In a certain case, a ruler (4)

I believe the answer is:

inca

'ruler' is the definition.
(I know that Inca is a type of ruler)

'in a certain case a' is the wordplay.
'in' says the answer is hidden in the clue.
'INCA' can be found hidden inside 'certain case a'.

(Other definitions for inca that I've seen before include "Ruler of an old empire centred on Cuzco" , "Former emperor" , "Pre-conquest Andean" , "Ancient Peruvian like Cain" , "Ancient Peruvian Indian" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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