Delta State, located in Nigeria's oil-rich South-South region, has produced some of the nation's most influential political figures. Beyond their impact on governance and regional development, many of these leaders have accumulated significant wealth through diverse ventures, from politics and business to real estate and oil. In this comprehensive blog post, we explore the top 10 richest politicians from Delta State as of 2025, highlighting their estimated net worth, notable political positions, and sources of income.
1. Ned Nwoko – Estimated Net Worth: $1.2 Billion
Prince Chinedu Munir Nwoko, popularly known as Ned Nwoko, is arguably the wealthiest politician from Delta State. A lawyer, philanthropist, and senator representing Delta North, Nwoko has had a long and distinguished career in public service and business.
Ned Nwoko's wealth is rooted in extensive real estate holdings across Nigeria and the United Kingdom. He also has significant investments in agriculture, tourism, and the oil sector. Known for his malaria eradication project across Africa, he combines philanthropy with advocacy to improve public health and education in Nigeria.
2. Ifeanyi Okowa – Estimated Net Worth: $700 Million
Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa served as the Governor of Delta State from 2015 to 2023. Before that, he represented Delta North in the Nigerian Senate and was also the Commissioner for Health in Delta State.
Trained as a medical doctor, Okowa started his career in the medical field before moving into politics. His wealth stems from his medical background, long political career, and strategic investments in real estate and healthcare.
3. Ovie Omo-Agege – Estimated Net Worth: $500 Million
Ovie Omo-Agege is a seasoned lawyer and politician. He was elected Senator representing Delta Central in 2015 and rose to become the Deputy Senate President between 2019 and 2023.
Prior to his political journey, Omo-Agege built a successful legal career in both the U.S. and Nigeria. His financial portfolio includes interests in law, oil and gas, real estate, and politics. Known for his outspoken nature, Omo-Agege remains a major political force in Delta politics.
4. Ede Dafinone – Estimated Net Worth: $450 Million
Senator Ede Dafinone is a renowned accountant and scion of the Dafinone family, known for their contributions to accounting in Nigeria. He currently represents Delta Central in the Nigerian Senate.
His accounting firm and other business interests have brought him substantial wealth. In addition to politics, Dafinone is involved in philanthropic initiatives focusing on economic empowerment and education.
5. Daniel Reyenieju – Estimated Net Worth: $400 Million
Daniel Reyenieju represented Warri Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives from 2007 to 2019. A savvy businessman, Reyenieju has parlayed his political experience into successful ventures in consultancy and trading.
Reyenieju's wealth is drawn from business, political consultancy, and investments in the maritime and oil sectors. His deep understanding of the Niger Delta region’s economic dynamics has enhanced his influence and financial status.
6. Patrick Ukah – Estimated Net Worth: $350 Million
Patrick Ogoegbunem Ukah is a prominent politician and former Delta State Commissioner for Information. He currently heads the Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency.
Ukah's wealth stems from decades of political appointments, consultancy, and ownership stakes in businesses related to media, advertising, and sports development. He is widely respected for his work in youth engagement and public communications.
7. James Ibori – Estimated Net Worth: $300 Million
James Onanefe Ibori was the Governor of Delta State from 1999 to 2007. Despite legal controversies, Ibori remains an influential political godfather in Delta politics.
Much of his wealth was reportedly accumulated during his tenure as governor, and he has interests in real estate and oil. Ibori has played a kingmaker role in Delta State since his departure from public office and continues to command political loyalty.
8. Pat Utomi – Estimated Net Worth: $300 Million
Professor Pat Utomi is a political economist, entrepreneur, and a prominent public intellectual in Nigeria. Though he has never held an elected office, his influence in Nigerian politics is well-recognized.
Utomi’s wealth is generated from his roles in academia, consultancy, media, and business. He is the founder of the Centre for Values in Leadership (CVL) and has served on the boards of numerous private and public companies.
9. Emmanuel Emoefe – Estimated Net Worth: $100 Million
Emmanuel Emoefe is a business mogul and political figure with strong ties to Delta State. He is the founder and chairman of Portplus Limited, which operates in the marine logistics and oil sector.
His political involvement includes advisory roles in state policy and development projects. Emoefe’s fortune comes primarily from oil services, shipping, and logistics, with additional interests in real estate.
10. Onajite Okoloko – Estimated Net Worth: $90 Million
Onajite Okoloko is the CEO of Notore Chemical Industries, one of Nigeria’s leading producers of fertilizers and agro-allied products. He is also a key player in Delta State’s economic policy discussions.
Although not a full-time politician, Okoloko has held advisory roles that influence public-private partnerships in the state. His wealth is derived from agriculture, chemicals, and strategic investments.
Summary Table: Richest Politicians in Delta State (2025)
| Rank | Name | Net Worth | Key Political Roles | Primary Income Sources |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ned Nwoko | $1.2 Billion | Senator, Delta North | Real Estate, Oil, Agriculture, Law |
| 2 | Ifeanyi Okowa | $700 Million | Governor, Senator | Medicine, Politics, Real Estate |
| 3 | Ovie Omo-Agege | $500 Million | Deputy Senate President, Senator | Law, Oil & Gas, Real Estate |
| 4 | Ede Dafinone | $450 Million | Senator, Accountant | Accounting, Investments |
| 5 | Daniel Reyenieju | $400 Million | House of Reps Member | Business, Consultancy, Maritime |
| 6 | Patrick Ukah | $350 Million | Commissioner, DG Delta Capital Territory | Media, Advertising, Government Contracts |
| 7 | James Ibori | $300 Million | Governor | Politics, Real Estate, Oil |
| 8 | Pat Utomi | $300 Million | Economist, Political Commentator | Academia, Business, Consultancy |
| 9 | Emmanuel Emoefe | $100 Million | Businessman, Political Advisor | Oil & Gas, Logistics, Real Estate |
| 10 | Onajite Okoloko | $90 Million | Businessman, Policy Advocate | Agriculture, Chemicals, Private Sector |
Conclusion
Delta State continues to be a fertile ground for political talent and economic ambition. Many of its politicians have transitioned from public service into profitable ventures, creating lasting wealth and influence. From oil and real estate to academia and agro-industry, these individuals showcase the diverse ways political leadership can intersect with entrepreneurship.
Whether through direct governance or strategic influence, these top 10 richest politicians in Delta State have cemented their legacy not just in politics but in Nigeria's broader socio-economic landscape.
Stay tuned for more regional political and financial insights as we continue to explore Nigeria’s most powerful and wealthy figures.
