Heritage

10 Most Influential Traditional Rulers In Nigeria

Published on October 22, 2025

A simple, up-to-date list of 10 most influential traditional rulers in Nigeria. For each ruler you’ll find date of birth, age (as at October 22, 2025), date they took the throne, how long they have ruled, and a short note on what makes them influential.

Nigeria is home to a rich blend of cultures, and at the centre of these traditions are personalities that represent the most influential traditional rulers in Nigeria. Leaders who command respect, unity, and cultural pride among their people.

These Kings, Obas, Emirs, Sultans, Obis, Igwes or whatever title they go with play vital roles, not only as custodians of heritage but also as voices of wisdom in national matters. Their influence extends beyond their domains, shaping political, social, and economic life across the country.

In this post, we spotlight ten of the most influential traditional rulers in Nigeria, revealing their backgrounds, dates of ascension, ages, and how long they have reigned, showing why they remain enduring symbols of leadership and continuity in modern Nigeria.

Table of Contents

1. Sultan of Sokoto – Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III

Born: August 24, 1956

Age (as at Oct 22, 2025): 69 years

Date of ascendency: November 2, 2006

Time on throne: 18 years, 11 months, 20 days

Why he is influential:

Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III is the 20th Sultan of Sokoto and the foremost Muslim traditional ruler in Nigeria. As Amir al-Mu’minin (Commander of the Faithful), he provides spiritual guidance to millions of Nigerian Muslims and serves as a respected voice on national and religious matters. His opinions are often sought by both government and community leaders, making him one of the most influential traditional rulers in Nigeria.

2. Ooni of Ife — Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojaja II)

Born: October 17, 1974

Age (as at Oct 22, 2025): 51 years

Date of ascendency: October 26, 2015 (Coronation: December 7, 2015)

Time on throne: 9 years, 11 months, 26 days

Why he is influential:

Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, is widely regarded as the spiritual head of the Yoruba people and a custodian of their rich traditions. His palace in Ile-Ife, known as the cradle of the Yoruba race draws national and international attention.

Beyond culture, the Ooni promotes youth empowerment, peacebuilding, and inter-ethnic unity across Nigeria, making him one of the most influential traditional rulers in Nigeria today.

3. Oba of Benin — Ewuare II

Born: October 20, 1953

Age (as at Oct 22, 2025): 72 years

Date of ascendency (Coronation): October 20, 2016

Time on throne: 9 years, 0 months, 2 days

Why he is influential:

Oba Ewuare II is the 40th Oba of the ancient Benin Kingdom, one of Africa’s most respected traditional institutions. His reign continues the legacy of a dynasty known for its rich art, culture, and governance systems that date back centuries.

The Oba plays a major role in preserving Edo traditions and has been at the forefront of global discussions about the return of Benin artifacts looted during colonial times. His wisdom, cultural diplomacy, and influence make him one of the most influential traditional rulers in Nigeria.

4. Alaafin of Oyo – Abimbola Akeem Owoade I

Born: July 17, 1975

Age (as at Oct 22, 2025): 50 years

Date of ascendency: January 13, 2025 (Coronation: April 5, 2025)

Time on throne: 0 years, 9 months, 9 days

Why he is influential:

Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, the Alaafin of Oyo, holds one of the most historic and revered titles in Yorubaland. Despite the modern era’s social and political changes, the Alaafin remains a key figure in southwest Nigeria, guiding cultural preservation, mediating conflicts, and representing Yoruba traditions on both regional and national stages.

His leadership continues to shape the cultural identity of the Yoruba people, making him one of the most influential traditional rulers in Nigeria.

5. Oba of Lagos – Rilwan Babatunde Aremu Akiolu

Born: October 29, 1943

Age (as at Oct 22, 2025): 81 years

Date of ascendency: May 24, 2003 (Coronation: August 9, 2003)

Time on throne: 22 years, 4 months, 28 days

Why he is influential:

Oba Rilwan Akiolu is the traditional ruler of Lagos, Nigeria’s largest city and economic powerhouse. His authority extends beyond culture and tradition, influencing business leaders, politicians, and community affairs.

As a custodian of Yoruba and Lagos heritage, he plays a key role in maintaining traditions while engaging with modern urban governance, making him one of the most influential traditional rulers in Nigeria.

6. Awujale of Ijebuland – Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona (Late)

Born: May 10, 1934

Age at death (July 13, 2025): 91 years

Date of ascendency: April 2, 1960

Time on throne (until death): 65 years, 3 months, 11 days

Why he was influential:

The late Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, Awujale of Ijebuland was one of Nigeria’s longest-reigning and most respected monarchs. For more than six decades, he guided the Ijebu people with wisdom, courage, and a deep sense of justice.

