‘Ẹ káàbọ̀, şé dáadáa ni’ – King Charles greets Tinubu, wife in Yoruba

King Charles on Wednesday broke with royal protocol by greeting President Bola Tinubu and his delegation in Yoruba during a state banquet held at St George’s Hall in Windsor Castle.

Tinubu, accompanied by his wife, Oluremi, and other Nigerian officials, is currently in the United Kingdom for a two-day state visit that began the same day.

“Ẹ káàbọ̀, şé dáadáa ni,” King Charles said to the 160 guests in Yoruba, which translates to “Welcome, how are you doing?”

Tinubu responded warmly, laughing and acknowledging the monarch’s gesture.

Earlier in the day, the traditional luncheon usually hosted during such visits was not held in consideration of the ongoing Muslim Ramadan fast, which Tinubu is observing.

At the banquet, guests were offered the popular Nigerian Zobo drink, made from hibiscus leaves, alongside a selection of alcoholic beverages, including red and white wines, port, and whisky.

Among the attendees were Nigerian sports personalities such as Maro Itoje, captain of England’s rugby union team; Olympic athlete Christine Ohuruogu; and poet Ben Okri. Senior members of the British royal family, including Queen Camilla and the Prince and Princess of Wales, were also present, alongside Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch.

In his speech, King Charles praised the Nigerian community in the UK, describing them as a “living bridge” and “quiet heroes” who play a vital role in British society.

Tinubu, in his remarks, similarly described the Nigerian diaspora as “the strongest bridge” between both nations.

The king also highlighted the importance of religious tolerance, stressing that “people of different faiths can, do, and must live alongside one another in peace”.

He added that both Nigeria and the UK must stand united in challenging times “when rain clouds gather”.

Addressing the legacy of colonialism, the monarch acknowledged its enduring impact.

“I do not seek to offer words that dissolve the past, for no words can,” he said, while expressing hope for a more optimistic future “worthy of those who bore the pains of the past”.

This visit marks the first state visit by a Nigerian leader to the UK in 37 years. It is also notable as the first banquet held during Ramadan for a Muslim president in nearly a century.

The last comparable occasion dates back to 1928, when King George V hosted Afghanistan’s King Amanullah Khan.

Upon arrival at Windsor Castle, Tinubu and his wife were received with full ceremonial honours, including a 42-gun salute by the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery.

The visit also featured an exchange of official gifts. The president and his wife received hand-crafted pottery, a silver photo frame bearing an image of the king and queen, and a silver and enamel bowl.

In return, King Charles and Queen Camilla were presented with a traditional Yoruba statuette and a jewellery box adorned with the faces of notable Nigerian women.