Insights

• 
• 4 Min Read
• 85 Views

Lagos State Tribes: A Comprehensive List Of Ethnic Groups

Lagos State, often referred to as the Centre of Excellence, is the most populous and economically vibrant state in Nigeria. As the country’s commercial hub, Lagos is a melting pot of diverse ethnic groups, cultures, and languages. While it is historically the land of the Awori Yoruba people, migration has made it one of the most ethnically diverse states in Nigeria.

This article explores the indigenous tribes, languages, and ethnic groups in Lagos State.

1. Overview of Lagos State’s Ethnic and Linguistic Diversity

Lagos, originally a Yoruba kingdom, was settled by the Awori people and later became an important trade and colonial center. Over the centuries, it has attracted settlers from across Nigeria and West Africa, making it a multicultural state.

Key Features of Lagos State’s Ethnic Composition:

• Indigenous Yoruba Groups: Awori, Egun, Ijebu, Ogu (Egun), Ilaje
• Other Ethnic Groups: Igbo, Hausa, Edo, Nupe, Ijaw, Tiv, Efik, Ibibio, and many more
• Languages Spoken: Yoruba (Awori, Egun, and Ijebu dialects), English, Pidgin, Igbo, Hausa
• Religions: Christianity, Islam, and Traditional African Religions
• Cultural Practices: Festivals (Eyo, Oro, and Igunnuko), traditional rulers, masquerades

2. Major Indigenous Ethnic Groups in Lagos State

A. Indigenous Yoruba Groups

1. Awori

• The Awori are the earliest known settlers of Lagos.
• They mainly occupy areas such as Badagry, Ojo, Amuwo-Odofin, Ikeja, Agege, and parts of Lagos Island.
• Their dialect is a variant of the Yoruba language.
• They are known for their rich traditional festivals like the Oro and Eyo Festivals.

2. Egun (Ogu)

• The Egun (Ogu) people are a coastal ethnic group found in Badagry and its surrounding areas.
• Their language, Ogu (Egun), is distinct from Yoruba but has similarities.
• They have strong historical and cultural ties with Benin Republic.
• The Zangbeto and Egun Gun masquerades are unique aspects of their culture.

3. Ijebu

• The Ijebu people are an important subgroup of the Yoruba ethnic group.
• In Lagos, they mainly live in Epe, Ikorodu, and Ibeju-Lekki.
• They are known for their entrepreneurial skills and traditional kingship system.

4. Ilaje

• The Ilaje people are primarily fishermen and coastal traders.
• They reside in Epe and some riverine parts of Lagos.
• Their dialect is closely related to the Ondo Yoruba dialect.

B. Non-Yoruba Ethnic Groups in Lagos

Due to migration and economic opportunities, Lagos is home to several non-Yoruba ethnic groups. These include:

5. Igbo

• The Igbo people make up a large population of Lagos, especially in Surulere, Amuwo-Odofin, Festac, Alaba, Ojo, Ajah, and Lekki.
• They are heavily involved in trade, commerce, and real estate development.

6. Hausa

• The Hausa people in Lagos are concentrated in Agege, Mile 12, Apapa, and Lagos Island.
• Many are engaged in cattle trade, farming, and commerce.
• They bring their rich Northern Nigerian culture, food, and language to Lagos.

7. Edo (Bini, Esan, and Afemai)

• Edo people from Benin, Esan, and Afemai communities have a strong presence in Lagos.
• They are involved in business, governance, and skilled professions.

8. Nupe

• The Nupe people of Niger State have a historical presence in Lagos, particularly in Agege.
• They are known for traditional herbal medicine and trade.

9. Ijaw

• The Ijaw people, originally from the Niger Delta, are found in Ajegunle, Apapa, and riverine parts of Lagos.
• They are involved in fishing, oil-related businesses, and activism.

10. Tiv

• The Tiv people from Benue State have migrated to Lagos in search of economic opportunities.
• Many work in agriculture, security services, and business.

3. Complete List of Indigenous Tribes in Lagos State

1. Awori (Yoruba)
2. Egun (Ogu)
3. Ijebu (Yoruba)
4. Ilaje (Yoruba)

Non-Indigenous Tribes Residing in Lagos:

5. Igbo
6. Hausa
7. Edo (Bini, Esan, Afemai)
8. Nupe
9. Ijaw
10. Tiv
11. Efik
12. Ibibio
13. Itsekiri
14. Isoko
15. Fulani

4. Languages Spoken in Lagos State

Lagos is linguistically diverse, with the following languages spoken:

Primary Indigenous Languages:

1. Yoruba (Awori, Egun, and Ijebu dialects)
2. Ogu (Egun) (spoken in Badagry and coastal areas)

Widely Spoken Non-Indigenous Languages:

3. Igbo
4. Hausa
5. Edo (Bini, Esan, and Afemai dialects)
6. English (Official language for education, business, and governance)
7. Pidgin English (Commonly spoken in informal settings)

5. Lagos’ Cultural and Ethnic Diversity

Lagos is known for its cosmopolitan nature, blending diverse cultural elements. This diversity is reflected in:

A. Traditional Festivals in Lagos

1. Eyo Festival (A unique Lagos masquerade festival)
2. Oro Festival (An indigenous Yoruba festival)
3. Zangbeto Festival (Traditional Egun festival)

B. Markets and Commercial Centers Reflecting Ethnic Diversity

• Alaba International Market (Igbo traders dominate electronics trade)
• Mile 12 Market (Hausa traders control the food supply chain)
• Balogun and Idumota Markets (A mix of Yoruba, Igbo, and Edo traders)

6. Conclusion

Lagos State is a true reflection of Nigeria’s ethnic diversity, with the Awori, Egun, Ijebu, and Ilaje being the indigenous Yoruba groups. However, due to migration and economic opportunities, it has become home to Igbo, Hausa, Edo, Nupe, Ijaw, Tiv, and many other ethnicities.

This diversity has made Lagos a cultural, economic, and political powerhouse in Nigeria, where traditional festivals, languages, and ethnic influences blend seamlessly. Whether in commerce, governance, or social life, Lagos remains a melting pot of Nigerian cultures.

Are you from Lagos? Share your ethnic group and experiences living in Nigeria’s most diverse state!