Top 10 Obas in Yorubaland: Interesting facts about the rulers
Nigeria's cultural heritage is deeply rooted in its traditional leadership. The Obas in Yorubaland are among the most respected monarchs in the country. Prominent among them are Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, and Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran II.
Source: UGC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Key takeaways
- The Obas in Yorubaland are influential traditional rulers who preserve and promote Yoruba culture, values, and customs.
- Prominent monarchs such as Oba Rilwan Akiolu, Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, and Oba Saliu Adetunji are highly respected across Nigeria.
- These royal figures play a significant role in preserving Yoruba traditions, promoting unity, and guiding their people.
Top 10 Obas in Yorubaland
The Yoruba monarchy is one of Africa's oldest and most organised traditional systems. Each Oba holds a unique position of authority, blending ancient customs with modern leadership roles.
Below is a look at the top 10 Obas in Yorubaland, celebrated for their influence, wisdom, and dedication to preserving Yoruba heritage. They are listed in no particular order.
10. Oba Rilwan Akiolu
Source: UGC
- Full name: Rilwan Babatunde Osuolale Aremu Akiolu
- Date of birth: 29 October 1943
- Age: 81 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Lagos, British Nigeria
- Title: Oba of Lagos
Oba Rilwan Babatunde Osuolale Aremu Akiolu I is the 21st Oba of Lagos, crowned in May 2003. He is a former Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Oba Akiolu, known for his firm leadership and deep commitment to the development of Lagos State.
He has played a vital role in preserving the rich cultural traditions of the Lagos monarchy while promoting peace and progress in Nigeria's most populous city. He is respected for his outspokenness and influence.
9. Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi
Source: UGC
- Full name: Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi
- Date of birth: 17 October 1974
- Age: 51 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Ife, Nigeria
- Title: Ooni and monarch of Ifẹ
This well-known king became the ruler of Ile Ifein in 2015. This Oba has a significant influence in the country, not only in Yorubaland.
He obtained his primary and higher education in Ibadan. Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi studied accounting. He was chosen as Oba from several candidates, and he is the current spiritual leader of Yorubaland. He is among the famous top 20 obas in Nigeria today.
8. Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III
Source: UGC
- Full name: Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III
- Date of birth: 15 October 1938
- Died: 22 April 2022
- Place of birth: Oyo, Nigeria
- Title: Alaafin of Oyo
Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III was the Alaafin of Oyo, the traditional ruler of the historic Yoruba town and heir to its ancient empire. His father, who always appears on the list of first-class obas in Yorubaland, reportedly had over 200 wives.
Oba Adeyemi was married to Ayaba Abibat Adeyemi, his senior wife, and often attended events with her or one of his twelve junior wives. He died on 22 April 2022 at the Afe Babalola University Teaching Hospital in Ado Ekiti, aged 83, after complications related to prostate enlargement.
7. Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo III
Source: UGC
- Full name: Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo III
- Date of birth: 14 September 1943
- Age: 82 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Abeokuta, Nigeria
- Title: Alake of Egba
Sons of Oduduwa rule across Yorubaland, consisting of different towns. Egbaland is one of such lands. Its current traditional ruler, Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo III, is also known as Oda or Alake of Egba. He received his Yoruba crown in 2005 and has become a highly influential person in Nigeria.
6. Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona
Source: UGC
- Full name: Ọba Sikiru Kayọde Adetọna
- Date of birth: 10 May 1934
- Died: 13 July 2025
- Place of birth: Ijebu Ode, Nigeria
- Title: Awùjalẹ̀ of the Ijẹbu Kingdom
While many traditional rulers in Nigeria are relatively young, a few have enjoyed remarkably long reigns. One outstanding example is Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who ruled the Ijebu Kingdom for nearly six decades.
A proud descendant of the Anikinaiya royal family, he held the revered title of Awujale of Ijebuland. Installed on 2 April 1960, Oba Adetona became one of Nigeria's longest-reigning monarchs.
He passed away on 13 July 2025 at 91, leaving behind a lasting legacy of wisdom, progress, and dedication to his people.
5. Oba Saliu Adetunji
Source: UGC
- Full name: Saliu Akanmu Adetunji
- Date of birth: 26 August 1928
- Died: 2 January 2022
- Place of birth: Nigeria
- Title: Olubadan of Ibadan
Saliu Akanmu Adetunji was the 41st Olubadan of Ibadan, reigning from 2016 to 2022. Born to Raji Olayiwola and Suwebat Amope Adetunji, he was the eldest of 17 children.
He learned several vocational skills before settling on fashion design as his profession after moving to Lagos. Before becoming Olubadan, he held the title of Balogun of Ibadanland. He died on 2 January 2022, aged 93.
4. Oba Francis Adedoyin
Source: UGC
- Full name: Francis Adedoyin
- Date of birth: January 1922
- Died: 5 August 2018
- Place of birth: Nigeria
- Title: Ogunsua of Modakeke
Oba Francis Adedoyin was the Ogunsua of Modakeke and a descendant of the Olaogbin Royal Family. He was known as one of the top 10 richest kings in Yorubaland.
