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Meet the Nigerian boss who applied to be a queen footman

"It is fascinating that they have been so protean, that they can find a way for people to still tolerate them. That kind of longevity, I find fascinating

"The fascination for me is that the monarchy hasn't died out," said Chuka Mordi, who applied for a position as "First footman to the Queen" a few decades ago, after he moved from Benin in southern Nigeria to study in London.


"It is fascinating that they have been so protean, that they can find a way for people to still tolerate them. That kind of longevity, I find fascinating. Other than that, nothing else," he said.


Now in his 50s, the graduate of King's College, London, is the head of an investment management company in Lagos, and he looks back at his job application - and the majestically polite letter of rejection he received from the palace - with amusement.


"I think I might have done something silly like ask for a stupendous salary because of my 'over-qualified' status," he said.


Ijay Uwakwe-Okoronkwo, an education consultant in Abuja, has put up a photograph of Queen Elizabeth as her display photo on Whatsapp, the social messaging platform.


"It's good to see the Queen in good health," she said.

Ms Uwakwe-Okoronkwo was born 50 years ago while her parents were studying in England. She returned with her family to Nigeria in the 1970s, and has only travelled to her country of birth for brief visits and holidays.

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