Joe Mettle and Sunmisola Agbebi’s ‘Oba Awon Oba’: A Call to Worship the King of Kings

Introduction

Joe Mettle and Sunmisola Agbebi’s song “Oba Awon Oba,” which translates to “King of Kings” in English, is a powerful worship anthem that celebrates the eternal reign of God. 

The song’s lyrics are deeply rooted in biblical themes, emphasizing God’s sovereignty, His unchanging nature, and the worship He deserves. 

Through its rich scriptural allusions and heartfelt declarations, the song invites believers to reflect on the majesty of God and His everlasting Kingdom.

The Sovereignty of God

One of the central themes of “Oba Awon Oba” is the sovereignty of God. The song declares, “Kings have come, and kings have gone, thrones and rulers disappear, but Your Kingdom reigns forever, oh, Ọba.” 

This line echoes the biblical truth found in Daniel 2:21, which states, “He changes times and seasons; He deposes kings and raises up others.” The song emphasizes that while earthly rulers may rise and fall, God’s Kingdom is eternal and unshakable.

The song further underscores God’s sovereignty by acknowledging that He existed before time and spoke the world into existence. 

This is a direct reference to Genesis 1:1, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” By proclaiming God as “Ọba,” the Yoruba word for “King,” the songwriters affirm that He is the ultimate ruler over all creation.

The Eternal Reign of God’s Kingdom

Another prominent theme in the song is the eternal reign of God’s Kingdom. The chorus repeatedly declares, “Your Kingdom reigns forever,” reminding listeners of the everlasting nature of God’s rule. 

This theme is deeply biblical, as seen in Psalm 145:13, “Your Kingdom is an everlasting Kingdom, and Your dominion endures throughout all generations.”

The song draws attention to the contrast between the temporary nature of earthly kingdoms and the eternal reign of God. 

In a world where human empires rise and fall, “Oba Awon Oba” offers comfort and assurance that God’s Kingdom is unchanging and will last forever. Revelation 11:15 also echoes this truth: “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever.”

The Holiness of God

Holiness is another significant theme in the song. The repeated refrain, “Holy, Holy, Holy, oh, Ọba,” mirrors the angelic worship described in Isaiah 6:3, where the seraphim cry out, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of His glory.” 

This declaration of God’s holiness is a central aspect of Christian worship, recognizing God as completely pure, set apart, and worthy of all honor.

The song also references the worship of God by angels and elders, as seen in Revelation 4:10-11, where “the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever.” This imagery reinforces the idea that God is not only holy but also worthy of eternal worship.

Worship as a Response to God’s Majesty

“Oba Awon Oba” is ultimately a call to worship. The lyrics invite believers to join in the heavenly worship, declaring, “We have come to give You worship, bowing down before the King.” 

This response of worship is a natural outcome of recognizing God’s sovereignty, His eternal reign, and His holiness. The song encourages Christians to reflect on Psalm 95:6, “Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.”

Conclusion

Joe Mettle and Sunmisola Agbebi’s “Oba Awon Oba” is more than just a song; it is a profound declaration of biblical truths about God’s sovereignty, the eternal nature of His Kingdom, and His holiness. 

By drawing on rich scriptural themes, the song invites believers to worship God with reverence and awe, acknowledging Him as the King of Kings who reigns forever. 

As we sing along to this powerful anthem, we are reminded of the unchanging nature of God’s rule and our call to worship Him in spirit and truth.