List Of Indigenous Tribes, Languages, And Ethnic Groups In Edo State, Nigeria
Edo State, located in southern Nigeria, is one of the most culturally rich and historically significant states in the country. It is widely known for its ancient Benin Kingdom, which was one of the most advanced pre-colonial civilizations in Africa. While the Bini (Benin) people are the most prominent ethnic group, the state is home to several indigenous tribes and languages, each with distinct cultural identities.
This article explores the indigenous ethnic groups, languages, and tribes in Edo State, highlighting their unique characteristics and contributions to Nigeria’s cultural diversity.
1. Overview of Ethnic Diversity in Edo State
Edo State has a diverse ethnic composition, with most of its tribes belonging to the Edoid language family. These groups have coexisted for centuries, sharing common traditions while maintaining unique dialects and customs.
Key Ethnic Features of Edo State:
- Major Ethnic Group: Bini (Benin) people
- Other Major Tribes: Esan, Afemai (Etsako, Owan, and Akoko-Edo)
- Languages Spoken: Edo (Bini), Esan, Etsako, Owan, Akoko-Edo, Igbanke, English, and Pidgin English
- Religion: Christianity (dominant), traditional beliefs, and Islam (in some northern areas)
2. Major Indigenous Tribes and Ethnic Groups in Edo State
A. Bini (Benin) People
The Bini people, also known as the Benin people, are the largest ethnic group in Edo State. They were the rulers of the Benin Empire, one of Africa’s most powerful pre-colonial states.
- Language: Edo (Bini language)
- Location: Found in Oredo, Egor, Ikpoba-Okha, Orhionmwon, Uhunmwonde, Ovia North-East, and Ovia South-West LGAs
- Culture: Famous for their bronze artwork, monarchy, and Igue Festival
- Religion: Christianity and traditional Benin religion
B. Esan People
The Esan people, also known as Ishan, are the second-largest ethnic group in Edo State. They are known for their warrior heritage and agricultural expertise.
- Language: Esan
- Location: Found in Esan Central, Esan North-East, Esan South-East, Esan West, and Igueben LGAs
- Culture: Renowned for their Esan masquerades, traditional music, and yam festivals
- Religion: Christianity and traditional beliefs
C. Afemai (Afenmai) People
The Afemai (Afenmai) people are a major ethnic group in the northern part of Edo State. They are divided into several subgroups, including Etsako, Owan, and Akoko-Edo.
1. Etsako People
The Etsako people are part of the Afemai ethnic group and are known for their agricultural and trading skills.
- Language: Etsako (a branch of the Edoid languages)
- Location: Found in Etsako East, Etsako Central, and Etsako West LGAs
- Culture: Notable for their wrestling traditions and communal festivals
- Religion: Christianity, Islam (in some areas), and traditional beliefs
2. Owan People
The Owan people are another Afemai subgroup with distinct traditions.
- Language: Owan
- Location: Found in Owan East and Owan West LGAs
- Culture: Known for yam festivals, blacksmithing, and traditional healing practices
- Religion: Christianity and traditional worship
3. Akoko-Edo People
The Akoko-Edo people are the oldest known settlers in Edo State, with cultural and linguistic similarities to some tribes in Ondo State.
- Language: Akoko-Edo
- Location: Found in Akoko-Edo LGA
- Culture: Famous for wood carving, herbal medicine, and age-grade festivals
- Religion: Christianity and traditional practices
D. Igbanke People
The Igbanke people are an indigenous group with linguistic ties to the Ika people of Delta State.
- Language: Igbanke (related to Ika-Igbo dialect)
- Location: Found in Orhionmwon LGA
- Culture: Known for farming, trading, and traditional dance festivals
- Religion: Christianity and traditional beliefs
3. Complete List of Indigenous Tribes in Edo State
Edo State has several indigenous tribes, including:
- Bini (Benin) people
- Esan (Ishan) people
- Afemai (Afenmai) people
- Etsako people
- Owan people
- Akoko-Edo people
- Igbanke people
- Emai people
- Yekhee (Iyekhe) people
- Okpella people
Each of these tribes contributes to Edo State’s cultural diversity and historical legacy.
4. Languages Spoken in Edo State
Edo State is linguistically diverse, with many indigenous languages spoken across its different regions. The major languages include:
- Edo (Bini language) – Spoken by the Benin people
- Esan language – Spoken by the Esan ethnic group
- Etsako language – Spoken by the Etsako people
- Owan language – Spoken by the Owan ethnic group
- Akoko-Edo language – Spoken by the Akoko-Edo people
- Igbanke language – Related to Ika-Igbo dialect
- Pidgin English and English – Widely spoken as a second language
Most people in Edo State are multilingual, speaking their native language, English, and Nigerian Pidgin English.
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the main ethnic group in Edo State?
The Bini (Benin) people are the dominant ethnic group in Edo State.
2. How many ethnic groups are in Edo State?
Edo State has over 10 indigenous ethnic groups, including Bini, Esan, Afemai, Etsako, Owan, and Akoko-Edo.
3. What language is most commonly spoken in Edo State?
The most widely spoken indigenous language is Edo (Bini language), followed by Esan and Etsako.
4. Are there non-Edoid tribes in Edo State?
Yes, the Igbanke people, who speak a dialect similar to Ika (Delta State), are sometimes considered distinct from the Edoid groups.
5. What is Edo State famous for?
Edo State is known for:
- The ancient Benin Kingdom and the Oba of Benin
- World-famous Benin bronze artwork
- Igue Festival and other traditional celebrations
- Its strong cultural heritage and historical significance
6. Conclusion
Edo State is a culturally diverse and historically significant state in Nigeria, home to several indigenous ethnic groups with deep-rooted traditions. While the Bini people dominate, other groups like Esan, Afemai, Owan, and Akoko-Edo enrich the state’s cultural identity.
Are you from Edo State? Which ethnic group do you belong to? Share your thoughts in the comments!
