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Ikiodiete George
- 4 Min Read
Top 10 Richest Kings In Nigeria (2025): Net Worth In Us Dollars, Biography & Investments
Nigeria’s traditional rulers are not just custodians of culture — many are multimillionaires who play active roles in the country’s economic landscape. From oil moguls to global investors, these monarchs command influence across business, politics, and religion. Below is the latest ranking of the Top 10 Richest Kings in Nigeria (2025), including their net worth, biography, and investment portfolios.
1. Oba Fredrick Obateru Akinruntan – Olugbo of Ugbo, Ondo State
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Detail |
Information |
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Net Worth |
$300 million |
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Primary Business |
Obat Oil, real estate |
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Key Assets |
Over 50 fuel stations, oil depot, luxury cars |
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Background |
Founded Obat Oil in 1981; known for his opulent lifestyle |
Oba Akinruntan is Nigeria’s wealthiest monarch. His oil company, Obat Oil, is among the largest in the country, while his real estate empire spans both local and international markets. He is known for owning a 2014 Bentley and a custom Rolls-Royce Phantom.
2. Sultan Muhammadu Sa’adu Abubakar III – Sultan of Sokoto
- Net Worth: $100 million
- Investments: Religious tourism, land, political influence
- Bio: The Sultan is the spiritual head of Nigerian Muslims and an ex-military officer. He generates wealth through religious institutions and significant landholdings.
3. Lamido Sanusi II – Former Emir of Kano
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Detail |
Information |
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Net Worth |
$80 million |
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Primary Business |
Banking, economics, real estate |
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Notable Roles |
Former CBN Governor, Economist, Global Speaker |
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Background |
Dethroned in 2020 but remains financially and intellectually powerful |
Lamido Sanusi is a former Emir and ex-Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria. Despite being dethroned, he remains a global financial influencer and earns from real estate, advisory roles, and investments in finance.
4. Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi – Ooni of Ife, Osun State
- Net Worth: $70 million
- Investments: Hospitality, tourism, real estate
- Bio: A former real estate developer, the Ooni blends tradition with innovation. His influence extends across culture, entrepreneurship, and national unity.
5. Oba Ewuare II Ogidigan – Oba of Benin, Edo State
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Detail |
Information |
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Net Worth |
$60 million |
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Primary Business |
Cultural tourism, heritage investments |
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Career Background |
Diplomat, UN ambassador |
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Cultural Role |
Custodian of Benin traditions and art |
The Oba of Benin is not only a cultural icon but also a shrewd investor. His influence in Edo State and globally recognized heritage initiatives generate revenue through tourism and conservation.
6. Obi Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe – Obi of Onitsha, Anambra State
- Net Worth: $50 million
- Investments: Oil, Unilever Nigeria, International Breweries
- Bio: Former Shell executive and seasoned business leader with directorships in several multinational companies.
7. Ogiame Atuwatse III – Olu of Warri, Delta State
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Detail |
Information |
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Net Worth |
$50 million |
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Key Sectors |
Oil, real estate, education |
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Vision |
Community development, youth empowerment |
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Background |
Harvard-educated monarch steering the Itsekiri kingdom into the future |
Young and forward-thinking, Ogiame Atuwatse III is reforming the traditional role of kingship. He promotes innovation and development in Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger Delta.
8. Oba Rilwan Akiolu – Oba of Lagos, Lagos State
- Net Worth: $40 million
- Investments: Land in Lagos, political alliances
- Bio: Former Assistant Inspector General of Police with deep ties in Nigeria’s financial capital. Owns prime real estate across the state.
9. Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi – Elegushi of Ikate, Lagos State
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Detail |
Information |
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Net Worth |
$40 million |
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Primary Business |
Hospitality, real estate, nightlife |
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Age & Influence |
One of the youngest monarchs, crowned in 2010 |
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Reputation |
Stylish, socially active king with modern investments |
Oba Elegushi is known for his luxury lifestyle and business sense. He has investments in Lagos’ hospitality industry and real estate developments.
10. Obi Benjamin Ikenchuku Keagborekuzi I – Dein of Agbor, Delta State
- Net Worth: $10 million
- Investments: Education, real estate
- Bio: Crowned at age 2, he is also the Chancellor of the University of Ilorin and focuses on education, youth programs, and infrastructural development.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Who is the richest king in Nigeria in 2025?
A: Oba Fredrick Obateru Akinruntan of Ugbo is the richest king in Nigeria with a net worth of $300 million.
Q2: Which king is the youngest among the top 10?
A: Oba Saheed Elegushi is one of the youngest, crowned in 2010 at age 34.
Q3: Do these monarchs have political influence?
A: Yes. Many of them, such as the Sultan of Sokoto and Oba Akiolu, have deep political and cultural influence in Nigeria.
Q4: What are their major sources of income?
A: Key sectors include oil and gas, real estate, hospitality, cultural tourism, and corporate investments.
Q5: Are these net worth figures official?
A: No. These estimates are based on available public data, business assets, and expert evaluations.
Conclusion
Nigeria’s wealthiest monarchs are powerful symbols of the country’s blend of tradition and entrepreneurship. From oil empires in the Niger Delta to real estate in Lagos, these kings are not just cultural leaders but active players in shaping Nigeria’s economic and social future. Whether they inherited wealth or built it through modern enterprise, their legacies continue to evolve with time.
