Nigeria is a country with deep-rooted traditional institutions, and many of its royal fathers are not just cultural leaders—they are also wealthy and powerful. Some kings in Nigeria own oil companies, estates, luxury cars, and even foreign investments. In this post, we will look at the Top 10 Richest Kings in Nigeria in 2025, including their biography, estimated net worth, and sources of wealth..
Top 10 Richest Traditional Rulers in Nigeria (2025)
1. Oba Obateru Akinruntan – Olugbo of Ugbo
- Kingdom: Ugbo, Ondo State
- Net Worth: $300 million
- About: Oba Obateru is the richest king in Nigeria. He is the owner of Obat Oil, one of Nigeria’s largest privately owned oil companies.
- Investments: Oil, gas, real estate, luxury cars (including a Rolls Royce like the Queen’s).
2. Sultan Sa’adu Abubakar – Sultan of Sokoto
- Kingdom: Sokoto
- Net Worth: $100 million
- About: As the spiritual leader of Muslims in Nigeria, the Sultan holds great influence. He is also a member of several national councils.
- Investments: Political influence, religious leadership, and royal estates.
3. Sanusi Lamido Sanusi – Former Emir of Kano
- Kingdom: Kano (Former Emir)
- Net Worth: $80 million
- About: Sanusi is a respected economist and former Central Bank Governor. Although dethroned in 2020, he remains one of the wealthiest traditional rulers.
- Investments: Banking, finance, public speaking, and education.
4. Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi – Ooni of Ife
- Kingdom: Ile-Ife, Osun State
- Net Worth: $70 million
- About: Ooni Ogunwusi is a modern monarch who promotes culture and youth empowerment.
- Investments: Real estate, hospitality, construction, and tourism.
5. Oba Ewuare II – Oba of Benin
- Kingdom: Benin, Edo State
- Net Worth: $60 million
- About: Oba Ewuare is a former ambassador and a highly respected traditional ruler.
- Investments: Diplomatic connections, cultural tourism, and real estate.
6. Obi Nnaemeka Achebe – Obi of Onitsha
- Kingdom: Onitsha, Anambra State
- Net Worth: $50 million
- About: The Obi of Onitsha is a former Shell Petroleum executive and a board member of several institutions.
- Investments: Oil and gas, education, and consulting.
7. Ogiame Atuwatse III – Olu of Warri
- Kingdom: Warri, Delta State
- Net Worth: $50 million
- About: One of the youngest kings in Nigeria, known for bringing reforms to his kingdom.
- Investments: Community development, real estate, and international relations.
8. Oba Babatunde Akiolu – Oba of Lagos
- Kingdom: Lagos, Lagos State
- Net Worth: $40 million
- About: A former police officer turned king, Oba Akiolu is one of the most influential traditional rulers in southwestern Nigeria.
- Investments: Real estate, politics, and traditional leadership.
9. Obi Benjamin Ikenchuku – Dein of Agbor
- Kingdom: Agbor, Delta State
- Net Worth: $10 million
- About: He became king at a very young age and is known for his modern and progressive style of leadership.
- Investments: Property, luxury cars, and community initiatives.
10. Oba Saheed Elegushi – Elegushi of Ikate
- Kingdom: Ikate, Lagos State
- Net Worth: $5 million
- About: Oba Elegushi is a youthful and fashionable king with strong real estate ties in Lagos.
- Investments: Land development, hospitality, and fashion.
Summary Table: Richest Kings in Nigeria 2025
|
Rank |
Monarch |
Kingdom |
Net Worth |
|
1 |
Oba Obateru Akinruntan |
Ugbo, Ondo |
$300 million |
|
2 |
Sultan Sa’adu Abubakar |
Sokoto |
$100 million |
|
3 |
Sanusi Lamido Sanusi |
Kano (former) |
$80 million |
|
4 |
Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi |
Ile-Ife, Osun |
$70 million |
|
5 |
Oba Ewuare II |
Benin, Edo |
$60 million |
|
6 |
Obi Nnaemeka Achebe |
Onitsha, Anambra |
$50 million |
|
7 |
Ogiame Atuwatse III |
Warri, Delta |
$50 million |
|
8 |
Oba Babatunde Akiolu |
Lagos |
$40 million |
|
9 |
Obi Benjamin Ikenchuku |
Agbor, Delta |
$10 million |
|
10 |
Oba Saheed Elegushi |
Ikate, Lagos |
$5 million |
FAQs – Richest Kings in Nigeria
1. Who is the richest king in Nigeria in 2025?
Oba Obateru Akinruntan, with an estimated net worth of $300 million.
2. How do Nigerian kings make their money?
Through oil businesses, real estate, traditional authority benefits, investments, and in some cases, political appointments.
3. Do kings in Nigeria still have power?
Yes, they play key roles in cultural leadership, land administration, and community development.
4. Can Nigerian kings own businesses?
Yes. Many of them are entrepreneurs or former executives with businesses in oil, construction, and tourism.
5. Who is the youngest king on the list?
Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Olu of Warri, is one of the youngest and most innovative monarchs in Nigeria today.
Conclusion
Nigeria’s kings are not just cultural figures—they are also economic powerhouses. From oil magnates to real estate moguls, these monarchs have shown that tradition and wealth can go hand in hand. As the role of traditional rulers evolves, their influence in business and society continues to grow.
