The Most Influential Kings in Nigeria

Nigerian Kings or Traditional rulers often derive their titles from the past rulers of their respective communities that existed before the formation of modern Nigeria. Although they do not have formal political power, in many cases they continue to command respect from their people and have considerable influence.

Below are the profile of our picks for the top most influential King in Nigeria.

5. Oba of Benin

Here we have His Royal Majesty Oba Ewuare II, The Oba of Benin or Omo N’Oba, is the traditional ruler of the Edo state and head of the Great Benin Empire.
Born in 1953, Oba Ewuare II  his a former Nigerian Ambassador to Norway and Angola. He is a member of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs and one of the prominent leader in the Nigerian business community, especially the oil and gas industries.

4. Ooni of Ife

Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, Ooni of Ife was born on October 17, 1974. An accountant by profession, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi is the 51st Ooni of Ile Ife. He succeeded the late Oba Okunade Sijuwade who died in 2015. An entrepreneur per excellence, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi reign in Ife an ancient Yoruba city has been marked by lots of Innovation and progressive policies.
As a seasoned accountant, he led the Federal Government of Nigeria delegation to Canada to enhanced alliances through a partnership with the government of Ondo State on solid mineral.

His Professional background as well as his Royal Status makes him our 4^th most Influential King in Nigeria

HRM Ooni of Ife

3. Alaafin of OYO

Our 3^rd Spot goes to The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III the traditional ruler of Oyo State.
Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, was born on 15 October 1938, and became the Alaafin of Oyo in the year 1971 the death of the then Alaafin Gbadegesin Ladigbolu II. This happened shortly after the end of the Nigerian civil war.
Oba Adeyemi III is one of the most powerful and most influential kings in Nigeria and has been on the throne for more than 40 years.

HRM Aalafin of Oyo

2. Emir of Kano

Our pick for the second most influential king in Nigeria is Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi.
Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II was born on 31 July 1961 in Kano into a Fulani Torodbe clan,  He was crowned on the 8th June 2014 as the Emir of Kano, succeeding late Dr Ado Bayero.
Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II was a former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and was listed as one of  the 100 Most Influential People in 2011 by The TIME magazine

HRM Emir of Kano

1. Sultan of Sokoto

Our  #1 slot goes to Sultan of sokoto, Amirul Mumineen Sultan Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III.
Born on August 24, 1956 in Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III is the 20th Sultan of Sokoto, the supreme ruler of Sokoto in northern Nigeria and president-general of the Nigerian National Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs. In addition to this his also considered the spiritual leader of all Muslims in Nigeria.

HRM Sultan of Sokoto