You could be wondering who the ten most influential and powerful kings in Nigeria are. It is good news that I have brought you in this article all you will need to know about monarchy in Nigeria and who the ten most powerful kings in Nigeria are. Let us get there together.
Monarchy is a thing held high in Nigeria and Africa generally. This is directly demonstrated by the good number of kings we have in Nigeria. But not all who are called kings really command power or drive influence. Therefore there are few who we really give immense respect and loyalty to. Most are due to the histories behind their royalty.
I must state that listing the top ten most powerful Kings in Nigeria is not what anybody will wake up and do without reference to history. It is not also fair to list these kings in a number category, because each of them commands immense power in their various respects and among their subjects. So presented here is in no order of hierarchy the top ten most powerful kings in Nigeria depicted in their various regions.
In the Northern Nigeria the most powerful kings are:
SULTAN OF SOKOTO
The Sultan of Sokoto is a position held high among the Fulanis and Hausas and Nigerians at large. It has been so since the British rule. The sultan of Sokoto is titled ‘Amir-ul-Momineen’.
Currently, the Sultan of Sokoto is Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar IV. In number, he is the 20th Sultan of Sokoto. His Royal Highness Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar became the Sultan of Sokoto following the death of his brother, Muhammadu Maccido. He is also referred to as the spiritual leader of the Muslims in Nigeria.
EMIR OF KANO
The Emir of Kano is another powerful king in the Northern Nigeria that exerts power in Nigeria. Currently the Emir of Kano is His Royal Highness Mallam Muhammad Sanusi II. He was the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria before his ascension to the throne in 2014.
The Kano Emirate was formed in 1805 after the successful Fulani jihad which subjected the old Hausa Sultan to the commands of the Emir of Kano. Therefore, the Emir of Kano rules the Emirate.
In the western part of Nigeria, grossly populated by the Yorubas kings whose influence echo across the oceans and lands also dwell.
THE OBA OF BENIN
The Oba of Benin also called Omo N’Oba has been a powerful king right from the ancient Benin Kingdom. He is the traditional ruler of the Edo people and the head of the Eweka dynasty of the Benin Kingdom. His strength can be traced back into the era before and during the colonial rule
The 39th Oba of Benin is Oba Ehinede who succeeded his late father, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Erediauwa 1.
THE OONI OF ILE-IFE
The Ooni of Ile-ife is the ruler of the Yoruba kingdom of Ile-Ife dynasty. It is believed that he plays big role in choosing who seats on the Osun state government house as the governor. Currently, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II is the Ooni of Ife.
ALAAFIN OF OYO
The Alaafin of Oyo is another monarch that commands power and influence in the west and Nigeria at large. He is the traditional ruler of the Yoruba kingdom of Oyo State. Alaafin is another name for Oba which could be simply referred to as king.
On the throne as the Alaafin of Oyo is Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III. He has been in that position since 1970.
OBA OF LAGOS
The Oba of Lagos is a king whose counsel is sought, and whose influence paves way for politicians, especially in Lagos State. On this seat of the ceremonial head of Lagos and the traditional ruler of Lagos is Oba Rilwan Babatunde Osuolale Aremu Akiolu 1.
OLUBADAN OF IBADAN
This is also a position that commands power in Ibadan. One gets there through series of chieftaincy promotions. Olubadan simply means, ‘The Lord of Ibadan’. Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade is the current Olubadan of Ibadan. He has much influence on the matters concerning politics and transparency in the state.
Down in the southern part of Nigeria, there are also leaders who drive enormous power and influence.
OBI OF ONITSHA
The Obi of Onitsha is recognized both locally and on the national level. He is the traditional ruler of Onitsha in Anambra State. Igwe Nnanyelugo Alfred Nnaemeka Acgebe is the current Obi of Onitsha.
DEIN OF AGBOR
Agbor is an Igbo town in Delta State. Thus the Dein of Agbor is therefore the traditional ruler of the Agbor people. He is recognized as one the influential monarch in the breadth of southern Nigeria. Eze Benjamin Ikenchukwu Keagborekuzi currently has the mantle of leadership as the Dein of Agbor.
OLU OF WARRI
The Olu of Warri is the ruler of the Itsekiri tribe of Delta State. He is a ruler whose power and influence exert pressure in the land. His Royal Majesty Godwin Toju Emiko, a renowned lawyer is currently seating on the throne as the Olu of Warri.
Thanks for coming through. Tell us who among these kings is yours. If yours isn’t among the list, you can comment his name and we’ll celebrate him together.
