This article is about the top 10 most powerful Kings in Nigeria. In our previous posts, we wrote about the leading first class kings in Nigeria as well as the richest monarchs in the country and we would love for you to look up those articles but in this post, we want to take you on a journey to know who are the wealthiest monarchs in the country currently so sit back, relax and enjoy reading this piece.
The current political structure of Nigeria does not include a monarchical form of government but between 1960 and 1963, Nigeria was ruled by Queen Elizabeth II, who served as the Queen of Nigeria, and the Head of State. The monarchical form of government has, nevertheless, always been a part of Nigerian history and culture, and this is still the case today.
There are many monarchs in Nigeria and these kings are known as Traditional Rulers. Among them stand out a select few who have over the years in the country, become known as being in a class of their own. They are the first to be mentioned in the respective parts of the country that they come from and apart from being the custodians of their traditions and culture, these kings have the the backing of the various the State governments domiciled in their geopolitical zones, and they are above all the many other monarchs in the country as the most powerful, and we shall be looking at the top 10 below.
TOP 10 MOST POWERFUL KINGS IN NIGERIA 2023
The following are the 10 most powerful kings in Nigeria this 2023:
EMIR OF KANO
The Emir of Kano is one of the most powerful traditional rulers in Nigeria. Aminu Ado Bayero, the current Emir of Kano, succeeded the throne of his fathers on March 9, 2020. Following his accession to the throne, he is now the Chancellor of the University of Calabar. Aminu Ado Bayero was born on February 10, 1961 in Kano, the Northern part of Nigeria. He was the Emir of Bichi before succeeding to the throne as the Emir of Kano.
ALAAFIN OF OYO
The traditional title of the traditional ruler of Oyo town in Oyo State is Alaafin of Oyo. The Alaafin is one of the most powerful monarchs in Nigeria and he is a descendant of the Alaafins of Oyo, who ruled the former Oyo empire. All Alaafins can trace their ancestry back to Oduduwa, the progenitor of the Yoruba race. The 45th Alaafin of Oyo was Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III (Iku Baba Yeye) of the house of Oranyen. He died on April 22, 2022, after reigning for 50 years.
SULTAN OF SOKOTO
The Sultan of Sokoto also ranks highly as one of the most powerful and influential kings in Nigeria today. Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR is the current Sultan of Sokoto Caliphate. He is the 20th Sultan of Sokoto, succeeding Muhammadu Maccido. His Eminence, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III was born on August 24, 1956 in Sokoto, Nigeria’s Northern Region. On November 2, 2006, he ascended to the throne as Sultan of Sokoto. Prior to ascending the throne of his ancestor, Usman Dan Fodio, he was a Brigadier-General in the Nigerian Army from 1977 to 2006. During his military career, he led key units. Due to his exalted position as Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, is the spiritual leader of all Muslims in Nigeria.
OONI OF IFE
Another powerful monarch in Nigeria is the Ooni of Ife. Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojaja II) is the reigning Ooni of Ife. He is the 51st Ooni of Ife, succeeding Oba Okunade Sijuwade. Oba Adeyeye was born on October 26, 1974, in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria, and his reign began on December 7, 2015. The Ooni of Ife is a Chartered Accountant and holds honorary doctorates in public administration and law from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and Igbinedion University, respectively. He is the Chancellor of Nsukka University. Oba Adeyeye is known as a benefactor and a liberal, and he is credited with bringing reform and cultural growth to Ile-Ife.
OBI OF ONITSHA
The Obi of Onitsha is a powerful traditional ruler in Nigeria who hails from Onitsha, Anambra State. HRM, Igwe Dr. Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe CFR, mni, is the current Obi of Onitsha. Onitsha is a city in Anambra State that is highly esteemed for its ancient traditions. The office of Obi of Onitsha is a highly prestigious one with clout in Nigerian politics. Igwe Dr. Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe is the 21st Obi of Onitsha and the Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University. He was born on May 14, 1941, in Onitsha, Anambra State, Nigeria. Achebe is a well-educated and well-travelled king. He is married to Chinwe Ngozi (Nee: Ononye), with whom he has six children. He emerged as the Obi of Onitsha in 2002 (the Obi of Onitsha is not crowned, he emerges). Prior to his emergence as the Obi, he held multiple job positions in various organizations in Nigeria and abroad until his retirement.
OBA OF BENIN
The Benin Kingdom maintains a highly recognized traditional leadership role in Nigeria, and the current Oba of Benin, a powerful king in Nigeria, is a symbol of respect not only in Benin but across Edo State. He is the traditional ruler of the Edo people. Ewuare II is Benin’s 40th Oba. He was born on October 20, 1953, and was crowned on October 20, 2016. Oba Ewuare II is extremely important in both Edo State and Nigerian politics. He has been instrumental the demand for and repatriation of various historical and cultural bronzes that the British government had taken away from the Benin Empire in the 1800s.
DEIN OF AGBOR
The Dein of Agbor, also known as the Obi of Agbor, is HRM Keagborekuzi Ikenchukwu I. He is a powerful king that rules over the Kingdom of Agbor, which is located in Delta, State. The current Dein is the 18th traditional ruler of Agbor. he5 was born in on June 29, 1977, Old Bendel State, Nigeria. Keagborekuzi I was crowned Dein of Agbor at the age of two when his father died in 1979. As a result, the Guinness Book of Records, 1980 edition, proclaimed him the youngest monarch. Following his coronation as a child king, he was taken to the United Kingdom, where he stayed and had someone reign in his place until his return in 2001, when he officially accepted authority in his personal capacity.
OLU OF WARRI
The current Olu of Warri is Ogiame Atuwatse III. He is the traditional ruler of the Warri people of Delta State and is one of Nigeria’s most powerful kings today. Ogiame Atuwatse III is the 21st Olu of Warri; he was born on April 2, 1984, and was preceeded as the Olu by Ogiame Ikenwoli. On August 21, 2021, at the age of 37, Ogiame Atuwatse III ascended to the throne. Ogiame Atuwatse III is a well-educated and accomplished businessman in addition to being a monarch.
OBA OF LAGOS
Despite having no political power, the Oba of Lagos wields significant traditional and political influence in Lagos, Nigeria. Oba Rilwan Babatunde Osuolale Aremu Akiolu is the current Oba of Lagos. He was born in Lagos on October 29, 1943. His coronation as Oba of Lagos took place on August 9, 2003. Prior to becoming King, he served in the Nigerian Police Force, rising to the rank of Assistant Inspector-General of Police.
OLUBADAN OF IBADAN
The Olubadan of Ibadan rules the capital of Oyo State. The current Olubadan, Oba Moshood Olalekan Ishola Balogun Alli ascended the throne in 2022. He is also very powerful and respected in Ibadanland.
