List of current non-sovereign African monarchs
This is a list of reigning non-sovereign monarchs in Africa, including traditional rulers and governing constitutional monarchs, but not the kings of Lesotho, Morocco and Eswatini. Each monarch listed below reigns over a legally recognised dominion located internally within a sovereign state, but in most cases possess little or no sovereign governing power themselves. Their titles, however, are recognised by the state. Entries are listed beside their respective dominions, and are grouped by country.
Background
The roles, powers, and influence of non-sovereign monarchs throughout Africa vary greatly depending on the state. In some states, such as Angola, the local king may play an integral role in the local governing council of a region, such is the case with the king of Bailundo, or on a smaller level, such as many of the Fons of Cameroon, they may be seen as leaders or heads of a particular town, settlement, or village. They are often regarded as custodians of tradition and culture, and in some cases, play an important role in local religious activities.Their relationship with the national government of which their respective realm sits within can be complex. Particularly influential monarchs are often sought after by local politicians and elected leaders for support, while others have contentious relationships with their national governments. In some cases, the national government has stepped in to curtail the influence of non-sovereign monarchs.
Country notes
Cameroon
Cameroon's traditional authorities are split into first, second, and third degree chiefdoms. First degree chiefdoms contain at least two second degree chiefdoms, while second degree chiefdoms contain at least two third degree chiefdoms. Third degree chiefdoms generally contain only a village, small rural area or a small part of an urban centre. Some leaders are from ancient, pre-colonial lineages, while others are appointed by political leaders. The extent of authority between traditional authorities varies.There are around 79 first degree chiefdoms, 875 second degree chiefdoms, and 12,582 third degree chiefdoms.
Ghana
The Constitution of the Republic of Ghana establishes the rule of traditional leaders, as well as a National House of Chiefs. All traditional leaders are registered with the National House of Chiefs as well as with the eleven Regional Houses of Chiefs, in accordance with the Chieftaincy Instrument, as published in the Gazette.Nigeria
For a full list of the extant Nigerian traditional states and their rulers, see List of Nigerian traditional states.Although Nigeria's traditional monarchs are legally recognized, they do not currently have a constitutional role in the country.
South Africa
In 2004, the Mbeki administration established the Commission on Traditional Leadership Disputes and Claims to determine the legitimacy of the nation's traditional kingships. The purpose of the commission was to reconstruct the institutions of indigenous leadership after their distortion under the colonial and apartheid regimes.In July 2010, acting on the findings of the commission, the Zuma administration announced that the government would cease recognising a total of six of the thirteen traditional kingships upon the deaths of their incumbent monarchs. Their successors would be recognised as "principal traditional leaders", a status yet to be defined. The commission was denounced by several senior traditional leaders, who have taken the government to court in an attempt to reverse the ruling.