Known for his progressive ideas and firm stance on integrity in leadership, Oba Adetona shaped Yoruba culture and championed education and development in Ogun State.

His reign left a lasting legacy, securing his place among the most influential traditional rulers in Nigeria.

7. Obi of Onitsha – Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe

Born: May 14, 1941

Age (as at Oct 22, 2025): 84 years

Date of ascendency: May 14, 2002

Time on throne: 23 years, 5 months, 8 days

Why he is influential:

His Majesty, Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha stands as one of the most respected monarchs in Eastern Nigeria. Ruling over Onitsha, an ancient and commercially vibrant city on the banks of the River Niger, he combines deep traditional wisdom with modern leadership experience.

A former corporate executive and diplomat, the Obi uses his influence to promote peace, education, and development in Anambra State and beyond. His forward-thinking leadership and national relevance firmly place him among the most influential traditional rulers in Nigeria.

8. Igwe of Nnewi – Kenneth Onyemeke Orizu III

Born: October 29, 1925

Age (as at Oct 22, 2025): 99 years (turning 100 on October 30, 2025)

Date of ascendency: February 6, 1963 (Coronation: June 2, 1963)

Time on throne: 62 years, 8 months, 16 days

Why he is influential:

His Royal Highness, Igwe Kenneth Onyemeke Orizu III is currently the longest-reigning monarch in Southern Nigeria, the longest-reigning monarch in Nigeria and one of the oldest living traditional rulers in Africa.

For over six decades, he has led Nnewi, an industrious and globally recognized commercial hub in Anambra State with wisdom, humility, and foresight.

Under his reign, Nnewi has grown into a powerhouse for trade, innovation, and entrepreneurship. His enduring leadership, influence in Igbo affairs, and contributions to peace and community development make him one of the most influential traditional rulers in Nigeria.

9. Tor Tiv (Paramount Ruler of the Tiv) – James Ortese Ayatse (Tor Tiv V)

Born: May 12, 1956

Age (as at Oct 22, 2025): 69 years

Date of ascendency (Crowned): March 4, 2017 (Elected: December 20, 2016)

Time on throne: 8 years, 7 months, 18 days

Why he is influential:

His Royal Majesty, Professor James Ortese Ayatse, the Tor Tiv V serves as the paramount ruler of the Tiv people in Benue State. The Tiv are one of Nigeria’s largest ethnic groups, and their ruler holds deep cultural, social, and political influence in the Middle Belt region.

A respected academic and former vice-chancellor before becoming monarch, Tor Tiv V uses his experience to promote peace, education, and unity among his people. His blend of modern intellect and traditional wisdom makes him one of the most influential traditional rulers in Nigeria.

10. Àtá Ígálá (Attah Igala) – Matthew Alaji Opaluwa Oguche Akpa II

Born: (Exact date not publicly confirmed)

Date of ascendency (Selection/Confirmation): October 18, 2021 (Official Coronation: March 4, 2022)

Time on throne: 4 years, 0 months, 4 days (as of October 22, 2025)

Why he is influential:

His Royal Majesty, Matthew Alaji Opaluwa Oguche Akpa II, the Attah Igala is the revered traditional ruler of the Igala Kingdom in Kogi State. The Igala people occupy a strategic position between Northern and Southern Nigeria, giving the Attah a unique cultural and unifying role.

Since ascending the throne, he has worked to strengthen Igala identity, promote peace, and preserve ancient customs and festivals that define the kingdom’s heritage.

His leadership and cultural diplomacy make him one of the most influential traditional rulers in Nigeria.

End Note …

Nigeria’s traditional rulers remain pillars of culture, wisdom, and unity in a rapidly changing nation. From the Sultan of Sokoto in the north to the Ooni of Ife in west to the Obi of Onitsha and the Igwe of Nnewi in the southeast, these monarchs continue to shape community values, influence public policy, and preserve centuries-old heritage.

Their impact goes beyond royal ceremonies. They are mediators in conflict, advocates for education and peace, and symbols of continuity between Nigeria’s rich past and its evolving future.

In an age defined by modern politics and technology, the most influential traditional rulers in Nigeria remind us that leadership rooted in tradition still has the power to guide, inspire, and hold communities together.

Their enduring relevance proves that cultural authority and moral leadership remain essential ingredients in building a stronger, more united Nigeria.