Believe it or not, there are wealthy kings in Nigeria. Prior to colonialism in Nigeria, each tribe, each region has its own leader in form of a monarch or king. These kings are believed to be second after the gods and deities. They are believed to be gods on earth and whatever they decree were never questioned.
With the advent of civilization and the democracy that accompanied it, kings are no longer accorded the respect they were given during pre-colonial era and have been relegated to the title of traditional ruler. They are not given as much authority as traditions demand they be given. Even at this, they are still very revered among their followers and accorded respect.
Unlike before, traditional rulers were not allowed to work and lived on proceeds which were brought by the people of their region. Presently, they now work, and some have made names not only as kings but richest monarchs. For the record, here’s the list of the most powerful kings/monarchs in Nigeria.
Top 10 Richest Kings in Nigeria
As of November 2023, here are the top ten richest kings in Nigeria, their net worth and interesting information about the richest kings in Nigeria, according to Gistah.
10. Ogiame Atuwase III – $5 Million
He is the traditional ruler of Warri, home to the Itsekiri in Delta state. Born on the 2nd of April 1984, the king had his primary school education in Warri, secondary school education in Kwara state and has a bachelor’s degree in political science and international studies. He started his career at the shell night closed pension fund administrator (SNCFPA) before moving to Sahara Energy. He is the chairman of Ocean Marine Security Ltd and Vessellink Nig Ltd. The businessman turned king has a net worth estimated to be $5 million.
9. Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo – $5 Million
Alake of Egbaland, a Yoruba sect in Ogun, Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo is the 9th richest king in Nigeria. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from the university of Ibadan before he joined the Nigerian Army. He is the current chairman of the board of Oando Plc and estimated to be worth $5 million.
8. Dein Benjamin Ikechukwu Keagborekuzi – $10 Million
He is the traditional ruler of Agbo, a traditional kingdom in Delta state and also the youngest king in history with a Guinness world record to show for it. He is also the youngest king to make the list of richest monarchs in Nigeria. He is the chancellor of the University of Ilorin and the youngest to attain the post in Africa. Although, the source of his wealth of net worth of $10 million is not really established, but it can be attributed to his oil-rich kingdom and inheritance left for him.
7. Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero – $20 Million
Aminu Ado Bayero is the Emir of Kano, an Islamic state in northern Nigeria. Apart from the Emir’s rich family background, his wealth also comes from his works in various sectors. Being a certified mass communicator, he worked as a public relations officer at kabo air and later as flight engineer. He also held different titles before eventually becoming the Emir after the dethronement of his nephew by the Kano state government. The Emir has a net worth of $20 million.
6. Oba Aremu Rilwan Babatunde Akiolu – $40 Million
The present oba of Lagos was a member of the Nigerian police force before his retirement. Although, he earned a degree in law from the University of Lagos, he never practiced as a lawyer. The amount of wealth amassed by the king has caused a lot of controversies and criticism because the source is not defined. His net worth is estimated to be about $40 million.
5. Obi Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe – $50 Million
Obi Achebe is the 21st traditional ruler of Onitsha, a commercial city in Anambra state. He is a notable entrepreneur and businessman and one of the richest kings in Nigeria with a net worth of $50 million. He began his career in the United State and later got a job in shell petroleum upon his return. He also served as the director of other branches of shell in different countries. He has held the position of the chairman of various companies like, Universal insurance Plc and Diamond bank. Presently, he is the chairman of Unilever Nigeria, Omak Maritime and intafact Beverages.
4. Oba Ogidigan Ewuare II – $60 Million
Considered a god by his people, Oba Ewuare is the traditional ruler of the Benin kingdom. He first worked with the United Nations before becoming Nigerian ambassador to Angola, Sweden and also Italy. He is also a known philanthropist and has a net worth of $60 million.
3. Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi – $70 Million
Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi is the traditional ruler of the ancient city of Ile-Ife in Osun state and the third richest king in Nigeria with a net worth estimated to be about $70 million. Right from the time he was young, he had his account filled with money gotten from inheritance. He is also a chartered account and practiced in several companies. He is also the founder and chairman of Imperio group estate company.
2. Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar – $200 Million
Sa’ad Abubakar is the 20th Caliph or Sultan of Sokoto and second richest king in Nigeria. He was born into a wealthy family where he got some of his wealth through inheritance. Even with his inheritance, he ensured he also created his own wealth. He joined the Nigerian army and later became a renowned soldier and retired as a brigadier general. His net worth is estimated to be $200 million.
1. Oba Obateru Akinrutan – $300 Million
Obateru Akinrutan is the richest king in Nigeria and the second richest king in Africa with a net worth valued at $300 million. He is the Olugbo of Ugbo, a traditional kingdom in Ondo state in Western Nigeria. He founded Obat oil, an oil and gas company with over 50 gas stations in different parts of Nigeria. He also has one of the largest oil tanks in Africa. The king is also into real estate, shipping, fishery and construction businesses. King Obateru never fails to show off his wealth through the kind of lifestyle he lives. He has a custom Rolls Royce similar to that of Queen Elizabeth, a wristwatch of $1 million and one of the most expensive yachts in Nigeria.