In the past, Yoruba Obas sat at the peak of ancient states as heads of the aristocratic society and rulers of their realms. They were the symbols of ultimate authority and divine rulership, revered and positioned as the next to Almighty (Igba keji orisa) in view of the vast control and influence they wielded in their communities while balancing the authorities with the exercise of absolute power. Civilization, democracy and the new religions of Islam and Christianity later got the kings stripped of certain roles and sort of reduced them to performing only ceremonial duties. Among the present occupants of the various ancient stools in Yoruba land, a good number of them found a life of fulfillment, self-actualization and meanings in their youth while some struggled to record success in their chosen endeavours before ascending the thrones. Some, however, got endowed with the combined gift of ascribed and achieved status, put mildly; they had their paths in life strewn with all the beautiful roses of earthly adventures before topping it with crowns. It is believed that once you become an Oba, you have turned into the public property of the particular community with all your needs taken care of.
However, there are some categories of Obas who apart from functioning as traditional rulers also have good investments. In this report, AKINLOLU ABAYOMI presents the list of top Yoruba Monarchs who are moneybags and also have viable and solid investments.
OBA OBATERU AKINRUNTAN
He is the Chairman, Obat Oil, the light-skinned monarch is rated to have an estimated net of worth of 300 million pounds. He owns property in billions of naira which include Landmark Febson Hotel, Abuja. In 2012, Oba Akinruntan emerged the first black man to buy 2014 model of Bentley which the Queen of England, Queen Elizabeth set record of being the first to purchase earlier same year. The Olugbo of Ugbo Kingdom is unarguably the richest Yoruba monarch. He invested heavily in the oil and gas sector and he lives big.
OSILE OKE ONA EGBA
The Osile of Oke-Ona Egba, Oba Tejuoso has for years now remained an industrialist and a big investor to reckon with. Royalty and wealth are sort of synonymous with the family, the late Matriarch of the Tejuoso’s family, Mama Bisoye was an agent for the UAC before becoming a major dealer of Vono mattresses. In 1970, she established the Teju Industries which later had subsidiaries.
AWUJALE OF IJEBU LAND
Oba Sikiru Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebu land is the most experienced among the traditional rulers in the country. He has interacted with all the Presidents the country has produced since independence having ascended the throne on 3rd, April, 1960. He was one of the seven-man committee that was set up for possible political solution to the crisis in the defunct Western Region by Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa with the knowledge of the principal leaders of the two warring factions, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Chief Ladoke Akintola in 1962. The meeting was held then at Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Adetokunbo Ademola’s guest’s chalet. Awujale is super rich and has good investments.
OBA SAHEED ADEMOLA
Oba Saheed Ademola, the Elegushi of Ikate land is young, rich and handsome. Former aide to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu as Governor of Lagos State, the highly humble Oba Saheed Ademola is blessed with deep pocket and he owns good investments.
OBA MARUF MAGBAGBEOLA
He is the Olufon of Ifon-Osun, Osun State. An ex-NNPC Staff, Oba Maruf Magbagbeola owns the popular Mankuns Hotel, Osogbo.
OBA RILWAN AKIOLU
The Oba of Lagos, HRM Oba Rilwan Osolale Akiolu, was already inducted into the circle of the rich and the moneybags before ascending the throne. The former top police officer retired as AIG before turning a traditional ruler in 2003 and before then he had intimidating list of friends that include business mogul, Alhaji Umaru Saro and Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.
OBA LAMIDI ADEYEMI
Iku Baba Yeye, Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi (CFR) is one of the glamorous Yoruba monarchs. He is a prominent traditional ruler respected beyond the shores of the country owing to the importance of the stool and the throne he occupies. He is one of Africa’s most powerful and most influential kings. Oba Adeyemi is one of the top Yoruba Obas who live big and he is stupendously rich.
OBA MUFUTAU GBADAMOSI
Nicknamed ‘Dangote’ in the society scene before he emerged a traditional ruler, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi, the Olofa of Offa is also one of the wealthy traditional rulers. He is into farming, poultry business, property and importation.
OBA ENITAN OGUNWUSI
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi is also one of the moneybags among the Yoruba Obas. He was a successful businessman and a philanthropist before ascending the highly revered throne and the stool of Ooni of Ife. He donated about 50 transformers to the Ife community before his choice as Ooni and another set of 50 transformers after he became the Ooni of Ife. A multibillion naira resort project is currently on-going in the city of the source courtesy Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi. He is a man of taste; class and style permanently featured on his entourage are retinue of aides and palace guards.
OBA ASHIRU OLANIYAN
He is the Olobu of Ilobu, Osun State; he owns the multi-million naira Royal Palace Hotel and a good number of filling stations.
OBA ADEDAPO ADEREMI
The Olojudo Alaiyemore of Ido-Osun, Oba Adeen Adedapo Aderemi is a popular traditional ruler. The architect turned monarch was a successful international businessman before becoming an Oba, he owns Adeen plaza, Osogbo.
SOUN OF OGBOMOSHO
The Soun of Ogbomosho, Oba Oladunni Oyewunmi is a successful businessman who has been relevant in the hospitality industry for more than four decades. The nonega
rian monarch owns Teminus Hotel, Lagos, Ibadan, Osogbo and Jos.
OLUSIN OF ISANLU-ISIN
Oba Solomon Oluwagbemiga Oloyede is the Olusin of Isanlu-Isin, Kwara State. He owns a flourishing school in Lagos and other investments.
