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50+ tasteful plain lines hairstyles without braids for natural hair

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Braiding hair is an ancient tradition that dates back to 3500 BCE (about 5,000 years ago). Plain lines hairstyles without braids have existed for years, but every generation has been able to modify and reinvent these styles to create modern and stylish looks. Discover some of the latest plain lines hairstyles without braids for natural hair below.

 

Plain cornrows are protective hairstyles. Photo: @Kaygies1 on Facebook, @hairbyntshunxeko on Instagram (modified by author) Source: UGC

 

African hair plaiting was an essential tradition of the ancient tribes. The ancient braiding techniques have evolved into many of today’s trends, enabling people to create more hairstyles.

 

Latest plain lines hairstyles without braids for natural hair

Plain lines can make many gorgeous hairstyles. Since there is no age limit when it comes to beauty trends, you can wear any of the following hairstyles regardless of your age:

High bun plain lines

Buns are perhaps the trendiest hairdos of the 20th and 21st centuries. Photo: @Kaygies1 on Facebook (modified by author) Source: UGC

 

Buns first became popular in the 90s and became a fixed part of rave culture. Recently, there has been a resurgence of girls wearing buns.

Buns suit pretty much everyone. Photo: @Kaygies1 on Facebook (modified by author) Source: UGC

 

Plaited updos are beautiful and refined. Once you get used to doing them, these hairstyles can be achieved in less than an hour. A child will love this style because it takes little time to braid.

You can wash your hair with warm water. Photo: @siyasangahb on Facebook (modified by author) Source: UGC

 

Cornrows originated in Africa and have historically been adorned with beads and shells. Decorating your cornrows like this shows the globe that you’re connected to your roots and proud of it.

Cornrows originated in Africa and have historically been adorned with beads and shells. Decorating your cornrows like this shows the globe that you’re connected to your roots and proud of it.

 

You can try out this visually appealing protective hairstyle. It will preserve your hair ends from damage, maintain hydration, and keep the edges from weakening.

The secret to achieving beautiful, plain lines is neatness. Photo: @hairbyntshunxeko on Instagram (modified by author) Source: UGC

 

Buns are great hairstyles because they can be worn high up, on either side of the head, or low at the back. For an even more standout look, add beads to your hair.

Buns are great hairstyles because they can be worn high up, on either side of the head, or low at the back. For an even more standout look, add beads to your hair.

 

Buns suit pretty much everyone. You can incorporate braiding accessories to give your bun extra flair or keep the look sleek. Remember to wash your plain lines at least once after every two weeks.

Running your cornrows under warm water will open up your cuticles. Photo: @hairbyntshunxeko on Instagram (modified by author) Source: UGC

 

Running your cornrows under warm water will rinse the initial dirt out of your hair and open up your cuticles. You can add hair decorations if the hairstyle is for a vacation or informal occasion.

Side-swept buns for natural hair

 

A side-swept bun with cornrows looks good on school-going kids. Photo: @Kaygies1 on Facebook (modified by author) Source: UGC

 

The secret to achieving beautiful, plain lines is neatness. Before washing your hair, apply your shampoo solution generously to your head and hair.

Side bun hairstyles are elegant. Photo: @Kaygies1 on Facebook (modified by author) Source: UGC

 

Side bun hairstyles are a great option for looking nice but having no time for more elaborate styling. If you’re using a bowl to wash your cornrows, pour some shampoo in your hands and apply it generously to your hair.

Simple plain lines hairstyles without braids

All-back thin cornrows look glamorous on adults and kids. Photo: @beckybeautyparlour, @hairbyntshunxeko on Instagram (modified by author) Source: UGC

 

Use a foaming shampoo when washing your hair. Such shampoo is recommended because it cleans the scalp without leaving residue.

If you desire this attractive appearance, look for an experienced stylist who can plait cornrows. Photo: @hairbyntshunxeko on Instagram (modified by author) Source: UGC

Washing your cornrows will prevent breakage when you take your braids out. So, use your fingers to gently massage each cornrow until all of them are lathered with shampoo before you run water on your hair.

