G. O. AGHARUWA

This study investigates the semantic implicatures of Edo personal names containing the element “Oba” (king), examining how these names reflect and preserve the cultural identity and worldview of the Edo people. Guided by the Socio-Cultural Linguistics Approach (SCLA) proposed by Bucholtz and Hall (2005), the research explores the intricate relationship between language, culture, and identity within the Edo naming system. A qualitative research method was employed, drawing on both primary and secondary sources. Primary data were collected through focus group discussions and interviews with community members, elders, and cultural leaders, while secondary data were obtained from existing literature and linguistic studies. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis, focusing on identifying recurring meanings and cultural patterns associated with Oba-related names.The findings revealed four key semantic themes embedded in Edo names containing Oba: Sovereignty, Wealth, Adulation, and Protection. These themes reflect the Edo people’s deep cultural reverence for kingship, expressing authority, prosperity, loyalty, and divine safeguarding. The study concludes that personal names in Edo society go beyond identification; they serve as linguistic and cultural expressions that embody social values, beliefs, and collective memory. By applying the SCLA framework, the study highlights that Edo naming practices are a form of social action that reinforces identity, heritage, and community unity. Ultimately, Edo personal names containing Oba function as cultural vessels through which history, reverence, and social values are transmitted across generations.