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Culture and heritage

Nana's Palace, Koko

Nana's Palace in Koko is the 19th-century home of Nana Olomu, the Itsekiri trader and chief who was Governor of the Benin River. It is now the Nana Living History Museum, a national monument holding his throne, trade goods, cannons and personal belongings.

Warri, Warri NorthLast checked 10 September 2026

Aerial view of the Nana Living History Museum compound in Koko, surrounded by palm forest The arcaded open courtyard of Nana's Palace in Koko A statue of Chief Nana Olomu on a plinth in front of the palace Nana Olomu's throne and carved chairs displayed at the museum Dining glassware used by Nana Olomu, on display at the museum

Photos: Blcknyt1511 / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Muyiwa OSIFUYE / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. All photo credits

Who was Nana Olomu?

Nana Olomu (1852 to 1916) was one of the most powerful men in the Niger Delta in the late 1800s. He grew rich on the palm oil trade and served as Governor of the Benin River, dealing with European traders on behalf of the Itsekiri.

When he resisted British control, his stronghold at Ebrohimi was attacked in 1894 and he was sent into exile. Allowed back in 1906, he settled at Koko and built this palace, where he lived until his death.

What's inside

The museum keeps the palace close to how Nana left it: his throne and furniture, his dining glassware, trade documents, weapons and cannons, and gifts from European traders. A statue of Nana stands at the front.

Visiting

The museum isn't open for walk-in visits. Arrange a time with the curator before you travel, or ask in the Discover Delta community on WhatsApp and we'll help you get in touch.

Koko is about an hour's drive north of Warri. Tour operators also run day trips from Warri that combine the museum with a boat ride on the river at Koko.

Good to know

Can I visit Nana's Palace without booking?

No. Visits are by appointment with the museum's curator, so arrange yours before you travel.

How far is Koko from Warri?

About an hour's drive north of Warri. You can also go by boat through the creeks.

Related

Sources

  1. Nana Olomu (Wikipedia)
  2. The Nana's Palace, Delta State (nigeriagalleria)
  3. Nana Living History Museum, Koko (Heroes of Adventure)
  4. Warri Koko Tour: Nana Living History Museum and River Cruise
  5. Nanna Living History Museum (Visit Nigeria Now)

Last checked 10 September 2026. Spotted something out of date? Tell us on WhatsApp.

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