List of rulers of Luba
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Template:Short description Template:Use dmy dates
The Kingdom of Luba (1585–1889) which emerged in the marshy grasslands of the Upemba Depression in what is now southern Congo around 1585, initially began as a kingdom. Over time, through a combination of conquests, strategic marriages, and alliances, it expanded its territory and influence, eventually becoming an empire. This growth in territory and power allowed the Luba state to elevate its status from a kingdom to an empire.
The following is a list of the Mulopwe (Emperor) of Luba:
| Tenure | Incumbent | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1585 | Foundation of the Luba kingdom | |
| c. 1585 to c. 1620<ref name=":0">Template:Cite book</ref> | Kongolo<ref name=":0" />, muLopwe | A powerful warrior who subjugated several local chiefdoms and created the first Luba empire.<ref name=":1">Template:Cite book</ref> |
| c. 1620 to c. 1640<ref name=":0" /> | Ilunga Kalala<ref name=":0" />, muLopwe | Son of Kongolo.<ref name=":1" /> He was a great warrior who extended the Luba kingdom. This caused Kongolo to become jealous and he attempted to have Kalala killed, but failed. Kalala defeated his father Kongolo in war and founded the second Luba empire in c. 1620.<ref name=":1" /> |
| c. 1640 to c. 1650<ref name=":0" /> | Kasongo Mwine Kibanza<ref name=":0" />, muLopwe | |
| c. 1650 to c. 1670<ref name=":0" /> | Ngoi Sanza<ref name=":0" />, muLopwe | |
| c. 1670 to c. 1685<ref name=":0" /> | Kasongo Kabundulu<ref name=":0" />, muLopwe | |
| c. 1685 to c. 1700<ref name=":0" /> | Kumwimba<ref name=":0" />, muLopwe | |
| c. 1700 to c. 1715<ref name=":0" /> | Kasongo Bonswe<ref name=":0" />, muLopwe | |
| c. 1715 to c. 1740<ref name=":0" /> | Mwine Kombe Dai<ref name=":0" />, muLopwe | |
| c. 1740 to c. 1742<ref name=":0" /> | Kadilo<ref name=":0" />, muLopwe | |
| c. 1742 to c. 1749<ref name=":0" /> | Kekenya<ref name=":0" />, muLopwe | |
| c. 1749 to c. 1769<ref name=":0" /> | Kaumbo<ref name=":0" />, muLopwe | |
| c. 1769 to c. 1780<ref name=":0" /> | Miketo<ref name=":0" /> or Nkongolo Mwamba, muLopwe | |
| c. 1780 to 1809 | Ilunga Sunga<ref name=":0" /> or Ilunga Maniema Nsungu, muLopwe | |
| c. 1800 to ???? | Kasongo Mukaya, muLopwe | In rebellion |
| 1809 to 1837 | Kumwimba Ngombe, muLopwe | |
| 1837 | Ndai Mujinga<ref name=":0" /> or Ndaye Muzinga, muLopwe | Usurper |
| 1837 to 1864 | Ilunga Kabale, muLopwe | |
| 1864 to 1865 | Muloba<ref name=":0" /> or Maloba Konkola, muLopwe | |
| 1865 to 1869 | Kitamba, muLopwe | |
| 1869 to 1886 | Kasongo a Kalombo, muLopwe | |
| 1886 to 1889 | Nday a Mande, muLopwe | |
| Division into two royal lineages | ||
| Kasongo Lineage | ||
| 1889 to October 1917 | Kasong'wa Nyembo, muLopwe | |
| 1917 to 1935 | Umpafu Ilunga Kumwimba, muLopwe | |
| 1935 to 1957 | Ilunga Kisuku, muLopwe | |
| 1957 to 1964 | Kasongo wa Nyembo, muLopwe | |
| 1964 to 1964 | Kisula Ngoy, muLopwe | |
| Kabongo Lineage | ||
| 1942 | Maniema Nilemba Boniface , muLopwe | |
| 1948 | Maniema Boniface Kalowa, muLopwe (Ilunga Balowa Boniface) (Dibwe Kalowa Boniface) |
|
| October 1960 to c1980 | Kabongo Maniema Dibwe, muLopwe | |
| c1980 to 2000s? | Kumwimba Kabongo Kansh'imbu, muLopwe | |
| House of South-Kasai | ||
| 1959-2015 | Albert I (Albert Kalonji Ditunga) Mulopwe |
His Imperial Majesty Emperor Albert I:
The first elected Luba Emperor, Albert I, was elected Mulopwe by the Luba nobility and notables in March 1959. In 1960, Albert Kalonji member of the Luba nobility and heir to clan-Chief Edmond Mukanya became President of the Luba State of South-Kasai. A year later, in 1961, the nobility and his government voted to have the autonomous state become a federated monarchy. Albert I then became the first constitutional monarch in Luba history. Albert is also remembered as one of the fathers of the Congolese independence he died in 2015. members of his direct and extended family currently live in the DRC, Belgium and Luxemburg. |
