List of Nigerian traditional states

Nigerian kingdoms

There are many traditional states in Nigeria.[1] A partial list follows. Although the traditional rulers[2] no longer officially have political power, they still have considerable status in Nigeria and the power of patronage.[3] Except where otherwise noted, names of traditional rulers are based on the World Statesmen.org list.[4]

State | Region | Ethnic group | Capital | Present ruler | Accession date | Title | Notes

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Abuja |  |  |  |  |  |  | Now the Suleja Emirate
Abureni Kingdom | Southsouth | Ogbia-Ijaw | Iduma | Collins Ebi Daniel | 2008 | Olila-Ebhugh |
Adamawa | North | Fulani | Yola | Muhammadu Barkindo Aliyu Musdafa | 2010 | Lamido |
Adara Chiefdom | Middle Belt | Adara | Kachia | Maiwada Galadima | 2007 | Agom Adara |
Ado-Odo | Southwest | Yoruba | Ado-Odo | Olusola Idris Osolo Otenibotemole II | 2024 | Olofin Adimula Oodua | Formerly Oba of Ado
Agaie | North | Nupe | Agaie | Yussuf Nuhu | 2014 | Etsu |
Agbor | South | Ika | Agbor | Benjamin Ikechukwu Kiagborekuzi I | 1979 | Dein |
Anyama Clan[5][6] | Southsouth | Ogbia-Ijaw | Anyama-Ogbia | King Theophilus Omie |  | Obanobhan | Anyama Clan also known as Anyama District made up of 17 communities
Anyama-Ogbia Kingdom | Southsouth | Ogbia-Ijaw | Anyama Town | Vacant (held by the House of Okori, in the Obi-Adeh Royal Dynasty of Anyama-Ogbia) |  | Obenema | Anyama-Ogbia is the headquarters of Anyama Clan
Ake | Southwest | Yoruba | Abeokuta | Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo III | 2005 | Alake | Part of the confederation of Egbaland
Akure | Southwest | Yoruba | Akure | Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi | 2015 | Deji |
Akwa Akpa | Southeast | Ibibio | Calabar | Bassey Ekpo Bassey II | 2008 | Edidem |
Atyap Chiefdom | Middle Belt | Atyap | Zangon Kataf | Dominic Yahaya | 2016 | Agwatyap or Agwam Atyap |
Badagry | South west | Gunu/Yoruba | Badagry | De Wheno-Aholu-Menu-Toyi 1 | 1977 | Oba Akran of Badagry |
Bade | North | Bade | Gashua | Abubakar Umar Suleiman | 2005 | Mai Bade |
Bajju Chiefdom | Middle Belt | Bajju | Zonkwa | Nuhu Bature | 1995 | Agwam Bajju |
Bashar State | North | Basharawa | Bashar | Adamu Idris | 1963 | Sarki |
Bauchi | North | Gera/Fulani | Bauchi | Rilwanu Adamu Jumba | 2010 | Emir |
Benin | South | Edo | Benin City | Ewuare II | 2016 | Oba |
Bichi | North | Hausa | Bichi | Nasiru Ado Bayero | 2019 | Emir |
Bida | North | Nupe | Bida | Yahaya Abubakar | 2003 | Etsu |
Biu | North | Bura  | Biu | Mustapha Umar Mustapha II | 2020 | Emir |
Birnin Gwari | North | Gwari/Hausa | Birnin Gwari | Zubairu Jibrin Mai Gwari II | 1993 | Emir |
Bonny | South | Ijaw | Bonny | Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple III, Perekunle IX | 1996 | Amanayanabo | Also called Okolo-Ama
Borgu | Middle Belt | Bariba | New Bussa | Muhammad Haliru Dantoro Kitoro IV | 2015 | Emir | Formed by merging Bussa and Kaiama
Borno | North | Kanuri | Maiduguri | Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi | 2009 | Shehu |
Brass | South-south | Ijaw | Brass, Nigeria | King Alfred Diete-Spiff |  | Amanayanabo | Once part of Nembe
Bussa |  | See Borgu
Bwari/Bwaya Kingdom | Middle belt | Gbagyi/Gwari | Bwari/Bwaya Kingdom | Ibrahim Yaro | 2007 | Esu |
Calabar (Old) |  | see Akwa Akpa
Calabar (New) |  | see Kalabari Kingdom
Damaturu | North | Kanuri | Damaturu | Hashimi II El-Kanemi |  | Emir |
Daura | North | Hausa/Fulani | Daura | Faruk Umar Faruk | 2007 | Emir |
Dikwa | North | Kanuri | Dikwa | Mohammed Masta II Ibn Alamin El-Kanemi[7] | 2010 | Shehu | Divided into Bama and Dikwa Emirates in 2010
Ebira | Middle Belt | Igbirra | Koton Karifi | Shuaibu Mamman Lafiya[8] | 1970 | Ohimegye |
Ebiraland | Middle Belt | Ebira | Okene | Ahmed Tijane Anaje | 2024 | Ohinoyi |
Edem | South East | Igala/Igbo | Edem | Nwabueze Annekwempaha Ezea II | July 2009 | Eze Edem | The king's traditional salutation is Agaba-Idu. Formerly known as Christopher Nwabueze Ezea II, he took a regnal name on the anniversary of his decennial on the throne.
