Ago-Oba

Ago-Oba is a traditional compound word in the Yoruba language, spoken primarily in southwestern Nigeria and parts of Benin and Togo. It translates literally as "Camp of the Oba" or "Settlement of the King." Historically, Ago-Oba referred to a settlement that served as a military encampment, a royal estate, or a major residence for a reigning Oba (king). These settlements were often established as strategic locations for defense, administration, or resource control.

Over time, the term "Ago-Oba" evolved to signify not just the physical location of the king's settlement but also to represent the administrative and political center controlled by the Oba. It became associated with power, authority, and the seat of traditional governance.

In modern usage, "Ago-Oba" frequently denotes a specific town or a quarter within a larger city that historically served as the Oba's residence or administrative center. Several communities in Yorubaland bear the name "Ago-Oba," serving as a lasting reminder of the historical importance of these locations in Yoruba political organization and the enduring legacy of traditional rulership. These settlements often retain a strong connection to the local traditional authority and serve as important cultural and historical sites.