Oba is a major town in Anambra State, situated just 7 km south of Onitsha along the old Owerri–Onitsha road. Its motto, “Ife di n’Oba” (treasures abound in Oba), speaks to its ancient prosperity.

Oba Tradition holds that Oba was founded by Oba Ezechidebelu Okehi, whose nine sons established the town’s nine villages: Umuogali, Isu, Okuzu, Ogwugwu, Abime, Ogbenwe, Aborji, Ezelle, and Urueze the eldest of the nine. Another legend ties the town to a mythical bird, Okpoko, which either birthed or carried the founder to the site hence the royal title Eze Okpoko.

The first modern king was Igwe Peter Chukwuma Ezenwa (Eze Okpoko I), who reigned 42 years until 2018. HRM Igwe Augustine Chinedu Emelobe was installed as Eze Okpoko II in 15th March 2025, following traditional rites.

Oba is drained by the Idemili River and is also home to the natural Ogba Spring, a notable water source. The town shares boundaries with Obosi, Ojoto, Ichi, and Akwukwu.

Oba was an early education hub, producing the second Igbo university graduate, Dr. Enoch Ifediora Oli, who in 1946 founded Merchants of Light School the first private secondary school in Eastern Nigeria.

During Civil War (1967–1970) After the fall of Onitsha, Oba became a final Biafran stronghold and was never captured until the war’s end.

In 1991, Idemili South LGA was created with Oba as its first headquarters (later moved to Ojoto). The town has since grown into a bustling urban centre.