Obaala

Obaala (or in Yoruba orthography Ọbaálá) is a senior title in the royal council of many kingdoms of the northeastern Yoruba - the Igbomina, Ijẹṣa and Ekiti sub-ethnics.

Ọbaálá literally means "mighty king" or "senior king" and is almost always next in rank to the high king or paramount king of the areas where the title is used. The Ọbaálá is often designated as the automatic regent on the demise of any reigning king or paramount king.

The most famous Ọbaálá in recent Yoruba history is easily Ogedengbe, the Ijẹṣa war commander who co-led the "Ekiti Parapọ", a clan confederation which stood to oppose the "imperialism" of 19th century Ibadan.