Religious Diplomacy

The 17th Century Church of Saint Anthony: One of the Earliest Stone Church Structures in West Africa (at Ode-Itsekiri)

The Church of Saint Anthony at Ode-Itsekiri, founded in the 17th century, stands as one of the earliest known Catholic stone church structures in West Africa. Built within the historic capital of the Warri (Itsekiri) Kingdom, the church symbolizes the deep diplomatic, religious, and cultural ties forged between the Itsekiri monarchy and the Portuguese…