The political leader (formerly the king) of the Yoruba people of Oyo state in south-western Nigeria.
Origin
Late 19th century; earliest use found in Church Missionary Intelligencer. From Yoruba Aláàfin owner of the palace from alá-, variant of oni-, prefix forming nouns with the sense ‘possessor’ + ààfin palace, court.
Definition of Alafin in US English:
Alafin
(also Ala'afin, Alaafin, Aláàfin)
noun
The political leader (formerly the king) of the Yoruba people of Oyo state in south-western Nigeria.
Origin
Late 19th century; earliest use found in Church Missionary Intelligencer. From Yoruba Aláàfin owner of the palace from alá-, variant of oni-, prefix forming nouns with the sense ‘possessor’ + ààfin palace, court.