The title Oba is used by traditional rulers in Nigeria, primarily within the Yoruba and Edo (Benin) cultures. The most famous and historically influential Obas come from these major kingdoms:

Yoruba Kingdoms (Oba Titles)

The most prominent Yoruba Obas trace their lineage back to the city of Ile-Ife, which is considered the spiritual homeland of the Yoruba people.

• The Ooni of Ife (currently Ọọ̀ni Adéyeyè Enitan Ògúnwùsì Ojájá II):
  • Significance: Historically and spiritually the foremost monarch among the Yoruba. He is regarded as the descendant of Oduduwa, the mythical progenitor of the Yoruba race.
• The Alaafin of Oyo (The throne is currently vacant since the passing of Ọba Lámídì Olayíwọlá Adéyemí III):
  • Significance: Historically the emperor of the powerful Oyo Empire, one of the largest and most influential West African states.
• The Awujalẹ̀ of Ijebuland (Currently Ọba Sikiru Káyọ̀dé Adétọ́nà):
  • Significance: The ruler of the ancient Ijebu kingdom, known for its strategic importance in trade and its long-reigning monarchs.
• The Oba of Lagos (Currently Ọba Rilwan Bábatúndé Ọṣùọlálé Àrèmú Àkíọlú):
  • Significance: The traditional ruler of Lagos, the commercial hub of Nigeria, holding great cultural and social influence.

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Benin Kingdom (Oba Titles)

The Edo people’s monarchy is one of the oldest and most historically significant in Africa.

• Oba of Benin (Currently Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Éwúàrè II):
  • Significance: The sovereign head of the Edo people and the traditional ruler of the Benin Kingdom.

Famous Historical Obas of Benin:

• Ọba Ẹ̀wúàrẹ̀ the Great (Reigned c. 1440–1473): He is credited with transforming Benin City into a major state, expanding the empire, and building the city’s famous walls and moats.
• Ọba Ọzọ̀lúà “the Conqueror” (Reigned c. 1483–1504): A great warrior king who significantly expanded the Benin Empire’s territories.
• Ọba Ovọ́nrámwẹ̀n Nọgábísí (Reigned 1888–1897): The last independent Oba of Benin before the British Punitive Expedition of 1897 and subsequent exile. He is a tragic and symbolic figure of the kingdom’s resistance to colonialism.