Royal fashion

The monarchy in Nigeria is a respected institution. Custodians of culture and tradition, these monarchs are young and their styles ensure they stand out

Oba Saheed Elegushi

Unarguably, he is the youngest monarch in Lagos State. The Elegushi of Ikateland, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi, Kusenla III, was born to the family of the late Oba Yekini Elegushi, in 1976. A member of the Elegushi Royal Family of Ikateland, he studied at the Lagos State University, Ojo, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Economics. He also has a master’s degree in Economics from LASU and another master’s degree in Public Administration from the Manchester Business School in the United Kingdom.

Married to Olori Sekinat Elegushi, the father of three  was the senior special assistant on special duties to former Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN up until his installation as the Oba Elegushi of Ikateland in April 2010.

The fun-loving monarch who recently turned 40 is unarguably one of the most stylish kings in this part of the divide.  He is mostly attired in exotic fabrics that have been tailored to perfection. In addition, he has a predilection for expensive jewellery.  His predilection for  traditional hats and walking sticks decorated with Swarovski cannot be ignored.

 Oba Kehinde Olugbenle

In 2012, Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State through the then state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Muyiwa Oladipo, announced the ratification of the kingmakers’ election of the new Olu of Ilaro and paramount ruler of Yewaland

The monarch who will turn 50 in December, was born to the family of the late Prince Adejumo Olugbenle of the Asade Agunloye Ruling House of Ilaro. A twin, he studied Estate Management at the Yaba College of Technology.  He also has a master’s degree in Housing Development and Management from the University of Ibadan.

A member of many professional bodies, he is married to Olori Omotayo Olugbenle, and the marriage is blessed with three children.

Like other monarchs, he favours traditional wear in beautiful hues and is modest in his appearance. His limited usage of jewellery at all times, does not take the shine off his overall appearance.

His Royal Majesty Benjamin Ikenchukwu (Keagborekuzi I)

Monarchs with style

The current Dein of Agbor Kingdom,  Delta State, who was born in 1977, is a monarch with a unique story. He set a global record upon being  installed when he was only 28 months old. This historic event was fallout of the untimely death of his father. Afterwards, the young monarch relocated abroad where he lived for the first two decades of his life. During this time, he attended several institutions in the United Kingdom including the Catholic School of Kent and later, the College Bearwood in Surrey, College of San Benedict, Ealing and the Birbeck College, London.

 In his absence, a regent ruled until he came back in 2001 to fully resume duty as one of Nigeria’s youngest traditional rulers.

In March 2006, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, appointed him the Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, thus becoming the youngest monarch in Nigeria to receive such honour.

Now in his 30s, the traditional ruler is always well turned-out. He is always dressed in stylish traditional attire and has a liking for stylish headwear. He favours colours that compliment his complexion and physique. His favourite fashion accessories would be his eyewear and traditional beads as he is never without them.

Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi

The 51st Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, holds a Higher National Diploma in Accountancy from The Polytechnic, Ibadan.

Born to the Giesi Ruling House in Ile-Ife, the Ooni is an astute entrepreneur with an uncommon business acumen. He has several business interests.  He has been involved in engineering, procurement and construction in Nigeria, and internationally for over 12 years.  He also facilitated the biggest lead and aluminium recycling plant set up in Nigeria by National Steel Company of India in Ota, Ogun State.

He is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), an Associate Accounting Technician and a certified member of the Institute of Directors Nigeria as well as Global Real Estate Institute.

Always clothed in white traditional wear, the monarch’s style cannot be faulted. Although his use of jewellery is not flamboyant, he patronises the best brands. A lover of high-end labels, he also adorns made-in -Nigeria fashion accessories.

Ogunwusi, who ascended the throne of his forefathers in 2015, is married to Edo State-born Olori Wuraola Ogunwusi.

Oba Abdul-Rasheed Akanbi

From the Gbaase Ruling House of Iwo, Osun State, the Oluwo of Iwo, was born in 1967. The 49-year-old monarch, who previously lived overseas, earned bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from George Brown College, Toronto, Ontario.  He also earned a  National Diploma in Mass Communication from The Polytechnic Ibadan , a certificate in Cybis & Axis System, Convergys Institute, Halifax, Nova Scotia in Canada and a  Seismic certificate in Operations, Oil and Gas Processing Facilities .

Married to a non-Nigerian, he is a natural fashionista who loves to look good at all times. His choice of wear and accessories cannot be faulted. He displays a deep knowledge of trends at all times and also loves English wear.

Blessed with a physique that ensures clothes sit well on him, he and his wife attract praise and admiration at all times. Aside from Yoruba and English, he also speaks French and Deutsche.