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Nigeria has Top 3 Longest Serving Monarchs in Nigeria & Top List of The World !

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Top 10 Longest-Reigning Monarchs (Historical & Current)

Nigeria is the

These are monarchs of sovereign states whose reigns are well-documented.

  1. Louis XIV (France): 72 years, 110 days (1643–1715) – Known as the “Sun King,” he ascended the throne at age four.
  2. Elizabeth II (United Kingdom and Commonwealth realms): 70 years, 214 days (1952–2022) – The longest-reigning British monarch.
  3. Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) (Thailand): 70 years, 126 days (1946–2016) – Highly revered King of Thailand.
  4. Johann II (Liechtenstein): 70 years, 91 days (1858–1929) – Prince of the tiny European microstate.
  5. Kʼinich Janaabʼ Pakal I (Palenque, now Mexico): 68 years, 33 days (615–683 AD) – A powerful Mayan ruler.
  6. Franz Joseph I (Austrian Empire/Austria-Hungary): 67 years, 355 days (1848–1916) – Emperor during a period of significant European change.
  7. Chan Imix Kʼawiil (Copán, now Honduras): 67 years, 130 days (628–695 AD) – Another notable Mayan king.
  8. Ferdinand III (Sicily/Two Sicilies): 65 years, 90 days (1759–1825)
  9. Victoria (United Kingdom): 63 years, 216 days (1837–1901) – Queen during the height of the British Empire.
  10. James I (Crown of Aragon, now Spain): 62 years, 319 days (1213–1276)

Note: Some lists might include monarchs of non-sovereign states or those with less definitively verifiable reign dates, such as Sobhuza II of Swaziland (82 years, 254 days), who was a ruler under a British protectorate for much of his reign.

Current Longest-Reigning Monarchs (as of May 30, 2025)

  1. Hassanal Bolkiah (Brunei): Sultan since October 5, 1967. (Over 57 years)
  2. Sultan bin Mohamed Al-Qassimi III (Sharjah, UAE): Ruler since January 25, 1972. (Over 53 years)
  3. Carl XVI Gustaf (Sweden): King since September 15, 1973. (Over 51 years)
  4. Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi (Fujairah, UAE): Ruler since September 18, 1974. (Over 50 years)
  5. Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi III (Ajman, UAE): Ruler since September 6, 1981. (Over 43 years)
  6. Mswati III (Eswatini): King since April 25, 1986. (Over 39 years)
  7. Hans-Adam II (Liechtenstein): Prince since November 13, 1989. (Over 35 years)
  8. Harald V (Norway): King since January 17, 1991. (Over 34 years)
  9. Letsie III (Lesotho): King since February 7, 1996. (Over 33 years)
  10. Mizan Zainal Abidin (Terengganu, Malaysia): Sultan since May 15, 1998. (Over 27 years)

Traditional rulership in Nigeria is primarily hereditary, with monarchs typically holding their positions for life. While the 1999 Nigerian Constitution does not formally recognize their political power, they retain significant cultural and social influence within their communities and often act as advisors to local governments.

Identifying an absolute “Top Ten Longest Serving Monarchs” can be challenging due to the sheer number of traditional rulers across Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups and the varying levels of public record keeping for all of them. However, based on available information, here are some of the most notable longest-serving monarchs in Nigeria, including those who have recently passed away after long reigns:

  1. Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona (Awujale of Ijebuland): Installed on April 2, 1960, he is one of Nigeria’s longest-reigning monarchs, having served for over 64 years.

  2. Oba James Adelusi Aladesuru II (Onigede of Igede-Ekiti): Reportedly even longer-serving than Oba Adetona, though specific dates are harder to pinpoint, he is often cited as the longest-serving.

  3. Joseph Davies-Agba (Uti Item III of Utugwang, Obudu, Cross River State): He reigned for 64 years until his death in April 2023, making him one of the longest-serving monarchs in Nigeria’s history.

Due to the dynamic nature of traditional institutions and the large number of monarchs, a definitive, fully updated “Top Ten” list that accounts for every traditional ruler in Nigeria is difficult to compile without exhaustive ongoing research. The focus here is on those consistently cited as among the longest-serving.

Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebu Kingdom, was installed as king on April 2, 1960, just months before Nigeria gained independence.
If there’s a king whose reign has stood the test of time, it has to be Oba Adetona. He has been on the throne for over 64 years, making him the longest-serving traditional ruler in the country and one of the most respected monarchs in all of Africa. At 90 years old, the king has redefined what it means to be a royal leader in modern Nigeria.
Oba Adetona is from the Anikinaiya royal house and was born on May 10, 1934, in Ijebu Ode. His early education took him through Baptist Schools in Ereko, Ijebu-Ode, Ogbere United Primary School, and Ansar-Ud-Deen School, all within Ijebuland. For his secondary education, he attended the Olu-Iwa College (now Adeola Odutola College) from 1951 to 1956.
As proof of his intellect and ambition, he worked briefly with the Audit Department of the Western Region in Ibadan before resigning in 1958 to study accountancy in the United Kingdom—a rare feat for many at the time.
From Prince To King :
Though he was one of six nominees presented by the ODIS (Ojude Oba Descendants’ Society), Oba Adetona was unanimously selected by the kingmakers, and the governor of the Western Region at the time signed his Instrument of Office, officially recognising him as the Awujale of Ijebuland at only twenty-six years old.
Following tradition, he went into customary seclusion at the Odo for three months. His official presentation as king was made by Chief Timothy Adeola Odutola, the then Head of the Ijebu Ode Regency Council, on January 18, 1960.
His Achievements :
Oba Adetona’s reign has brought honour, dignity, and integrity to the Ijebu throne. Unlike many ceremonial rulers, he has consistently shown a deep commitment to education, governance, and community development. One of his most outstanding legacies is the establishment of the Oba Sikiru Adetona School of Governance at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye.
This world-class institution is dedicated to addressing the leadership gap in Nigeria and across Africa. It stands as a testament to his belief in the power of education, accountability, and service. In 2022, the Tai Solarin College of Education in Omu-Ajose was renamed the Sikiru Adetona College of Education, Science and Technology (SACOETEC) in his honour, a move Governor Dapo Abiodundescribed as a recognition of the monarch’s immense contributions to education and the prosperity of Ijebuland.
Ojude Oba :
Every year, the grand Ojude Oba Festival draws thousands of Ijebu sons and daughters from around the world. They don’t just show up out of obligation, but out of genuine love and reverence for their king. The festival is more than a cultural celebration, it’s a reflection of the deep bond between Oba Adetona and his people, a king deeply loved and respected by his subjects.
Now, 90 years old, Oba Adetona is a father to nine children and continues to play a central role in the spiritual, cultural, and even political journey of Nigeria.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a heartfelt tribute during the monarch’s 90th birthday, praised the Awujale as a pillar of strength, justice, and fairness, a royal father who stood by him through his political evolution. He said:
“Kabiyesi has remained a dependable ally. He is not just a traditional ruler but a preeminent royal father who brought honour, courage, and strength of character to the throne for over 60 years”
In a country constantly in search of direction and true leadership, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona stands tall as a timeless king whose legacy will outlive generations. Ki Ade pe Lori, ki Bata pe lese – may the crown rest long on your head, may shoes remain long on your feet.
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