Nigeria is one nation blessed with many ethnic groups and these ethnic groups have different traditional rulers who are known generally as Kings. Most of these kings are rich while some are richer, which is why we have a list of the richest kings in Nigeria.
Being the ruler and representative of a kingdom, kings must ensure that their images represent their people and motherland properly. Little wonder they inherit thrones and luxury, driving luxury cars and living in honourable palaces.
Their positions in society have also allowed them to amass some amount of wealth over time, which has garnered increased influence for them. What is a man without influence?
During special occasions, these kings step out in style. With the current evolution of things, some of these traditional rulers, however, have made a step-up in their car game. On special occasions when these rulers have to be in public, one shouldn’t be surprised to see convoys gracing the roads leading to the venue.
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Criteria for picking the richest kings in Nigeria
To find out about the richest kings in Nigeria in 2020, we took into account the kings’ net worth.
Given the above criteria, I am sure that you will find that our selection of the top 10 richest kings in Nigeria is fair and as accurate as we can present it based on information available to the public.
Read on to find the names of our top 10 richest kings in the country.
10. Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, Abisogun II – Oniru of Iruland
His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, Abisogun II was born on 24th July 1970 and is the 15th Oniru of Iruland.
He was born to late Chief Taoreed Lawal Akapo, the Ojora of Lagos and Olori Muinat Olabisi Abeni Ajasa.
He is from the Ojora, Aromire, Shokun and Abisogun branch of Oniru royal families of Lagos State.
He became the 15th Oniru of Iruland on the 7th of June 2020 after the death of Oba Idowu Oniru (Akiogun II) in September 2019.
He was presented with the staff of office by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on the 7th of June 2020.
Prior to his enthronement, he was the Commissioner for Agriculture in Lagos State.
Oniru of Iruland’s cars and properties
Under the Oba’s care are properties worth billions of naira in Iruland including houses, schools and hotels, which are owned by the Oniru family.
One of the schools is British International School, Oniru, Lekki Lagos.
Speaking of cars, the Oba is one who seems to be quiet and stays out of the limelight. We don’t know what cars he has in his garage, however, we’re certain they will be cars befitting his status.
9. Benjamin Ikenchuku Keagborekuzi 1 – Dein of Agbor
Benjamin Ikenchuku Keagborekuzi 1 is the traditional ruler of Agbor – a town in Delta state.
He was crowned when he was 2 years and 4 months old following the sudden death of his father – the late Obi. He entered the Guinness Book as the youngest monarch in history.
Immediately after the coronation, he went overseas for his education while a Regent ruled in his place. He obtained various degrees and certificates and came back in 2001 when he took over properly as the Dein of Agbor.
After coming back from the UK where he obtained multiple degrees and certificates, he was appointed as the chancellor at the University of Ilorin – the youngest chancellor of the university.
Dein of Agbor’s cars
The Dein of Agbor owns a plain black Mercedes Benz S550 Maybach 2015 model worth NGN65 million.
8. Godfrey Emiko – Olu of Warri
Godfrey Emiko, the Olu of Warri, makes it to the list of the richest kings in Nigeria with his net worth at $30 million, according to some online sources.
The Olu, who has his domain in the Niger-delta region of Nigeria, is known to control gas and crude resources there.
Ruling the Warri people, the king stays true to the faith his people have always laid in him.
Olu of Warri’s cars
The Olu of Warri doesn’t need fancy cars to show off his wealth; hence, it’s hard to spot him in the luxury vehicles.
7. Oba Babatunde Aremu Akiolu – Oba of Lagos
The Oba Babatunde Aremu Akiolu, the Oba of Lagos, is one traditional ruler we cannot overlook, as he makes it to number 8 on our list of richest kings in Nigeria.
Having bagged his LL.B. degree from the University of Lagos and also served in the Nigerian Police Force for 32 years and got to the position of the AIG of police, before ascending the throne, Oba Rilwan Babatunde Akiolu’s net worth has been estimated at around #40 million.
Not only that, his palace is worth about NGN2 billion. This is asides from other assets he has to his title or half of the other properties in his possession.
Oba of Lagos’ cars and house
The Oba owns the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550, which sells for over NGN34 million, the most gracious of all the cars that sleep in his garage.
Oba Akiolu’s official palace, the Iga Idunganran after its recent renovation is said to be worth a heavy NGN2 billion.
6. Oba Lamidi Adeyemi – Alaafin of Oyo
Alaafin of Oyo, as Oba Lamidi Adeyemi is traditionally known as the monarch in the Oyo state of Nigeria. He ranks as the second most influential king in Yorubaland. His net worth is also reported to be about $40 million.
The Oba is a true African with well over three wives and a flamboyant lifestyle. The Alaafin’s Palace has been adjudged as a Historical Monument by both local and foreign experts and has over 200 buildings, thus making it the largest in Nigeria.