Leaving shampoo residue in your hair can irritate your scalp. Photo: @hairbyntshunxeko on Instagram (modified by author) Source: UGC

 

Rinse your hair thoroughly to get all of the shampoo out of it. Leaving shampoo in your hair could create residue build-up from the chemicals in your shampoo.

Plain lines will also accentuate and emphasize your facial features. Photo: @siyasangahb on Facebook (modified by author) Source: UGC

 

With natural hair alone, you can make strands not too long to fall on your face. This hairstyle will also accentuate and emphasize your facial features, making you look prettier.

Protein-based conditioners help patch cracked or missing cuticles in your hair. Photo: @LaPrideSalon on Facebook (modified by author) Source: UGC

 

After rinsing your hair, mix oil, a protein-based conditioner, and warm water in a spray bottle and spray your hair. Protein-based conditioners help patch cracked or missing cuticles in your hair.

Curvy lines make a hairstyle look elegant and unique. Photo: @siyasangahb on Facebook (modified by author) Source: UGC

 

Curvy lines make a hairstyle look elegant and unique. You can have lines of the same size for uniformity or blend thick and thin lines to create a new style.

Plain zigzag hairdos are remarkably distinct, fashionable, and intriguing. Photo: @fayglam_ on Instagram (modified by author) Source: UGC

 

If you want to try something new, consider zigzag hairdos. They are simple hairstyles for ladies without attachments. To maintain this hair, cover your head with a shower cap for 20 minutes to retain moisture after washing it in warm water with shampoo and spraying a conditioner.

Twin buns for natural hair

Rinse off your conditioner with room temperature or cool water. Photo: @siyasangahb on Facebook (modified by author) Source: UGC

 

The most important tip is to make neat lines and have an even, balanced amount of hair for each bun. For a little bit of added flair, finish with a spray glitter.

Do not leave the conditioner on for 20 minutes; it may make your hair brittle. Photo: @Kaygies1 on Facebook (modified by author) Source: UGC

 

Find a leave-in conditioner that works best for your type of hair. Also, remember to use a soft cotton towel to pat washed cornrows and wear a shower cap until your cornrows are dry.

Do not rub your head, or you may undo your cornrows when washing them. Photo: @LaPrideSalon on Facebook (modified by author) Source: UGC

 

Do not rub your head, or you may undo your braids. The tension can damage your scalp and strands and cause hair breakage and shedding.

When you need to reduce tightness from cornrows, a scalp massage using essential oils is the answer. Photo: @Kaygies1 on Facebook (modified by author) Source: UGC

 

Make your twin bun hairstyle look more fashioned by blending a low and high bun. You are guaranteed that the hairstyle is appropriate for kids and adults during informal and formal occasions.

Messaging your tight cornrows with oil increases blood flow and protects natural hair against dryness and flaking. Photo: @Kaygies1 on Facebook (modified by author) Source: UGC

To reduce tightness from cornrows, apply a few drops of peppermint, tea tree, or rosemary oil to your fingers and rub into the scalp gently to soothe and moisturize the area in discomfort.

 

Applying leave-in conditioners can be an excellent solution to relieve tight plaited lines. Photo: @Kaygies1 on Facebook (modified by author) Source: UGC

 

Leave-in conditioners with nourishing components keep your scalp well moisturized, thus preventing soreness due to tightly done patches.

You can use scented oils if you want your hair to smell good. Photo: @Kaygies1 on Facebook (modified by author) Source: UGC

 

Love heart designs have become highly inventive. For the summer vacation, you can wear this on natural African hair. Aside from being stunning, it will make your youngster the center of attention.

Grapeseed and jojoba oils are lighter for people with oil-prone hair. Photo: @Kaygies1 on Facebook (modified by author) Source: UGC

 

Grapeseed oil is ideal for moisturizers because it is lighter than jojoba oil and feels non-greasy. Jojoba oil, on the other hand, might leave an oily residue on the skin because it is thicker.

