Oba
/ˈoʊ.bɑː/noun
A traditional ruler or king, especially among the Yoruba and neighboring peoples of West Africa.
Did you know?In Yoruba usage, Ọba is a royal title rather than simply a personal name, and many historical Obas governed powerful kingdoms such as Benin and Oyo.
Etymological Timeline
Before the 16th Century
Yoruba
ọba
“King, ruler, or sovereign”
15th–16th Century
Yoruba
Ọba
“Royal title used by rulers of Yoruba kingdoms”
16th–19th Century
European records
Oba
“Recorded European spelling for an African king or ruler”
19th Century
English
oba
“A traditional ruler in West Africa”
Modern English
English
Oba
“A traditional African king or chief, especially a Yoruba ruler”