his collection was featured in the landmark exhibition “Chief S.O. Alonge: Photographer to the Royal Court of Benin, Nigeria.” The exhibition highlighted his contribution to the preservation of Nigerian visual heritage and his pioneering role as a storyteller who used photography to assert African agency and dignity.
In Benin, Alonge remains celebrated not only as a master of photography but also as a cultural custodian who ensured that the kingdom’s traditions were preserved for future generations. His ability to combine technical mastery with cultural sensitivity has made him an enduring figure in Nigeria’s artistic history.
Chief Solomon Osagie Alonge’s work transcended photography it was an act of preservation, pride, and cultural affirmation. Through his meticulous documentation of royal ceremonies and everyday life, he built a visual archive that continues to inspire photographers, historians, and artists today. At a time when Africa was often seen through colonial lenses, Alonge offered a different perspective one that celebrated dignity, identity, and the enduring beauty of Nigerian culture. His camera was not merely a tool of observation; it was a bridge between history and memory, ensuring that Benin’s story would forever be told through its own eyes.
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Author’s Note
Chief Solomon Osagie Alonge’s contributions to Nigerian photography are immeasurable. His work not only documented the royal court of Benin but also captured the essence of Nigerian society during a period of significant change. Alonge’s photographs serve as a testament to the resilience and dignity of the Nigerian people, offering a visual narrative that continues to educate and inspire.
References
Smithsonian National Museum of African Art. “Chief S.O. Alonge: Photographer to the Royal Court of Benin.”
Smithsonian Magazine. “The Man Who Reclaimed Photography from Colonialism’s Grasp.”
COEVAL Magazine. “Solomon Osagie Alonge.”