Argan oil works well for coarse, uncontrolled hair. Photo: @Kaygies1 on Facebook (modified by author) Source: UGC

 

With its fatty acid and vitamin-rich makeup, pure argan oil is a golden ticket for coarse and curly hair, helping to rehydrate and soften textured hair.

Use olive or almond oil if your hair is prone to dandruff or dryness. Photo: @Kaygies1 on Facebook (modified by author) Source: UGC

 

Apply olive or almond oil to your roots for hydration and moisture if you have a dry or flaky scalp. Leave for about 30 minutes before rinsing out.

Using coconut oil may leave an unwanted scent in your hair. Photo: @Kaygies1 on Facebook (modified by author) Source: UGC

 

If your dry hair is prone to breakage, you should moisturize your scalp daily. Gently spray over the top of your head to make your hair damp with moisturizer.

Almond oil penetrates and moisturizes the scalp and alleviates irritation. Photo: @Kaygies1 on Facebook (modified by author) Source: UGC

 

Almond oil penetrates and moisturizes the scalp, alleviating irritation. You can also use coconut oil, but it can leave an unwanted scent in your hair. For whatever reason, your body reacts with the coconut oil in a way that produces the smell.

Photo: @Kaygies1 on Facebook (modified by author) Source: UGC

 

Add ribbons to either bun for elegance. With oily hair, make sure your cornrows’ ends also get oil. You need an upkeep routine that ensures you hydrate your ends, maintain the regrowth, and cleanse and moisturize your scalp.

Women who wear twin buns look super cute and very feminine. Photo: @hairbyntshunxeko on Instagram (modified by author) Source: UGC

 

Buns are extremely versatile and can be styled as desired. Women who wear twin buns look super cute and very feminine. A steamer is an effective way to loosen too-tight braids and boost your scalp’s health.

Bun hairstyles make your neck look longer, thus making you appear taller. Photo: @hairbyntshunxeko on Instagram (modified by author) Source: UGC

 

Bun hairstyles work with any length and texture of hair, and wearing your hair in twin buns makes you look taller. The hairstyle makes your neck look longer, thus creating a slimming effect.

Three buns for natural hair

Steaming is an effective way to loosen tight cornrows and boost your scalp’s health. Photo: @hairbyntshunxeko on Instagram (modified by author) Source: UGC

 

If your cornrows are tight, steam the affected areas for 10 minutes to open cuticles and follicles. This will increase elasticity and moisturize hair strands.

Mohawk plain lines for natural hair

If your cornrows are tight, steam the affected areas for 10 minutes to open cuticles and follicles. This will increase elasticity and moisturize hair strands.
Mohawk plain lines for natural hair

 

Crisscross lines at the forehead will make your mohawk look great. These simple plain lines hairstyles without braids for natural hair are easy to style and look good on all facial shapes.

Regular steaming makes the hair stronger. Photo: @hairbyntshunxeko on Instagram (modified by author) Source: UGC

 

Regular steaming strengthens the hair by facilitating enhanced absorption of oils or other treatment products into the hair shafts.

Cornrows can make the scalp itch if not maintained well. Photo: @hairbyntshunxeko on Instagram (modified by author) Source: UGC

 

Most African women choose to do cornrows because they require less maintenance and represent their culture and personal style preference.

Mohawk is excellent for those who want something simple but outstanding. Photo: @Kaygies1 on Facebook (modified by author) Source: UGC

 

Make a big fashion statement with mohawk cornrow lines. This cool hairstyle has numerous latest variations. So, choose whatever suits you best.

Tightening the cornrows irritates the scalp and triggers itchiness. Photo: @Kaygies1 on Facebook (modified by author) Source: UGC

 

Cornrows are styled in a unique way for aesthetics. It feels nice wearing such classic cornrows on your natural hair. However, these hairstyles can cause scalp itchiness if not maintained well.

