An Obi is the central building in an Igbo homestead, one used most commonly as a place for the reception of guests.

As such, it can also be looked at symbolically as a metaphor for the most important part, or heart, of any given place. In fact, due to this, it is otherwise almost exclusively taken to be an aristocratic title amongst the tribe, meaning either elder in the first instance or king in the second.

List of Obis who reign as traditional kings

  • Obi of Aboh As of 2024, the Obi of Aboh is Dr. Greg Nnamdi Oputa.
  • Obi of Otolo As of 1963, the Obi of Otolo is His Royal Highness Igwe Kenneth Onyeneke Orizu III, who also acts as the supreme monarch (Igwe) of Nnewi.

See also