Yorubaland has many traditional rulers, each with a distinct title tied to a town or kingdom. The word for a king is oba. This guide lists the best-known Yoruba obas and the town each one is connected to. We name the titles, not the people, because holders change over time; check a current, dated source for who holds a title today.
Major Yoruba titles and their seats
| Title | Town or kingdom | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Ooni of Ife | Ilé-Ifẹ̀ | Ruler of the city regarded as the ancestral home of the Yoruba |
| Alaafin of Oyo | Oyo | Title of the ruler of the historic Oyo Empire |
| Awujale of Ijebuland | Ijebu-Ode | Paramount ruler of the Ijebu |
| Olubadan of Ibadanland | Ibadan | Title passes through a line system of chiefs |
| Alake of Egbaland | Abeokuta | Paramount ruler of the Egba |
| Oba of Lagos | Lagos | Traditional ruler of Lagos Island |
| Owa Obokun of Ijesaland | Ilesa | Paramount ruler of the Ijesa |
| Ewi of Ado-Ekiti | Ado-Ekiti | Leading title in Ekiti |
| Olowo of Owo | Owo | Ruler of Owo kingdom |
| Orangun of Ila | Ila Orangun | Ruler of Ila |
| Akarigbo of Remo | Ṣagamu | Paramount ruler of Remo |
| Soun of Ogbomosoland | Ogbomoso | Ruler of Ogbomoso |
How a title is passed on
Most Yoruba kingship is tied to royal families and chosen by kingmakers, with the approval of the elders of the town. The Olubadan is different: the title moves through a ranked line of chiefs, so the oldest chief in the line becomes the next oba. Read more in our explainer, Who Is the Olubadan of Ibadanland?
Regalia and symbols
Obas are recognised by their regalia. The beaded crown (adé), coral beads, a staff and a fan are all symbols of office. In the Ife tradition the crown is associated with the Yoruba origin story, which you can read in our guide to the origin of the Yoruba. For the Ooni in particular, see our Ooni of Ife guide.
How to greet an oba
Men traditionally prostrate (ìdọ̀bálẹ̀) and women kneel (ìkúnlẹ̀) when greeting an oba. A common form of address is Kábíyèsí, ‘one whom no one dares question’, and there are other praise forms for each title. Our guide to greeting elders in Yoruba covers the basics of respect.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Yoruba word for king? Oba.
Which Yoruba oba is the most senior? The Ooni of Ife is widely regarded as the spiritual head of Yorubaland, while other paramount rulers lead their own kingdoms.
Photo: Unsplash contributor, silver coins and beads on a dark fabric garment, illustrative of traditional regalia. Titles and seats are listed from common usage; confirm current holders with a dated, authoritative source.
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