Plain lines hairstyles with extension

Always plait hair with the correct tension to avoid itching. Photo: @BeksTalent on Facebook (modified by author) Source: UGC

 

Refrain from being under the belief that tighter hairstyles last longer. Always plait with the correct tension to avoid itching, headaches, and hair loss. Also, soak hair extensions in apple cider vinegar before installation to prevent scalp irritation that can cause itchiness.

A dry scalp can lead to visible hair loss, often due to persistent scratching. Photo: @hairbyntshunxeko on Instagram (modified by author) Source: UGC

 

Shampoo your hair twice a week to avoid dirt and grease build-up. Use mild shampoos to prevent drying. A dry scalp can lead to visible hair loss, often due to persistent scratching.

 

To avoid a dry and itchy scalp, condition the hair after shampooing to lock in the moisture. Gently massage the conditioner in circular motions to prevent scalp dryness.

Use shampoos with coal tar as an active ingredient if your scalp itches excessively. Photo: @Kaygies1 on Facebook (modified by author) Source: UGC

 

Some people scratch dry scalps hard enough to cause soreness or even open wounds. If not cared for, these sores could become inflamed or infected. So, if you have excessive itching, use shampoos with coal tar.

Side-swept ponytail

To prevent scalp dryness, use a conditioner after shampooing. Photo: @LaPrideSalon on Facebook (modified by author) Source: UGC

 

The side-swept ponytail can have thin or medium strands. The cornrows can have curvy shapes to make an attractive hairdo. The style is an excellent alternative for vacations.

Thick twin cornrows

Shampoos containing hydrocortisone can help reduce scalp swelling, redness, and itching. Photo: @hairbyntshunxeko on Instagram (modified by author) Source: UGC

 

These thick twin cornrows are among the latest plain lines hairstyles. Split your hair into half and braid cornrows to form two thick cornrows running from the forehead to the neck.

If you have an an allergy to a shampoo, conditioner, or other product that touches your scalp, stop using it. Photo: @hairbyntshunxeko on Instagram (modified by author) Source: UGC

 

Bring your A-game when it comes to wearing creative African hairstyles. This exquisite hairdo can be worn to almost any event.

Shampoos that have Sodium Lauryl Sulphate irritate the scalp. Photo: @hairbyntshunxeko on Instagram (modified by author) Source: UGC

 

Coal tar shampoo can reduce itchiness. It also helps cut down on the overgrowth of skin cells and helps the body shed dead cells. Although this product is less used today, you can still find shampoos that contain this ingredient.

Fluocinolone shampoos use corticosteroids to help reduce itching and flaking. Photo: @hairbyntshunxeko on Instagram (modified by author) Source: UGC

 

You could have an itchy scalp because you’re reacting badly to something you’re putting in your hair. For instance, shampoos containing Sodium Lauryl Sulphate make a lot of foam but can be very irritating to the scalp.

Ketoconazole shampoos have an antifungal ingredient that kills the fungus that can cause dandruff. Photo: @hairbyntshunxeko on Instagram (modified by author) Source: UGC

 

Pyrithione zinc shampoos use zinc pyrithione, an antifungal that fights bacteria. Meanwhile, Ketoconazole shampoos have an antifungal ingredient that kills the fungus that can cause dandruff.

Regular oiling is a simple yet effective way to promote overall hair health. Photo: @hairbyntshunxeko on Instagram (modified by author) Source: UGC

 

Using hair oil regularly on the scalp can also help improve the overall health of the scalp and hair, making it less prone to dandruff and other conditions.

Certain hair oils have antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. Photo: @hairbyntshunxeko on Instagram (modified by author) Source: UGC

 

Oils like tea tree oil, coconut oil, neem oil, olive oil, castor oil, jojoba oil, argan oil, lavender oil, rosemary oil, and peppermint oil can help to reduce dandruff by moisturizing and soothing the scalp.

