This article will provide information on "what are the top 10 richest kings in Nigeria?" and also provide answers to Kingship in Nigeria
Nigerian traditional rulers often derive their titles from the rulers of independent states or communities that existed before the formation of modern Nigeria. Although they do not have formal political power, in many cases they continue to command respect from their people and have considerable influence. Though their bearers usually maintain the monarchical styles and titles of their sovereign ancestors, both their independent activities and their relations with the central and regional governments of Nigeria are closer in substance to those of the high nobility of old Europe than to those of actual reigning monarchs. With independence in 1960, followed by alternating democratic and military governments, the status of the traditional rulers evolved even further. In the north, the emirs finally lost power to the government administration, though said administration was often staffed by traditional notables. Where rulers had previously acquired office strictly through inheritance or through appointment by a council of elders, the government now increasingly became involved in the succession. Thus, in May 1994, the military ruler General Sani Abacha deposed Awwal Ibrahim, Sarkin Suleja, although he was subsequently reinstated in January 2000. In some cases, the government has merged or split traditional domains. For example, there had been two rulers of the Efik people in the area around Calabar, but in December 1970 it was agreed to combine the office into a single one that was to be held by a ruler known as the Obong. When Yobe State was created there were just four emirates, but in January 2000 the state governor Bukar Abba Ibrahim restructured the state into 13. The government has maintained colonial classifications. Thus when Kwara State governor Bukola Saraki appointed three new monarchs in August 2010, the new Emir of Kaiama was designated a first class traditional ruler while the Onigosun of Igosun and Alaran of Aran-Orin were designated third class monarchs. Traditional rulers today are still highly respected in many communities, and have considerable political and economic influence. Although they have no formal role in the democratic structure, there is intense competition for royal seats amongst the finite pool of eligible dynasts. The rulers can also award traditional or honorary titles within the Nigerian chieftaincy system. These titles come with ex officio positions in their "administrations", and wealthy businessmen and politicians often place great value in acquiring such titles. The rulers play useful roles in mediating between the people and the state, enhancing national identity, resolving minor conflicts and providing an institutional safety-valve for often inadequate state bureaucracies. One reason for their influence may be that the people of many ethnic groups have limited ability to communicate in the official English language, so the traditional ruler serves as an interpreter and spokesperson. By June 2010, Akwa Ibom State had 116 traditional rulers with official certificates from the state. They had received new cars on their appointment, among other perks. The chairman of the Akwa Ibom council of Chiefs said that in return, the traditional fathers were responsible for preventing robberies and kidnappings in their domains.
- Oba Obateru Akinruntan (Olugbo of Ugbo)
Oba Obateru Akinruntan is the royal leader of Ugbo which happens to be a prominent town in Ondo State. He bears the title of “Olugbo of Ugbo”, it is no doubt that Oba Akinruntan is one of the notable Yoruba monarchs within and outside Ondo State. His wealth and assets beat that of other traditional leaders with a net worth of ?138 Billion.
- Sa’adu Abubakar (Sultan of Sokoto)
The monarch, who is one of the most respected not just the country but the continent, has played a key role in ensuring the peace and stability of Nigeria. Sultan Abubakar IV is the 20th Sultan of the Sokoto Caliphate and ascended the throne in 2006 after the death of the 19th Sultan Sultan Miccado. Sultan Abubakar IV owns fleets of cars, but the most notable is his model Rolls-Royce 2017. He has a net worth of ?46 Billion.
- Lamido Sanusi Lamido (Former Emir of Kano)
Muhammadu Sanusi II (Sanusi Lamido Sanusi; born 31 July 1961) is the 14th Emir of Kano from the Fulani Sullubawa clan. He ascended the throne in 2014, following the death of his grand-uncle Ado Bayero. On 9 March 2020, he was deposed by Governor Abdullahi Ganduje. Muhammad Sanusi II has been dethroned as the Emir of Kano by Governor Abdullahi Ganduje-led administration. The Emir of Kano is on a yearly salary of N14 Million from the Federal government of Nigeria and has an estimated net worth of ?36.8 Billion
- Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Enitan (Ooni Of Ife)
Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Enitan is the traditional ruler, or Ooni, of the Yoruba kingdom of Ile-Ife. He has held his title since 2015. Aside from being a traditional ruler, he is a successful real estate businessman and the Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. His net worth is estimated at about ?32.2 Billion.