Edo |  | See Benin
Eko |  | see Lagos
Ekpeye Kingdom | Southsouth | Igbo | Ekpeye | Robinson Okpoluwon Robinson CON | 1978 | Eze Ekpeyelogbo |
Eri | Southeast | Igbo | Aguleri | Chukwuemeka Eri, Ezeora XXXIV  | 1976 | Eze Eri | The Custodian of the Sacred Ovo Eri
Fantswam (Kafanchan) Chiefdom | Middle Belt | Atyap | Kafanchan | Josiah Kantiyok | 2019 | Agwam Fantswam | Renamed "Zikpak Chiefdom" by the Kaduna State governor, Nasir Elrufai
Fika | North | Bole | Potiskum | Muhammadu Abali Ibn Muhammadu Idrissa | 2009 | Moi | Distinct from the Potiskum Emirate, also based in Potiskum
Gobir | North | Hausa/Fulani | Sabon Birni |  |  | Sarkin | Originally a Hausa city-state, conquered by the Fulani in the 19th century
Gombe | North | Fulani | Gombe | Abubakar Shehu Abubakar | 2014 | Modibo |
Gujba Emirate | North | Manga  | Gujba | Shettima Muktar Ibn Ali Gangaram | 2000 | Emir | Formerly part of the Fika Emirate
Gumel | North | Hausa/Fulani | Gumel | Ahmad Muhammad Sani dan Maina Muhammad | 1981 | Emir |
Gusau | North | Hausa/Fulani | Gusau | Muhammadu Kabir Danbaba | 1997 | Emir or Sarkin Katsina | The rulers of Katsina and Maradi also use the title "Sarkin Katsina"
Gwandu | North | Hausa/Fulani | Gwandu | Muhammadu Iliyasu Bashar |  | Emir |
Hadejia | North | Hausa/Fulani | Hadejia | Adamu Abubakar Maje | 2002 | Emir |
Ham (Jaba) Chiefdom | Middle Belt | Ham | Kwoi | Jonathan Gyet Maude | 1974 | Kpop Ham |
Ibadan Kingdom | Southwest | Yoruba | Ibadan | Owolabi Olakulehin | 2024 | Olubadan |
Idah |  | see Igala
Idoani | Southwest | Yoruba | Idoani | Olufemi Olutoye | 2014 | Alani |
Idoma Kingdom | Middle Belt | Idoma | Otukpo | Elias Ikoyi Obekpa Och'Idoma IV |  | Och'Idoma |
Igala | Middle Belt | Igala | Idah | Idakwo Ameh Oboni II | 2012 | Attah |
Igbomina Kingdom | Middle Belt | Yoruba | Omu-Aran | Abdulraheem Oladele Adeoti (Olomu Efon II) | 1993 | Olomu | Related to the Igbomina state in general
Ijebu Kingdom | Southwest | Yoruba | Ijebu Ode | Sikiru Kayode Adetona Ogbagba II | 1960 | Awujale |
Ijebu-Remo | Southwest | Yoruba | Sagamu | Babatunde Adewale Ajayi | 2017 | Akarigbo | See also Ijebu Kingdom, List of rulers of Remo
Ijesaland |  | see Ilesa
Ikale Kingdom | Southwest | Yoruba | Ikoya Ikale | George Faduyile, Adegun ll | 1998 | Abodi | Paramount Rulers of Ikale land Okitipupa, Irele and Odigbo local government
Ikateland Kingdom | Southwest | Yoruba | Lagos | Alayeluwa Saheed Ademola Elegushi, Kusenla II | 27 April 2010 | Oba | House of Kusenla
Ile Ife | Southwest | Yoruba | Ife | Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II | 2015 | Ooni | One of the two ranking Yoruba monarchs
Ilesa Kingdom | Southwest | Yoruba | Ilesa | Clement Adeyusi Haastrup | 2024 | Owa |
Ilorin | Middle Belt | Yoruba/Fulani | Ilorin | Ibrahim Sulu Gambari |  | Emir |
Ipokia Kingdom | Southwest | Yoruba | Ipokia | Raufu Oladeinde Adetunji Adeole Onigbaale III | 1985 | Onipokia |
Iroko Kingdom | Southwest | Yoruba | Iroko | Olasunkanmi Abioye Opeola, Kurunloju I | 2011 | Oniroko |
Isedo | Southwest | Yoruba | Ila Orangun | Oyedeji Ajide |  | Obalumo | Related to the Isedo Clan (with its own Obalumo) of the Igbomina state of Oke Ila Orangun
Isinkan | Southwest | Yoruba | Isinkan |  |  | Iralepo |
Itele | Southwest | Yoruba | Itele, Ijebu-East | Mufutau Adesanya Kasali Iboriaran I | 2003 | Moyegeso | See also Ijebu Kingdom, Jones Adenola Ogunde Adeyoruwa II reigned until 1996
Itsekiri |  | see Kingdom of Warri
Jajere Emirate | North | Fulani | Tarmuwa | Hamza Mai Buba Ibn Isa Mashio | 2000 | Emir, Mai, Lamido or Sarkin Jajere | divided into Jajere & Ngelzarma Emirates
Jama'are Emirate | North | Hausa/Fulani | Jama'are | Muhammadu Wabi IV dan Muhammadu Wabi | 1975 | Emir |
Jema'a Emirate | Middle Belt | Hausa/Fulani | Jema'a | Muhammadu dan Isa | 1999 | Emir |
Jos | Middle belt | Berom | Jos | Jacob Gyang Buba | 2009 | Gbong Gwom |
Jukun |  | see Wukari
Kagara Emirate
Kagoro | Middle Belt | Hausa/Fulani