Hair that is dry and brittle may consider using hair oil two to three times a week. Photo: @hairbyntshunxeko on Instagram (modified by author) Source: UGC

 

Natural botanical oils contain essential nutrients that can strengthen the hair shaft, prevent breakage, and add shine. For dry and brittle hair, consider using hair oil two to three times a week.

Chunky, plain lines

Chunky, plain lines suit long and voluminous natural hair. Photo: @essien, @soglossy on Facebook (modified by author) Source: UGC

 

If you have normal to oily hair, oil it once or every other week. Dry and itchy scalps need oiling two to three times a week.

Seasons may change the need for less or more hair oil. Dry and colder months may require a little more, whereas humid weather can do with a little less.

What is the best hairstyle for natural hair?

Pain lines without braids are some of the best hairstyles for natural hair. With plain cornrows, you can do buns (high, middle, or low buns). You can also do single, twin, or multiple buns and add extensions, beads, ribbons, etc.

How do you take care of natural hair without braids?

Wash plain lines or natural unplaited hair with warm water and shampoo once or twice a month. Use a leave-in conditioner and pat dry the hair with a towel. After that, oil your hair and cover it with a dry shower cap to allow moisture and oil to seep into the pores of your scalp.

How do you take care of natural hair daily?

Moisturize your hair daily with oils and conditioner, detangle the tangled hair gently, and wear a satin or silk bonnet when you go to bed. Remember to minimize using heat on your hair and protect it from scorching sun, rain, dust, and wind to keep it clean and hydrated.

What can you plait on natural hair?

You can wear simple plain lines hairstyles without braids for natural hair. There are diverse variations of plain lines for formal and informal occasions.

Is cornrow good for natural hair?

Cornrows are the ultimate protective style for natural hair. They can be worn day or night and are perfect for all hair textures.

Plain lines hairstyles without braids are protective hairstyles. They provide a flawless, beautiful appearance and preserve hair ends from damaging forces like excessive humidity and sun heat.

Tuko.co.ke shared birthday hairstyles for a black girl. Women with African roots have lovely hair that deserves to be cared for.

The hairstyles in the article are worth copying, but you can get a different look. So, let these hairstyles inspire you to make something that suits you.

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Orji Uzor Kalu

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Orji Uzor Kalu MON (born 21 April 1960) is a prominent Nigerian politician, businessman, and former two-term governor of Abia State. He is widely recognized for his influence in both Nigeria’s political landscape and its private sector, particularly in media and diversified business enterprises.

Early Life and Education

Kalu was born in Abia State, where he grew up and began his early education. He later attended the University of Maiduguri but was suspended during a period of student activism. Despite the interruption, Kalu went on to build a successful entrepreneurial career before fully venturing into politics. Over the years, he completed various academic and executive programs, strengthening his profile as a businessman and public administrator.

Business Career

Before entering high-level politics, Kalu established himself as a successful entrepreneur. He is the Chairman of SLOK Holding, a business conglomerate with interests spanning:

trading

manufacturing

shipping

banking

oil and gas

His investments expanded both within Nigeria and internationally. Kalu also holds significant influence in the Nigerian media industry as the chairman and principal owner of The Daily Sun and New Telegraph, two widely circulated national newspapers. Through these enterprises, he has contributed to Nigeria’s media development, business growth, and employment generation.

Political Career

Kalu ventured into politics in the early 1990s. His major political breakthrough came in 1999, when he was elected Governor of Abia State, the first governor of the state under Nigeria’s Fourth Republic. He served two terms from 29 May 1999 to 29 May 2007.

During his governorship, Kalu focused on:

infrastructural development

education reforms

rural development

fiscal transparency

encouragement of local enterprise

He became known for his bold political style and his outspokenness on national issues. Kalu also played influential roles in national politics, aligning with various political parties at different times and serving as one of the notable political actors in Southeast Nigeria.

Senatorial Career

In 2019, Kalu was elected as the Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District in the Nigerian Senate. In the Senate, he has participated in legislative debates, sponsored bills, and advocated for policies supporting economic growth, regional development, and national unity.

