Obanta

Who is Obanta?

Obanta was the first king of the Ijebu kingdom in what is now Ogun State, Nigeria.

Obanta led a migration of people from Wadai, an area near the modern-day Sudan. On arriving at Ijebu, the inhabitants welcomed him warmly, shouting "oba wa nita" meaning "the king is outside" in the Yoruba language. This is how Ogborogan became known as Obanta.

Obanta's descendants continued to hold the royal title of Awujale, though his power was limited by his chiefs and councils.

A statue in his honor stands in the city center of Ijebu Ode, near the neighborhood of Itale.