15 richest kings in Africa and their current net worth in 2024
Riches and royalty go hand in hand. It is a rare phenomenon to find a poor ruler. In the 21st century, rich African kings earn wealth from government taxes, community donations, businesses, inheritance, and other ventures. Their net worth is estimated based on the assets held after accounting for debt. Here is a look at the top 10 richest kings in Africa.
Source: UGC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Who is the wealthiest traditional ruler on the continent?
- Top 15 richest kings in Africa
- 15. Khalifa Sanusi II - $5 million
- 14. Dein Keagborekuzi - $10 million
- 13. Otumfuo Osei Tutu II – $10 million
- 12. Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Enitan - $21 million
- 11. Oba Rilwan Akiolu - $40 million
- 10. Ogiame Atuwatse III - $50 million
- 9. Obi Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe - $50 million
- 8. Oba Ewuare II - $60 million
- 7. Oba Okunade Sijuwade - $75 million
- 6. Lamido Sanusi Lamido - $80 million
- 5. King Mswati III - $100 million
- 4. Sultan Sa’adu Abubakar III - $100 million
- 3. Togbe Afede XIV - $280 million
- 2. Oba Fredrick Obateru Akinruntan - $300 million
- 1. King Mohammed VI - $6 billion
- Who is the richest man in Africa?
- Was Mansa Musa the richest man in history?
- Which is the richest family in the world?
- Who is the richest king in Africa?
- Who is the greatest king in Africa?
- Who was the most powerful king in East Africa?
Africa has a rich history of diverse kingdoms and monarchies that spanned across the continent. The list of the richest kings in Africa entails rulers who inherited kingdoms thriving before colonialism. The data is analysed based on several investments they have made and the financial holdings of wealthy individuals.
Who is the wealthiest traditional ruler on the continent?
In contemporary Africa, most traditional rulers are governed by written national laws and constitutions. Eswatini remains the only absolute monarch on the continent. All the royal heads have to ensure the economic development of the ruled, even as they amass personal wealth.
| Rank | Name | Net worth | Country |
| 1 | King Mohammed VI | $6 billion | Morocco |
| 2 | Oba Fredrick Obateru Akinruntan | $300 million | Ugbo Kingdom, Nigeria |
| 3 | Togbe Afede XIV | $280 million | Ghana |
| 4 | Sultan Sa’adu Abubakar III | $100 million | Sokoto, Nigeria |
| 5 | King Mswati III | $100 million | Swaziland |
| 6 | Lamido Sanusi Lamido | $80 million | Tijanniyah Sufi, Nigeria |
| 7 | Oba Okunade Sijuwade | $75 million | Osun State, Nigeria |
| 8 | Oba Ewuare II | $60 million | Benin |
| 9 | Obi Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe | $50 million | Onitsha, Nigeria |
| 10 | Ogiame Atuwatse III | $50 million | Warri, Nigeria |
| 11 | Oba Rilwan Akiolu | $40 million | Lagos, Nigeria |
| 12 | Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Enitan | $21 million | Ile-Ife, Nigeria |
| 13 | Otumfuo Osei Tutu II | $10 million | Ashanti Region, Ghana |
| 14 | Dein Keagborekuzi | $10 million | Agbor, Bendel State, Nigeria |
| 15 | Khalifa Sanusi II | $5 million | Kano, Nigeria |
Top 15 richest kings in Africa
Africa has many kingdoms, and most of them are in West Africa. Here is a detailed list of the wealthiest kings in Africa.
15. Khalifa Sanusi II - $5 million
- Full name: Sanusi Lamido Sanusi
- Date of birth: 31 July 1961
- Age: 62 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Kano, Nigeria
Khalifa Sanusi II is the 14th Emir of Kano and spiritual leader in the Tijanniyah Sufi order of Nigeria. In June, he was selected to succeed his granduncle, Ado Bayero, as the Emir of Kano.
Between 2009 to 2014, he served as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, bringing in banking reforms until his suspension after he brought to light the $20 billion oil scandal. Khalifa Sanusi II's net worth is alleged to be $5 million.
14. Dein Keagborekuzi - $10 million
- Full name: Benjamin Keagborekuzi Ikenchuku Gbenoba
- Date of birth: 29 June 1977
- Age: 46 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Agbor, Bendel State, Nigeria
Dein Keagborekuzi I is the Dein of Agbor kingdom, a Nigerian traditional state in Delta State, Nigeria. He was crowned in 1980 as the child King of the kingdom of Agbor after the death of his father.
Dein Keagborekuzi I was named the world's youngest crowned monarch in the 1980 edition of the Guinness Book of World Records. Dein Keagborekuzi's net worth is alleged to be $10 million.
13. Otumfuo Osei Tutu II – $10 million
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Nana Barima Kwaku Dua
- Date of birth: 6 May 1950
- Age: 73 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Kumasi, Ashanti Region, Ghana)
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II is the 16th Asantehene and has been in power since 26 April 1999. He is also the Chancellor of the Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II ascended the throne in 1999 and serves as the political and spiritual head of the Asante people. Between 1981 and 1985, he was a senior consultant at the Mutual of Omaha Insurance Company in Toronto, Canada. Otumfuo Osei Tutu II's net worth is $10 million.
12. Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Enitan - $21 million
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Enitan
- Date of birth: 17 October 1974
- Age: 49 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Ile-Ife, Western State, Nigeria
Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Enitan is the 51st monarch of the Yoruba kingdom. He succeeded Oba Okunade Sijuwade in 2015. Oba Adeyeye is also one of the richest kings in Nigeria.
Oba Adeyeye is an Associate Accounting Technician, a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, a member of the Global Real Estate Institute, and a certified member of the Institute of Directors. Oba Adeyeye's net worth is estimated to be approximately ₦32.2 billion ($21 million).
11. Oba Rilwan Akiolu - $40 million
- Full name: Rilwan Babatunde Osuolale Aremu Akiolu
- Date of birth: 29 October 1943
- Age: 80 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Lagos, Nigeria
Oba Rilwan Akiolu was crowned the 21st Oba of Lagos in May 2003. He is a law graduate from the University of Lagos. He served in the Nigerian Police Force for 32 years, where he ascended to the position of Assistant Inspector General.
As of 2024, Oba Rilwan Akiolu's net worth is $40 million. He is a devoted Muslim with four wives, children, and grandchildren. His first wife is Olori Titilola Akiolu. His palace is reportedly worth $5,000,000.
10. Ogiame Atuwatse III - $50 million
- Full name: Utieyinoritsetsola Emiko
- Date of birth: 2 April 1984
- Age: 39 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Warri, Nigeria
Ogiame Atuwatse III is the Nigerian traditional king of the Kingdom of Warri in the Delta State. He was crowned the 21st Olu of Warri on August 21, 2021, at Ode-Itsekiri, succeeding his uncle, Ogiame Ikenwoli I.
He worked as an officer at the Shell Nigeria Closed Pension Fund Administrator, and between 2010 to 2012, he worked at the Sahara Energy. Ogiame Atuwatse III's net worth is alleged to be $50 million. He is among the top 10 richest kings in Africa in 2024.
9. Obi Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe - $50 million
Source: UGC
- Full name: Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe
- Date of birth: 14 May 1941
- Age: 83 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Onitsha, Nigeria
Nnaemka Alfred was crowned the 21st Obi of Onitsha in May 2002. He is one of the most prominent kings in Eastern Nigeria. Nnaemeka is currently the Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University and the chairman of the board of directors of Unilever Nigeria.
He worked in the USA before relocating to Nigeria in 1972. In 1972, he started working with Shell Petroleum Company and was a National Traditional Rulers Council trustee.
Between 1985 and 1987, he was the director of several Shell companies in the Netherlands, UK, Sierra Leone, Angola, Liberia, the Gambia, Ghana, and Nigeria. Nnaemka Alfred's net worth is estimated to be $50 million. He has six children – four daughters and two sons.
8. Oba Ewuare II - $60 million
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Oba Ewuare II Ogidigan
- Date of birth: 20 October 1953
- Age: 70 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Benin
Oba Ewuare II Ogidigan is the 40th Emperor of the Benin Empire. He has several wives and many children. Oba Ewuare II got into power in October 2016 and is among the wealthiest kings in Nigeria.
Before ascending power, he served in several ambassadorial roles and had business ventures. Oba Ewuare II's net worth is approximately $60 million.
7. Oba Okunade Sijuwade - $75 million
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Alayeluwa Oba Okunade Sijuwade
- Date of birth: 6 December 1980
- Died: 28 July 2015 (age 85 years)
- Place of birth: Ile-Ife, Southern Region, British Nigeria (now in Osun State, Nigeria
Olubuse II was the 15th traditional ruler of Ooni of Ife from 1980 to his death in 2015. He was crowned on 6 December 1980 as the Yoruba Kingdom of Ile-Ife.
He was a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, an Associate Accounting Technician and a certified member of the Institute of Directors. Olubuse II's net worth is alleged to be $75 million.
6. Lamido Sanusi Lamido - $80 million
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Lamido Sanusi Lamido
- Date of birth: 31 July 1961
- Age: 62 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Kano, Nigeria
King Lamido Sanusi Lamido is also known as Muhammadu Sanusi II or Khalifa Sanusi II. He is the spiritual leader of the Tijanniyah Sufi in Nigeria. King Sanusi II succeeded his uncle, the emir of the ancient Kano state.
Sanusi is a banker and economist. He served as the Central Bank of Nigeria Governor between 2009 and 2014. He was caught in the $20 billion oil scandal during his tenure. King Lamido's net worth is alleged to be $80 million, making him one of the top richest kings in Africa.
5. King Mswati III - $100 million
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: King Mswati III
- Date of birth: 19 April 1968
- Age: 55 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Raleigh Fitkin Memorial Hospital, Manzini, Eswatini
The Eswatini King was born in Manzini as Makhosetive and crowned on 25th April 1986 at age 18. He became the world’s youngest monarch to rule at the time.
King Mswati III has been criticized for his lavish lifestyle while his people starved. In 2014, parliament allocated $61 million to the king's household, while most citizens lived below $1.25.