Legal Challenges

Kalu faced legal controversies regarding corruption allegations linked to his time as governor. He was convicted in 2019 by a Federal High Court; however, the Supreme Court later nullified the conviction, citing procedural errors and ordering a retrial. The development became one of the most widely discussed legal cases involving a high-ranking public official in Nigeria.

Honours and Recognition

Kalu holds the national honour of Member of the Order of the Niger (MON). His political and business careers have earned him recognition across Nigeria and beyond, while his strong media presence continues to shape public discourse.

Personal Life

He is married and has children. Kalu maintains a significant influence in both political and business circles and continues to be an active figure in Nigerian public life.

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THE EXECUTION OF THE 1976 COUP PLOTTERS IN NIGERIA

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On Friday, February 13, 1976, Nigeria was shaken by a tragic and violent coup d’état led by Lieutenant Colonel Bukar Suka Dimka. The most devastating outcome of this failed coup was the assassination of the nation’s then Head of State, General Murtala Ramat Muhammed. He was gunned down in Ikoyi, Lagos, as he traveled unescorted to his office at the Dodan Barracks. His death sent shockwaves across the country and marked a dark chapter in Nigeria’s post-independence political history.

General Murtala Muhammed had only been in office for approximately 200 days, yet he was deeply admired for his bold reforms, anti-corruption stance, and efforts to return Nigeria to civilian rule. His untimely death sparked outrage, mourning, and swift retribution by the military establishment.

The coup, though partially successful in its initial hours, quickly collapsed. Loyalist forces, particularly those under the command of then Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters, Lieutenant General Olusegun Obasanjo, and General Theophilus Danjuma, regained control of strategic institutions. Dimka had temporarily seized the state radio to broadcast his justification for the coup, accusing the Muhammed regime of corruption and maladministration. However, his broadcast was cut short, and he fled Lagos.

Olusegun Obasanjo, after initial hesitation, accepted the call to leadership and succeeded Muhammed as Head of State. His new regime was determined to punish the conspirators severely and deter future insurrections. What followed was one of the most publicized military trials and mass executions in Nigerian history.

The Court-Martial and Executions

Over 100 military personnel and civilians were arrested in connection to the failed coup. Following military investigations and tribunals, dozens were convicted of plotting, aiding, or executing the coup attempt. The convicted officers were sentenced to death by firing squad, and the executions were carried out in two major rounds.

The first set of executions took place on March 11, 1976, at Bar Beach, Lagos, a location known at the time for public executions. Under the supervision of General Obasanjo’s military government, 31 individuals were executed, including senior officers, junior ranks, and one civilian. These included:

1. Major General I. D. Bisalla (former Commissioner for Defence)

2. Warrant Officer II Monday Monchon

3. Staff Sergeant Richard Dungdang

4. Sergeant Sale Pankshin

5. Lieutenant Colonel A. R. Aliyu

6. Captain M. Parvwong

7. Captain J. F. Idi

8. Captain S. Wakins

9. Lieutenant Mohammed

10. Lieutenant E. L. K. Shelleng

11. Lieutenant Colonel Ayuba Tense

12. Colonel A. D. S. Way

13. Lieutenant Colonel T. K. Adamu

14. Lieutenant Colonel A. B. Umaru

15. Captain A. A. Aliyu

16. Captain Augustine Dawurang

17. Major M. M. Mshelia

18. Lieutenant William Seri

19. Major I. B. Ribo

20. Major K. K. Gagra

21. Captain M. R. Gelip

22. Mr. Abdulkarim Zakari (a civilian who assisted in the radio broadcast)

23. Lieutenant Peter Ggani

24. Major Ola Ogunmekan

25. Lieutenant O. Zagmi

26. Lieutenant S. Wayah

27. Sergeant Ahmadu Rege

28. Sergeant Bala Javan

29. Warrant Officer II Sambo Dankshin

30. Warrant Officer II Emmanuel Dakup Seri

31. Major J. W. Kasai

A second round of executions took place between May 15 and 17, 1976, following the capture and trial of the coup leader and his key accomplices. This final round included:

