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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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of oba

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Most of the treasures were initially expected to be returned on loan to a trust that brought together representatives of the oba and regional and national governments.

From New York Times • Jun. 4, 2023

The installation depicts a larger-than-life figure of the oba standing in full regalia, and with the instruments of his power.

From BBC • Feb. 19, 2022

This image of the oba, or king, of Benin dominates the space, through which thousands of visitors pass every week, and draws the eye.

From BBC • Feb. 19, 2022

The British were looking for excuses to attack Benin, Nigerian historians say, because the oba had too much power.

From New York Times • Jun. 23, 2021

He take de book, an he look all oba de book, many, many, many a time, corna an all; and he couldna finda Peeta Coopa wife.

From The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction Volume 10, No. 275, September 29, 1827 by Various