First crowned in 1994, he received the beaded crown in 2009. Oba Adedoyin passed away on 5 August 2018, after a brief illness at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Hospital in Osogbo, Osun State.
3. Oba Adesimbo Victor Kiladejo
Source: UGC
- Full name: Adesimbo Victor Kiladejo Adenrele Ademefun Kiladejo
- Date of birth: 11 November 1953
- Age: 71 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Ondo, Nigeria
- Title: Traditional ruler of the Ondo Kingdom
Yoruba people who live in Ondo State have their Oba. His full name is Adesimbo Victor Kiladejo Adenrele Ademefun, but many know him shortly as Jilo III.
Oba Adesimbo was officially crowned in 2008. However, he received his royal title 2 years earlier. Oba Adesimbo is also a medical doctor. He studied medicine and surgery in Nigeria and Liverpool, UK.
2. Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi
Source: UGC
- Full name: Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi
- Date of birth: 28 December 1956
- Age: 68 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Ayede/Ogbese, Nigeria
- Title: Deji of Akure
Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi (Odundun II) is the 47th Deji of Akure. He is the current traditional ruler of the Akure Kingdom in Ondo State, Nigeria. He ascended the throne in 2015, succeeding the late Oba Adebiyi Adegboye Adesida, and adopted the regnal name Odundun II.
1. Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran II
Source: UGC
- Full name: Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran
- Date of birth: 13 October 1937
- Died: 11 September 2024
- Place of birth: Ifẹ, Osun State, Nigeria
- Title: Owa Obokun of Ijesha land
The town of Ilesa, also known as Ilesaland, was ruled by Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran II from 1982. He was a respected teacher, economist, and author who wrote nearly 100 books.
Oba Aromolaran II died on 11 September 2024 at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital in Ile-Ife after a short illness. He was 86 years old.
Who is the first king in Yorubaland?
The first king in Yorubaland is Oduduwa, regarded as the founder of the Yoruba people and the progenitor of many royal dynasties across southwestern Nigeria. He is believed to have established the Ile-Ife Kingdom, the cradle of Yoruba civilization.
Who are the obas in Yorubaland?
The Obas in Yorubaland are traditional rulers who govern various Yoruba kingdoms and towns. They include influential monarchs such as the Ooni of Ife, Alaafin of Oyo, Awujale of Ijebu, Oba of Lagos, and Olubadan of Ibadan.
Who is the most respected king in Yorubaland?
The Ooni of Ife is widely regarded as the most respected king in Yorubaland. He holds spiritual authority as the direct descendant of Oduduwa and is considered the custodian of Yoruba culture and tradition.
What are some famous obas?
Famous Obas include Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ooni of Ife), Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III (late Alaafin of Oyo), Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona (Awujale of Ijebuland), and Oba Rilwan Akiolu (Oba of Lagos), all known for their influence and leadership.
How many kings are there in Yorubaland?
There are over 50 recognized Obas in Yorubaland. Each rules towns and communities across states like Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, and Lagos, preserving Yoruba culture and traditions.
What are the names of chiefs in Yorubaland?
The chiefs in Yorubaland include titled leaders such as the Balogun, Oluwo, Otunba, Ashipa, and Aare Ona Kakanfo, who assist the Obas in administration, cultural preservation, and community leadership.
These are the top 10 Obas in Yorubaland, who preserved the pre-colonial title and made the modern history of Nigeria more interesting and attractive for foreign visitors. Yoruba culture is rich, unique, and impressive.
Legit.ng recently shared a list of notable Nigerians celebrated for their integrity. The country has produced many world-renowned figures across politics, business, sports, and entertainment.
Integrity goes beyond doing the right thing in private; it means living by strong moral and ethical principles. Leaders such as Prince Chibudom Nwuche, Muhammadu Buhari, and Alhaji Lateef Jakande exemplified this through their commitment to good governance, education, and social justice.
Source: Legit.ng
Adrianna Simwa (Lifestyle writer) Adrianna Simwa is a content writer at Legit.ng where she has worked since mid-2022. She has written for many periodicals on a variety of subjects, including news, celebrities, and lifestyle, for more than three years. She has worked for The Hoth, The Standard Group and Triple P Media. Adrianna graduated from Nairobi University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in 2020. In 2023, Simwa finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. You can reach her through her email: adriannasimwa@gmail.com
John Ouma (Lifestyle writer) John Ouma is a journalist with six years of experience. He has published sharply argued think pieces that live at the intersection of power, politics, and society. He was awarded the FirstGen scholarship by Biola University and a merit-based scholarship by AMDA College and Conservatory of the Performing Arts in January 2021. He has worked for The Standard and Nation Africa as an opinion columnist between 2018 and 2022. He is currently working on his first novel—a literary fiction that traces the life of a contemporary Kenyan artist. Email: gervasjohn97@gmail.com