Atyap

| Kagoro | Alhaji Ahmad Garba Gunna Attahiru II

Ufuwai Bonet

| 2021

2008

| Emir

Agwam Agworok

| A diarchy
Kaiama |  | Merged with Bussa into Borgu
Kalabari | Southsouth | Ijaw | Buguma |  |  | Amanyanabo |
Kano | North | Hausa/Fulani | Kano | Muhammadu Sanusi II | 2024 | Emir |
Karu Kingdom | Middle Belt | Gbagyi/Gwari | Karu | Luka Panya Baba | 2004 | Esu |
Katagum | North | Fulani/Kanuri | Katagum | Umar Muhammadu Kabir Umar | 2017 | Emir |
Katsina | North | Hausa/Fulani | Katsina | Abdulmumini Kabir Usman | 2008 | Emir or Sarkin Katsina | The rulers of Gusau and Maradi also use the title "Sarkin Katsina"
Kazaure | North | Hausa/Fulani | Kazaure | Najib Husaini Adamu |  | Emir |
Keana Chiefdom | Middle Belt | Agatu | Keana | Abdullahi Amegwa | 2016 | Osana of Keana |
Kebbi | North | Hausa/Fulani | Birnin Kebbi | Sama'ila Muhammad Mera | 1996 | Amir Argungu |
Keffi Emirate | Middle Belt | Hausa/Fulani | Keffi | Muhammadu Cindo Yamusa II |  | Emir |
Kontagora | Middle Belt | Hausa/Fulani | Kontagora | Muhammad Bara'u Mu'azu | 2021 | Sarkin Sudan |
Kumbwada | Niger State  |  |  | Hajiya Haidzatu Ahmed | 1998  | Queen  |
Kupa  | Middle Belt  | Kupa/Nupe  | Abugi  | Muhammadu Kabiru Isah II  | 1967  | Maiyaki  |
Lafia | North | Kanuri | Lafia | Sidi Bage | 2019 | Emir | Sarkin Lafia
Lafiagi Emirate | Middle Belt | Nupe | Lafiagi | Mohammed Kudu Kawu | 2021 | Etsu | Fulani jihad state founded 1824
Lagos | Southwest | Yoruba | Lagos | Rilwan Babatunde Osuolale Aremu Akiolu I | 2003 | Oba | Formerly known as Eko
Lapai | Middle Belt | Nupe | Lapai | Umaru Bago Tafida | 2002 | Etsu |
Lere | Middle Belt |  | Lere | Umaru Mohammed Sani |  | Emir |
Machina | North | Manga | Machina | Bashir Albishir Bukar[9] |  | Emir |
Misau Emirate | North | Kanuri/Fulani | Misau | Ahmed Suleiman | 2015 | Emir |
Moroa | Middle Belt | Atyap | Manchok | Tagwai Sambo | 1966 | Agwam Asholyio |
Mubi Emirate | Middle Belt |  | Mubi | Abu Bakar Isa Ahmadu |  | Emir |
Muri Taraba | Middle Belt | Hausa/Fulani | Muri Taraba | Abbas Tafida[10] | 1988  | Emir |
Nasarawa Emirate | Middle Belt | Hausa/Fulani | Nasarawa | Ibrahim Usman Jibril | 2018 | Emir |
Nembe | Southsouth | Ijaw | Nembe | Edmund Maduabebe Daukoru, Mingi XII | 2008 | Amanyanabo |
Nembe Bassambiri | Southsouth | Ijaw | Bassambiri |  |  | Amanyanabo |
Ningi | North | Hausa/Fulani | Ningi | Yunusa Muhammad Danyaya | 2024 | Chief |
Nnewi | Southeast | Igbo | Nnewi | Kenneth Onyeneke Orizu III | 1963 | Igwe |
Nri | Southeast | Igbo | Agukwu | Enweleana II Obidiegwo Onyeso | 1988 | Eze Nri | Holder of the highest and most revered ofo in Igboland, the Ofo Nri-Menri.
Obioko Kingdom | Southeast |  | Obioko | Ekpo Eyo Abassi Eyo III | 2008 | Obong |
Ogbia Kingdom[11] | Southsouth | Ogbia-Ijaw | Ogbia Town | Charles Dumaro Owaba, Obanobhan III[11] | 2017 | Obanobhan |
