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Mai Deribe's Palace - A hidden gem in Borno state, Nigeria

Little is known of the hidden gem in North-eastern Nigeria that attracted kings, princes, prime ministers and heads of state back in its heyday. While the media talks about insurgency and terrorism in North-eastern Nigeria and discourages people from visiting for security reasons, let's shine a light on the more appealing aspects of the region by looking at its not-so widely portrayed architecture. 

Late Alhaji Mai Deribe's palace in Maiduguri city was constructed in the early 1980s and is said to have been built over a period of 10 years with parts of it constructed with liquid gold. During its prime, it was known as the most expensive dwelling in West Africa. It is expansive and a sight to behold with four apartments for his three wives and his mother. While the building's architectural influences are clear to see, the architect behind the palace remains unknown. Its simple and geometrically etched courtyards, fenestrations, exterior wall embellishments, as well as its richly crafted interior arches, wall calligraphies, coffered ceilings and royal furniture portray a mix of Arabic, Italian and Northern Nigerian cultures. 




While pictures do not do it as much justice as a real-life immersive visit would, a certain individual has taken the initiative of documenting the palace with impressionable pictures that can be found on his Twitter: @habu_bolori.







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Comments

  1. UMAR FAROUQ UMAR3 November 2020 at 09:51

    Amazing, So legends were true!!!

    A great architectural wonder, that depicts the beautiful life we live in AFRICA, Colourful and spiritual.
    Allah ya jikan Mai Daribe.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anonymous27 June 2022 at 23:02

    I know the architect, it was my father, a man called David Maney. I have all the construction photos and drawings.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sound Unit8 January 2023 at 05:19

      Interesting. I would love to know more. How can you be reached?

      Delete
  3. Anonymous23 September 2024 at 18:09

    share the drawings for the palace if you said the Architect is your father.
    if not we need one architect to visit the palace and make a floor plan for this palace.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Anonymous6 May 2025 at 23:49

    I'm an architect too will like to be part of the construction thanks

    ReplyDelete
  5. Anonymous8 May 2025 at 00:51

    Hello...this is a masterpiece..and great work that should be preserve for new generation...we will like to collaborate with folks that have iconic pictures of this Palace...our company makes jigsaw puzzles..we can help turn them to puzzles do thst young people will know about this place...@yourjigsawpuzzlesofficial on Instagram..Thanks everyone

    ReplyDelete
  6. Anonymous8 May 2025 at 07:58

    l heard the place is abandoned and I ,am taken aback why this is the case.
    where are the family he left behind? The Borno State Government can acquire this place and make it a tourist attraction because it has the potentials of attracting tourists all over the world.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Anonymous12 May 2025 at 00:49

    Very cosy and serene. But then, all is vanity!

    ReplyDelete
  8. sofiahazel24 May 2025 at 09:50

    We are working with different industries of projects. this seems to be nice..
    Regards,
    Building Contractors in Chennai
    Architects in Chennai
    Architects and Interior Designers in Chennai
    Building Consultant in Chennai
    Builders in Ambattur

    ReplyDelete

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Disclaimer: Your opinions expressed in this comment section are of yours alone and not of CPDI Africa.

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