- Oba Ewuare II Ogidigan (Oba Of Benin)
The traditional ruler for Benin bears the title “Oba of Benin”. The present Oba of Benin is Ewuare II. He authorizes great power and influence. The Benin monarch has a beautiful palace that suits a first-rate monarch who is the 40th Oba of the Benin kingdom. He has a net worth of about ?27.6 Billion.
- Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe (Obi Of Onitsha)
Obi Alfred Ugochukwu is the 21st traditional ruler of Onitsha. He served as the executive director at Shell Petroleum Development Company and was once the Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Being the King sums it all up, and magnifies the equation altogether. He has a net worth of ?23 Billion.
- Oba Lamidi Adeyemi (Alaafin Of Oyo)
Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III is the Alaafin, or traditional ruler, of the Yoruba town of Oyo and the rightful heir to the throne of its historic empire. Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III is the current Alaafin or traditional ruler of the Yoruba town of Oyo. Born on the 15th of October 1938. He is married to Ayaba Abibat Adeyemi, his most senior wife. He has a net worth estimated to be about ?18.4 Billion.
- Oba Babatunde Aremu Akiolu (Oba Of Lagos)
He served as the Assistant Inspector General of Police before he was crowned Oba of Lagos. He is a very powerful person. On May 23, 2003, Akiolu was selected by the kingmakers of the Lagos traditional kingdom and confirmed by the Lagos State government as the 21st Oba of Lagos; he was capped the next day and was crowned on August 9, 2003. He has served in this position since May 2003, when he succeeded Oba Adeyinka Oyekan. His net worth is estimated at around ?18.4 Billion.
- Godfrey Emiko (Olu Of Warri)
Ikenwoli Godfrey Emiko was born to Olu Erejuwa II (1951–1986) and their wife Olori Eyinagboluwade, Emiko was the 20th Olu of Warri. He succeeded his brother Olu Atuwatse II, who died in March 2015. He was crowned Ogiame Ikenwoli on 12 December 2015 at Ode-Itsekiri, the ancestral home of the Itsekiri people, in a ceremony which was witnessed by many dignitaries in Nigeria, such as the Secretary to the Federal Government David Babachir Lawal, the Delta State Governor Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, Emmanuel Uduaghan, and Bola Ahmed Tinubu the national leader of the All Progressive Congress (APC). He has a net worth of ?13.8 Billion.
- Benjamin Ikenchuku Keagborekuzi I (Dein Of Agbor)
Benjamin Ikenchuku Keagborekuzi I is the royal leader of Agbor which happens to be a town in the oil-rich Delta state. He was crowned when he was 2 years and 4 months old following the sudden death of his father which was the late Obi. He has an estimated net worth of ?4.6 Billion.
The number one richest king in Nigeria is Oba Obateru Akinrutan, the Olugbo of Ugbo in the Yoruba kindgom.
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi is the monarch in the Oyo state of Nigeria. He ranks as the second most influential king in Yoruba land. His net worth is about 40 million USD, so it's easy to tell that the Oba is loaded.
15 year-old Obi Chukwuka, Akaeze 1 Of Ubulu-Uku, Nigeria's youngest King, met with Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa at Delta State Government House, Asaba.
- The palace of the Oyinoyi of Ebiraland is considered to be the most beautiful palace in Nigeria and second in Africa
- Sultan of Sokoto's Palace
- Ooni of Ife's Palace
- Oba of Benin's Palace
- The Obi Of Onitsha Palace
The Ooni of Ife is the most powerful king in Yoruba land. The current Ooni of Ife is Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi. According to the Alake of Egbaland, the Ooni is the first of the five principal Obas in Yorubaland just like the Sultan of Sokoto is the highest ruler in the northern part of Nigeria.
With a net worth of $1 billion, Benedict Peters is the richest man in Delta state presently. He is the CEO of AITEO Group and one of Delta State's billionaires.