Oke Ila Kingdom | Southwest | Yoruba | Oke Ila | Olufemi Oladapo Babalola |  | Obalumo | Related to the Igbomina state of Isedo
Oke-Ona Egba | Southwest | Yoruba | Abeokuta | Adedapo Adewale Tejuoso Karunwi III | 1989 | Oshile | Part of the confederation of Egbaland
Okolo-Ama |  | Otherwise known as Bonny since colonial times
Okpe | South-South | Urhobo | Orerokpe | Orhue I | 2006 | Orodje |
Okrika | Southeast |  | Okrika | Alfred Semenitari Abam Ado IX | 2002 | Amanyanabo |
Ondo | Southwest | Yoruba | Ondo | Adesimbo Victor Kiladejo | 2006 | Osemawe |
Onitsha | Southeast | Igbo | Onitsha | Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe | 2002 | Obi |
Orlu | Southeast | Igbo | Orlu | Patrick II Acholonu | 2009 | Igwe XI, Duru IX |
Oshogbo | Southwest | Yoruba | Oshogbo | Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun | 2010 | Ataoja |
Owerri | Southeast | Igbo | Owerri | Emmanuel E. Njemanze | 1989 | Ozuruigbo |
Owo | Southwest | Yoruba | Owo | Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III | 2019 | Olowo |
Owu | Southwest | Yoruba | Abeokuta | Olusanya Adegboyega Dosunmu II | 2005 | Olowu | Part of the confederation of Egbaland
Oyo | Southwest | Yoruba | Oyo |  |  | Alaafin | One of the two ranking Yoruba monarchs
Pategi | Middle Belt | Nupe | Pategi | Umar Bologi II | 2019 | Etsu |
Potiskum | North | Ngizim | Potiskum | Umar Bubaram[12] |  | Emir  | Not to be confused with the Fika Emirate, based in the same town
Rano | North | Hausa/Fulani |  |  |  |  |
Sokoto | North | Hausa/Fulani | Sokoto | Sa'adu Abubakar | 2006 | Sultan | See also List of Sultans of Sokoto
Suleja | Middle Belt | Hausa/Fulani | Suleja | Awwal Ibrahim | 2000 | Sarkin Zazzau | Formerly Abuja Emirate
Tiv | Middle belt | Tiv | Gboko | James Ayatse | 2016 | Tor Tiv |
Tula Chiefdom | Middle Belt | Tula | Kaltungo, Gombe | Abubakar Buba Atare II | 2009 | Mai |
Ubani |  | see Bonny
Ugbo-Igbo | Southeast | Igbo | Ugbo town | Godwin Ebem Udeonu | October 1978 | Igwe |
Ugbo Kingdom | Southwest | Yoruba | Ilaje | Oba Fredrick Obateru Akinruntan | 2009 | Olugbo |
Ughelli Kingdom | Southsouth | Urhobo | Otovowodo | Ajuwe Oharisi III | 1992 | Ovie |
Warri | Southsouth | Itsekiri | Ode-Itsekiri | Ogiame Atuwatse III | 2021 | Olu | Olu of Warri. See also kingdom of Warri 1478
Wase |  |  |  | Muhammadu Sambo Haruna | October 2010 | Emir | Fulani Emirate
Wukari | Middle Belt | Jukun | Wukari | Manu Ishaku Ada Ali | 28 January 2022 | Aku Uka |
Yauri | North | Hausa/Fulani | Yauri | Muhammad Zayyanu |  | Sarkin |
Zamfara Emirate | North | Hausa/Fulani | Gusau | Muhammad Attahiru Ahmad |  | Sarkin |
Zaria |  | Alternate name for Zazzau Emirate
Zazzau | North | Hausa/Fulani | Zaria | Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli | 2020 | Sarkin | The ruler of the Suleja Emirate also uses the title "Sarkin Zazzau"

