Insights

• 
• 4 Min Read
• 34 Views

List Of Indigenous Tribes, Languages, And Ethnic Groups In Lagos State, Nigeria

Lagos State, known as Nigeria’s economic hub, is a melting pot of various tribes, ethnic groups, and languages. While Lagos is home to people from all over Nigeria, it has four main indigenous tribes that have historically occupied the region. Over the years, migration has introduced a wide range of non-indigenous ethnic groups, making Lagos the most culturally diverse state in Nigeria.

This article provides a detailed list of indigenous tribes, languages, and ethnic groups in Lagos State.

1. Indigenous Tribes in Lagos State

The indigenous people of Lagos belong to the Yoruba ethnic group and are primarily found in different parts of the state. These tribes have lived in Lagos for centuries and maintain distinct cultural traditions.

A. The Four Main Indigenous Yoruba Tribes in Lagos

1. Awori
• The Awori are the original settlers of Lagos.
• They mainly reside in Ikeja, Agege, Ojo, Amuwo-Odofin, Alimosho, Lagos Island, and Badagry.
• The Awori people played a major role in the establishment of Eko (modern-day Lagos).
• Their traditional rulers include the Oba of Lagos and other local kings (Obas).
2. Egun (Ogu)
• The Egun people, also known as Ogu, are a coastal ethnic group found in Badagry and its surrounding areas.
• Their language, Ogu (Egun), is distinct from Yoruba and has linguistic ties to Benin Republic.
• They are known for their Zangbeto and Egun Gun masquerade festivals.
3. Ijebu
• The Ijebu people are an important Yoruba subgroup in Lagos.
• They mainly reside in Ikorodu, Epe, and Ibeju-Lekki.
• Ijebu people are well known for their entrepreneurial skills and cultural heritage.
4. Ilaje
• The Ilaje people are mostly fishermen and coastal traders.
• They live in riverine communities around Epe and other coastal areas.
• Their language is closely related to the Ondo dialect of Yoruba.

2. Major Non-Indigenous Ethnic Groups in Lagos

Lagos is home to people from all over Nigeria, making it the most diverse state in the country. Some of the major non-indigenous ethnic groups include:

A. Igbo Ethnic Group

• The Igbo people are one of the largest ethnic groups in Lagos.
• They mainly reside in Surulere, Amuwo-Odofin, Festac, Alaba, Ojo, Ajah, and Lekki.
• They dominate trade, business, and real estate development in Lagos.

B. Hausa-Fulani Ethnic Group

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

C. Edo Ethnic Group

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

D. Ijaw Ethnic Group

• The Ijaw people from the Niger Delta have settled in Ajegunle, Apapa, and some riverine areas of Lagos.
• They are engaged in fishing, oil-related businesses, and activism.

E. Tiv Ethnic Group

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

F. Nupe Ethnic Group

• The Nupe people have a historical presence in Lagos, particularly in Agege.
• They are well known for traditional herbal medicine and commerce.

G. Other Non-Indigenous Ethnic Groups in Lagos

• Efik and Ibibio (Cross River and Akwa Ibom States)
• Itsekiri and Isoko (Delta State)
• Kanuri (Borno State)
• Gwari (Niger State)

3. Complete List of Indigenous Tribes in Lagos State

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

Non-Indigenous Tribes in Lagos

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

4. Languages Spoken in Lagos State

Lagos is linguistically diverse, with multiple languages spoken daily.

A. Primary Indigenous Languages

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

B. Widely Spoken Non-Indigenous Languages

3. Igbo
4. Hausa
5. Edo (Bini, Esan, and Afemai dialects)
6. English (official language used in education, business, and governance)
7. Nigerian Pidgin (widely spoken in informal settings)

5. Cultural and Ethnic Diversity in Lagos

Lagos’ cosmopolitan nature is reflected in its rich blend of cultures, languages, and traditions.

A. Festivals in Lagos

1. Eyo Festival (Traditional Yoruba masquerade festival in Lagos Island)
2. Oro Festival (Traditional Awori festival celebrated in many parts of Lagos)
3. Zangbeto Festival (Egun masquerade festival in Badagry)

B. Markets and Commercial Centers Representing 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 representation of Nigeria’s ethnic diversity, with the Awori, Egun, Ijebu, and Ilaje as its indigenous groups. However, due to migration and economic opportunities, it has become home to many Igbo, Hausa, Edo, Ijaw, Tiv, Nupe, and other ethnic groups.

This rich cultural and linguistic diversity has made Lagos Nigeria’s melting pot, where traditions from across the country blend together seamlessly.

Are you from Lagos? Drop a comment about your ethnic group and experience in Nigeria’s most diverse state!