oba

American  

[aw-buh] / ˈɔ bə /

noun

1. a hereditary tribal ruler among various peoples in the Benin region of western Africa.

---

oba British  

/ ˈɔːbɑː, -bə /

noun

1. (in W Africa) a Yoruba chief or ruler

---

Etymology

Origin of oba

First recorded in 1900–05, oba is from the Edo word ɔ́bá

Example Sentences

The traditional ruler of the town, known as an oba, is eagerly awaiting the results of scientific studies.

From BBC • May 9, 2024

But the oba had also been clear that he wanted his ownership respected, the prince said.

From New York Times • Jun. 4, 2023

Both the Nigerian government and the oba of Benin, whose family ruled the historical Kingdom of Benin from which they were looted, claimed that they owned the items.

From New York Times • Dec. 20, 2022

"There is something very powerful about seeing an oba standing there next to the panel memorialising the Benin campaign," the cathedral's chancellor, Dr Paula Gooder, told the BBC.

From BBC • Feb. 19, 2022

Not a wade; de water was rough an deep, an de bottom was stones dat I'd slipped oba an almost broke my ole head, sides bein drownded as dead as a herrin.

From Lost in the Fog by De Mille, James