## See also

[edit]

* Nigerian Chieftaincy
* Nigerian traditional rulers

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "Nigerian Traditional States". www.worldstatesmen.org. Retrieved 2022-12-15.
2. ^ Simwa, Adrianna (2022-08-30). "Kings and their titles in Nigeria: List of traditional rulers". Legit.ng - Nigeria news. Retrieved 2022-12-15.
3. ^ Chris Ewokor (1 August 2007). "Nigerians go crazy for a title". BBC News. Retrieved 2010-09-01.
4. ^ "Traditional States of Nigeria". WorldStatesmen.org. Retrieved 2010-09-01.
5. ^ Ogbiablog (2021). "King Omie Theophilus of Anyama Clan decries lack of basic amenities". Ogbia Blog.
6. ^ Samuel, Oyadongha (2010). "ExMilitants in Bloody clash". Vanguard.
7. ^ Abdulkareem Haruna (28 March 2010). "Kingmakers Crown New Shehu of Dikwa". Daily Independent. Retrieved 2010-09-01.
8. ^ PIUS ALAO (2009-10-26). "Otaru Tasks Ebira Nation On Unity". Nigerian Observer. Archived from the original on 2011-07-26. Retrieved 2010-09-04.
9. ^ "Machina Emirate Council". Machina Emirate. Archived from the original on 2009-02-09. Retrieved 2010-09-02.
10. ^ Tashikalmah Hallah (13 July 1988). "Emir of Muri Crisis Resolved - Nyame". Daily Trust. Retrieved 2010-09-04.
11. ^ a b punchng (2016-09-05). "Feud: Jonathan's kinsmen break 25-year-old jinx, get king". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 2024-11-12.
12. ^ Japhet Madaki (9 August 2010). "Mai Potiskum hails appointment of Bauchi Emir". Peoples Daily. Retrieved 2010-09-01.

This list is incomplete; you can help by adding missing items. (August 2008)

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* v
* t
* e

Nigerian traditional states

Emirates|

* Adamawa
* Agaie
* Bade
* Bauchi
* Bida
* Biu
* Borgu
* Borno
* Damaturu
* Daura
* Dikwa
* Fika
* Gombe
* Gumel
* Ilorin
* Kebbi
* Kontagora
* Lapai
* Muri
* Potiskum
* Sokoto
* Suleja
* Yauri
* Zazzau
* Patigi

Kingdoms|

* Akure
* Benin
* Bonny
* Gobir
* Igala
* Ijebu
* Iwo
* Kalabari
* Kumbwada
* Nembe
* Okpe
* Ondo
* Opobo
* Warri
* Hausa
* Bassa Nge

Other|

* Akwa Akpa
* Egba Alake
* Idoani
* Isedo
* Oke Ila
* Wukari

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