Lifestyle: Meet the 21th century filthy rich kings in Africa

Being a traditional monarch in Africa can be a fabulously lucrative affair

You may say kingdoms and dynasties are out of touch with 21 century but well, not entirely because Kings and queens on the African continent weigh high level of influence which may beat your imagination

In some African countries, traditional empires have been constitutionally recognized as state institutions.

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Don't be totally shell-shocked to see some African monarchs living lavishly with lots of privileges, including state protection, a generous monthly salary and allowances, and a motorcade of luxury vehicles.

Yes, they are living large.

Business Insider Sub Saharan African have compiled top five wealthiest kings in Africa. Enjoy!

Mohammed VI

King Mohammed VI, Morocco

Estimated net worth: $2 billion

Source: Investments

First on our list is the inviting Mohammed VI. Apparently, he is still reigning. He was born on August 1963 and climbed the monarch in July 1999 after the death of his father, King Hassan II. Mohammed VI is considered the wealthiest African king, controlling Moroccan investment holding company Societe Nationale d’Investissement, whose assets are estimated to be worth more than $10 billion. The King also owns one of the world’s largest phosphate reserves and has investments in the financial, mining, telecommunications, and distribution sectors.

 

Fredrick Obateru Akinrutan, Nigeria

Oba Obateru Akinrutan, Ugbo Land, Nigeria

Estimated net worth: $300  million

Source: Oil

The Oil land can just not boast of the richest man in Africa but also some filthy rich kings. The 1950 born king Fredrick Obateru Akinruntan is estimated to be worth $300 million. He is the traditional ruler and king of Ugbo Kingdom. His investments in the oil industry are somewhat remarkable. King Akinrutan owns Obat Oil, one of the largest private oil companies in Nigeria.

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King Akinrutan really lives large. In 2014, he was quoted by a local newspaper saying that he wears a $1 million watch.

 

King Mswati III

King Mswati III, Swaziland

Estimated net worth: At least $50 million

Source: Investments

King Mswati III was born in April 1968 in Manzini, Swaziland. He is the current King of Swaziland and head of the Swazi Royal Family. He was crowned king in April 1986 at the age of 18. He rules the small south African country as the absolute monarch.

King Mswati III has often been criticized for his lavish lifestyle, with many local and international media outlets accusing him of living an extravagant life, while his people languish in poverty. In the 2014 national budget, the country’s national assembly allocated $61 million for the King’s annual household budget. King Mswati is estimated to be worth $200 million.

 

King Otumfuo Osei Tutu II

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Ashanti, Ghana

Estimated net worth: $10 million

Source: Mining Equipment, Property, Jewelry

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II is the 16th King of Ashanti Kingdom in Ghana. A very powerful kingdom in Ghana. He was born in May 1950 and ascended the throne in April 1999. Apparently, he is also the absolute monarch and head of the Ashanti royal house of Oyoko.

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After studying in the United Kingdom, Osei Tutu II worked briefly in private and public organizations in the United Kingdom and Canada before returning to Ghana in 1989 to set up Transpomech Ghana, a $12 million (sales) company that provides mining equipment to several large industrial companies in Ghana. The King also owns an extensive real estate in Ghana and South Africa as well as a collection of valuable gold crown jewels.

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