Alaafin of Oyo’s cars
Clearly, the monarch of the Oyo Kingdom is in love with SUVs as can be seen in the choice of his cars.
He owns a stretched limousine, a Lexus GX 470, a Toyota Land Cruiser among his fleet of cars.
5. Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe – Obi of Onitsha
Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha, has sure made a name for himself and has made it to the list of richest kings in Nigeria.
Before being crowned, the Obi served as an executive director at Shell Petroleum Development Company and was once the Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
Being among the top 10 richest kings in Nigeria, the Obi himself reportedly worth about $50 million.
Obi of Onitsha’s cars
The Obi of Onitsha owns a Rolls-Royce, 2016 model that is worth about NGN100 million.
4. Oba Ewuare II Ogidigan – Oba of Benin
Oba Ewuare is the traditional authority in the ancient city of Benin, Edo state of Nigeria. He wields power and influence that cannot be undermined.
He holds a degree in economics from the University of Wales, UK, and a master’s degree in public administration from Rutgers University Graduate School, New Jersey, USA.
He had been Nigeria’s ambassador to several foreign countries. His net worth reportedly amounts to about $60 million.
Oba of Benin’s cars and house
The Oba owns a Rolls-Royce Phantom 2016 model with an estimated cost of over NGN150 million.
The Benin monarch has a beautiful palace that is befitting of a first-class monarch who is the 40th Oba of the prestigious Benin Kingdom
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3. Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Eniitan- Ooni of Ife
Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi is influential in every sense of the word. The Ooni ranks as one of the most respected rulers in the world and holds a lot of power and authority in Yorubaland.
Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi got married to his wife, Olori Shilekunola Moronke Naomi in a surprise ceremony in October 2018.
In January 2020, the Ooni of Ife Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Olori Naomi his queen, and other members of his entourage got stuck in an elevator of a hotel in Lagos on their way to see a musical stage play – Queen Moremi.
Moremi the musical is 90 minutes of dance, drama and music entertainment. It tells the story of the legendary Queen Moremi Ajasoro, how she sacrificed herself and her son to end the trafficking of her people especially women and children. Reports say it took 15 minutes to rectify the lift’s system.
Besides his royal status, he is a successful real estate businessman and the Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. His net worth has been estimated at $70 million , making him the 4th richest king in Nigeria.
Ooni of Ife’s cars
The Ife ruler owns many foreign car models, but the most magnificent of them is his Rolls-Royce Phantom model year 2011. He also owns two Bentleys and a Mercedes Benz S550.
2. Sa’adu Abubakar – Sultan of Sokoto
The list of richest kings in Nigeria can’t be complete without the Sultan Sa’adu Abubakar – the most powerful ruler in the north and the second on the list of richest kings in Nigeria. He is traditionally known as the Sultan of Sokoto.
He sits over the Sokoto Caliphate, making him the spiritual head of Muslims in the country. He is also the co-chairman of the Nigerian Council of Traditional Rulers.
Sultan Abubakar the IV is the 20th Sultan of the Sokoto Caliphate and ascended the throne in 2006 following the demise of the 19th Sultan, Sultan Miccado.
Sultan Abubakar served in the military and retired as a brigadier general before ascending the throne. The Sultan reportedly has a net worth totalling about $100 million.
Sultan of Sokoto’s cars
Sultan Abubakar IV owns fleets of cars, however, the most remarkable one is his Rolls-Royce 2017 model.
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1. Oba Obateru Akinruntan – Olugbo of Ugbo
Oba Obateru Akinruntan is the king of Ugbo, Ondo state, and he has made it to the top of our list of richest kings in Nigeria. Besides being the royal leader of Ugbo, he owns Obat Petroleum, one of the largest private oil trading companies in Nigeria, which controls some of Africa’s largest oil depots.
He is traditionally known by his title – Olugbo of Ugbo. The Olugbo of Ugbo Kingdom made Forbes’ list as one of the wealthiest monarchs in Nigeria with his net worth estimated at $300 million.
Olugbo of Ugbo’s cars
The king of the Ugbo Kingdom in Ondo state owns a Bentley Mulsanne (2014 model) valued at over N100 million. He also boasts of driving a Custom-built Rolls-Royce (2012 edition) built to match the standard of that of the Queen of England, according to online sources.
Conclusion
Some of the kings who made the list like the Ooni of Ife, Emir of Sokoto, and Oba of Lagos were probably expected to be on the list as they are amongst the most popular and influential kings in Nigeria.
However, none of these kings made the list as the top richest king in the country as expected. Some of these kings, though rulers of kingdoms have managed to stay under the radar.
Hopefully, you learned a thing or two from reading about the Richest Kings in Nigeria.
A word of caution, we cannot verify all the figures quoted as the information is not always publicly available. We are happy for any constructive feedback if you believe there’s a mistake in our estimate.
Go ahead and tell us in the comments section below, which king on this list surprised you.
