Despite the transition to modern governance that gives ultimate power to elected public officials, Nigeria’s first-class monarchs continue to play significant roles in politics, culture, and community life.
Among these traditional rulers in Nigeria, some monarchs stand out for their cultural authority, historical prestige, royalty, and their role as custodians of tradition.
Here are the 10 Top First-Class Monarchs in Nigeria:
1. Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II ( The Ooni of Ife):
The throne of Ooni of Ife is highly revered in Yoruba land and regarded as the spiritual leader of the entire Yoruba race all over the world.
Since ascending the throne in 2015, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, one of the most respected monarchs, has been a strong advocate for youth and women’s empowerment.
His ruling in Ile-Ife, Yoruba’s ancestral home, commands respect across Nigeria and the diaspora. Additionally, the Ooni of Ife serves as the co-chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers in Nigeria.
2. Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad ABUBAKAR III ( The Sultan of Sokoto):
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, is the 20th Sultan of Sokoto and is considered the spiritual leader of Nigerian Muslims.
He inherited the two-century-old throne founded by his forefather, Sheikh Usmanu Dan Fodio. The Sultan of Sokoto plays a unifying role in the Muslim Ummah and chairs the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs.
He is a respected authority on matters of peace, interfaith dialogue, and national unity. Sultan also co-chairs the National Council of Traditional Rulers in Nigeria.
3. Oba Akeem Owoade I (The Alaafin of Oyo)
The Alaafin of Oyo stool, as is widely referred to, remains a powerful Yoruba seat with centuries of history tracing back to the old Oyo Empire.
According to history, Alaafin of Oyo is said to have originated from Oduduwa, the progenitor of the Yoruba race. Headed by the current Alaafin of Oyo, Akeem Owoade I, the institution remains one of the influential traditional monarchs in Africa.
4. Oba Ewuare II (The Oba of Benin)
The seat of the Oba of Benin remains a custodian of the ancient Benin Kingdom, with its long history of art, culture, and early contact with Europeans.
Enthroned in 2016 as Benin’s 40th Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II remains a strong advocate against human trafficking and continues to preserve the heritage of his kingdom.
5. Emir Sanusi Lamido Sanusi (The Emir of Kano):
The Kano Emirate is no doubt one of Nigeria’s most prominent traditional institutions. The Emir has cultural influence over millions in Kano and beyond. In 2024, Emir Sanusi Lamido Sanusi was reinstalled for his second reign and since been continuing the legacy of Kano as historically a hub of commerce and Islamic scholarship.
6. Oba Rilwan Akiolu (The Oba of Lagos):
Lagos’s throne is symbolic not only because of its finest history but also because it is Nigeria’s commercial nerve.
Oba Rilwan Akiolu has been on the throne since 2003 and is widely known as an influential figure in Yoruba land.
7. Prof. James Ayatse (The Tor Tiv):
The Tor Tiv is an influential figure and paramount ruler of the Tiv people in Benue State. Professor James Ayatse is a former Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and became the Tor Tiv in 2017. He is greatly recognized for his leadership skills.
8. Igwe Nnaemka Alfred Achebe (The Obi of Onitsha):
The Obi of Onitsha represents a great traditional emblem in one of the most historic towns in Igboland. Igwe Achebe is the traditional ruler and 21st Obi of Onitsha, who was installed in 2002. As a Harvard Alumnus and former Shell executive, Achebe represents the Igbo tradition with dignity.
9. Abubakar Ibn Umar Garba El Kanemi ( Shehu of Borno):
The Shehu of Borno represents the iconic institution as the custodian of the Kanemi-Bornu Empire heritage. Abubakar Ibn Umar Garba El Kanemi was appointed as the shehu by Governor Ali Modu Sheriff in 2009. Even though much of his tenure has been marked by the violent Boko Haram insurgency, which has been largely concentrated in northeastern Borno State, Abubakar remains a symbol of resilience, unity, and cultural pride for the Kanuri people.
10. Oba Rashidi Ladoja (Olubadan of Ibadanland):
Ibadan, West Africa’s largest city, boasts a unique chieftaincy system where succession to the throne of Olubadan follows a well-structured line. Following the demise of the 43rd Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, the Olubadan-in-Council nominated Rashidi Ladoja as the 44th ruler of the ancestral kingdom and was installed in a talk-of-the-town coronation on Friday, September 26, 2025, at Mapo Hall in Ibadan.