The king oversees Tibiyo TakaNgwane, an investment company with assets worth $140 million. King Mswati III's net worth is about $100 million. He has 15 wives and 36 children.
4. Sultan Sa’adu Abubakar III - $100 million
- Full name: Muhammadu Sa'ad Abubakar
- Date of birth: 24 August 1956
- Age: 67 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Sokoto, Nigeria
Muhammadu Sa'ad Abubakar is the 20th Sultan of Sokoto. He is also a spiritual leader for Muslims in Nigeria. He became Sultan in November 2006.
Before he got into power as the Sultan of Sokoto, he served in the military. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1977. In the late 1980s, he headed the Armoured Corps that guarded General Babangida.
Sultan Sa'adu Abubakar III is among the richest kings in Nigeria, with a $100 million net worth. There is no specific heir apparent in the Sokoto Caliphate. He declared the orphans of insurgency as his children.
3. Togbe Afede XIV - $280 million
- Full name: James Akpo
- Date of birth: 23 April 1957
- Age: 66 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Volta Region, Ghana
King Togbe Afede XIV is the Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State, coroneted in October 2003. He holds a Business Administration degree from the University of Ghana and an MBA from Yale School of Management.
Togbe is a great investor. He established SAS Finance Group Ltd, which consists of SAS Investment Management Ltd and Strategic African Securities Ltd.
He also established a private equity investment company called Strategic Initiatives Ltd (SIL) and co-founded Africa World Airlines Ltd, Sunon Asogli Power Ghana Ltd, and Databank Financial Services.
Togbe Afede XIV is the executive chairman of the World Trade Centre Accra, a board member of several companies, and the majority shareholder in Accra Hearts of Oak FC. Togbe Afede XIV's net worth is about $280 million.
2. Oba Fredrick Obateru Akinruntan - $300 million
Source: UGC
- Full name: Oba Fredrick Obateru Akinruntan
- Date of birth: 1950
- Age: 73 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Ugbo Kingdom, Nigeria
Oba Fredrick Obateru Akinruntan is a Nigerian monarch and the traditional ruler of the Ugbo Kingdom. The Ugbo Kingdom is in the Ilaje Local Government of the Ondo State of southwest Nigeria.
He got into power in 2009. Oba Fredrick Obateru Akinruntan founded Obat Oil, one of Nigeria's largest private oil companies. He also owns an extensive residential and commercial real estate property portfolio in Nigeria and London. Oba Fredrick Obateru's net worth is $300 million.
1. King Mohammed VI - $6 billion
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: King Mohammed VI
- Date of birth: 21 August 1963
- Age: 60 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Rabat, Morocco
King Mohammed VI is the richest king in Africa. He hails from the Alaouite dynasty. He got into power in July 1999 after his father's death. King Mohammed VI's worth is about $6 billion.
The Moroccan Royal Family is famous for having one of the largest fortunes in the world. They hold majority stakes in the Societe Nationale d'Investissement (SNI), which was initially state-owned.
King Mohammed VI is Morocco's leading banker and businessman. He is among the leading agricultural producers and landowners in the country. Agriculture is one of his biggest sources of income because it is untaxed.
Who is the richest man in Africa?
Aliko Dangote is the richest black man in the world, with a net worth of $14.8 billion. He founded and chairs Dangote Cement, the African largest cement producer.
Was Mansa Musa the richest man in history?
King Mansa Musa of the Mali Empire in Africa is the wealthiest person in history. Mansa Musa's net worth exceeded $400 billion in today's money. His riches came from gold and salt mining in the Mali Empire, the slave trade, and the ivory trade.
Which is the richest family in the world?
The richest family in the world is the Al Nahyan family. The family's net worth is estimated to be around $305 billion. Al Nahyan family hails from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and their wealth primarily stems from the emirate's vast oil reserves, as well as various business ventures and political positions.
Who is the richest king in Africa?
King Mohammed VI of the Alaouite dynasty in Morocco is the richest king in Africa, with about $6 billion net worth. He is among the few African billionaires.
Who is the greatest king in Africa?
Africa has had many great ancient kings. Below are some of the greatest African kings in history:
- Mansa Musa of the Mali Empire
- Shaka Zulu of the Zulu tribe in South Africa
- Tenkamenin in Ghana
- Samory Toure in Gambia
- Sundiata Keita of the Mali Empire
- Pharaoh Imhotep of Ancient Egypt
- Nabongo Mumia of the Wanga tribe in Kenya
- Mohammed Ainla Lamuye in Nigeria
- Laibon Lenana of the Maasai tribe in Kenya
- Behanzin Hossu Bowelle in Benin
- Askia Muhammad I of the Songhai Empire in Mali
- Nzinga Mvemba of the Kingdom of Kongo in Congo
- Koitaleel Arap Samoei of the Nandi people in Kenya
Who was the most powerful king in East Africa?
Nabongo Mumia was the most powerful and famous ruler in East Africa. He ruled the Wanga Kingdom in the 20th century.
Africa is a wealthy continent, as seen from the net worth of the richest kings in Africa. These rulers often play crucial roles in maintaining social order, overseeing trade, and upholding cultural practices.
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