Fula language
Lamido (Adlam: , pl. Lamibe ) is the Anglicisation of a term from the Fula language or Fulfulde, used to refer to a ruler. In the language it is properly laamiiɗo (, pl. laamiiɓe ), derived from the verbal root "laamu-" meaning "leadership", and hence may be translated more specifically as "leader". The title "laamiiɗo" is higher in rank than "laamɗo", which means simply a "leader" or "king". Therefore, "laamiiɗo" means a "great king" or "great leader". It has been used by the traditional leaders of certain Fulani emirates in West Africa, originally as head of confederations of ruling and subordinate (often vassal) states. Its use persists within a number of post-colonial republics.