'Just use the oars', as said by some ruler once (7)

I believe the answer is:

pharaoh

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'some ruler once' is the definition.
(historical type of ruler)

I can't explain the remainder of the clue.

(Other definitions for pharaoh that I've seen before include "Title of ancient Egyptian kings" , "Eg, Tutankhamen" , "Cheops, for example" , "Royal ruler in ancient Egypt" , "Old Egyptian king" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.

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