32. Lieutenant Colonel Bukar Suka Dimka (leader of the coup)

33. Joseph D. Gomwalk (former Military Governor of Benue-Plateau State)

34. Lieutenant S. Kwale

35. Warrant Officer H. E. Bawa

36. Colonel I. Buka

37. Major J. K. Afolabi

38. H. Shaiyen

Dimka was captured after a nationwide manhunt and interrogation. During his trial, he remained defiant and refused to express remorse. His execution, along with the others, was carried out in secrecy, though public knowledge of it spread quickly.

These executions were meant to send a clear signal that treason and political instability would not be tolerated. While controversial, especially due to the scale and speed of the trials, the actions taken by the Obasanjo-led government reinforced military discipline and temporarily stabilized Nigeria’s political environment.

General Olusegun Obasanjo would go on to continue the reform agenda of the late Murtala Muhammed and, in 1979, became the first military leader in Nigeria to voluntarily hand over power to a democratically elected civilian government. This marked the beginning of Nigeria’s Second Republic.

The 1976 coup attempt remains one of Nigeria’s most defining political crises, remembered not only for the tragic loss of a visionary leader but also for the massive response it provoked from the military and the Nigerian public.

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Tokunbo Akintola: The First Black African Student at Eton College

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In April 1964, a quiet but historic milestone was recorded in the educational and social history of both Nigeria and Britain. On the 29th of that month, the family of Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola—then Premier of the Western Region of Nigeria—stood proudly at Eton College in England as his son, Tokunbo Akintola, was formally admitted as the first Black African student in the school’s centuries-long history. At just thirteen years old, Tokunbo stepped into one of the most prestigious educational institutions in the world, a boarding school that had shaped the minds of British royals, aristocrats, intellectuals, and nineteen British Prime Ministers.

The photograph taken that day captures not merely a familial moment but a symbol of cultural diplomacy and evolving global relations. The Akintola family appears in a dignified blend of traditional Nigerian attire and modest Western clothing—a visual representation of their deep Yoruba roots and their engagement with the global stage. Standing at the centre is young Tokunbo, clad in his new school uniform, poised to begin an educational journey many could only dream of. Around him, his family offers a visible aura of pride, hope, and expectation.

Chief Ladoke Akintola, Tokunbo’s father, was by then one of the most influential political figures in Nigeria. A trained lawyer, seasoned journalist, and an orator known for his eloquence, he had risen to become Premier of the Western Region during a turbulent but significant period in Nigeria’s post-independence political evolution. His son’s admission into Eton represented both personal achievement and national symbolism—proof that African families could now step confidently onto platforms historically reserved for the British elite.

Eton College itself stood as an institution of immense reputation. Founded in 1440 by King Henry VI, it had become synonymous with leadership and privilege, producing generations of statesmen, military leaders, and members of the Royal Family. For centuries, its doors had remained firmly closed to Africans. Tokunbo’s arrival in 1964 therefore marked a quiet breaking of barriers, the beginning of a new chapter in cross-cultural educational exchange.

Tokunbo remained at Eton through the late 1960s, navigating the school’s rigorous academic environment and its deeply traditional culture. Those who remember him described him as gentle, intelligent, and quietly charismatic. Yet his life, promising as it was, would be a short one. Four years after leaving Eton, in 1973, Tokunbo Akintola died tragically at a young age, cutting short what many believed could have become a remarkable legacy in law, politics, or diplomacy—fields that seemed perfectly aligned with his upbringing and the reputation of his father.

Today, Tokunbo’s story endures as part of Nigeria’s broader historical narrative. It represents the aspirations of a generation of postcolonial families who sought to blend African identity with global opportunity. It also stands as a reminder of the contributions—and sacrifices—made by those who walked early paths of representation, carrying the hopes of their families and nations with them.

Source:
Getty Images archival description; historical records on Ladoke Akintola and Eton College.

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