Culture

The Esan people (Esan: Ẹ̀bhò Ẹ̀sán) are an ethnic group of southern Nigeria who speak the Esan language. The Esan are traditionally known to be agriculturalists, trado-medical practitioners, mercenary warriors and hunters. They cultivate palm trees, Irvingia gabonensis (erhonhiele), Cherry (Otien), bell pepper (akoh) coconut, betel nut, kola nut, black pear, avocado pear, yams, cocoyam, cassava, maize, rice, beans, groundnut, bananas, oranges, plantains, sugar cane, tomato, potato, okra, pineapple, paw paw, and various vegetables.

The modern Esan nation is believed to have been organized during the 15th century, when citizens, mostly nobles and princes, left the neighbouring Benin Empire for the northeast; there they formed communities and kingdoms called eguares among the aboriginal peoples whom they met there.[4] There are on the whole 35 established kingdoms in Esanland, including Amahor, Ebelle, Egoro, Ewohimi, Ekekhenlen, Ekpoma, Ekpon, Emu, Ewu, Ewato, Ewosa, Idoa,[5] Ifeku, Igueben, Ilushi, Inyelen, Irrua, Ogwa, Ohordua, Okalo, Okhuesan, Onogholo, Opoji, Oria, Orowa, Uromi, Udo, Ugbegun, Ugboha, Ubiaja, Urhohi, Ugun, Ujiogba, Ukhun, and Uzea.

The Esan Kingdoms often warred among each other. Despite the wars, the Esans kept a homogenous culture that was chiefly influenced by the Benin Empire. However, these kingdoms were colonized, along with the Benin Empire, by the British Empire during September 1897, only gaining independence 63 years later in 1960 when Nigeria became independent from British Colonial rule. After independence, the Esan people have suffered from civil war, poverty, and lack of infrastructure.

The Esans primarily speak the Esan language, an Edoid language related to Edo, Urhobo, Owan language, Isoko, Anioma and Etsako. It is considered a regionally important language in Nigeria, and it is taught in primary schools in addition to being broadcast on radio and television. The Esan language is also recognized in the Census of the United Kingdom.

It is estimated that the Esan people who reside in Esanland number about one million to 1.5 million citizens in Nigeria, and there is a strong Esan diaspora.

Etymology and identity

The term Esan has been applied to the Esan people for thousands of years, and was used before contact with Europeans. It is believed by many historians that the name ‘Esan’ (originally, ‘E san fia’) owes its origin to Benin (meaning, ‘they have fled’ or ‘they jumped away’). ‘Ishan’ is an Anglicized form of ‘Esan’, the result of colonial Britain’s inability to properly pronounce the name of this ethnic group. It is believed that similar corruption has affected such Esan names as ubhẹkhẹ (now ‘obeche’ tree), uloko (now ‘iroko’ tree), Abhulimẹn (now ‘Aburime’), etc. Efforts have however been made to return to status quo ante.

For academic purposes, Esan refers to: 

1. the ethnic group that occupies central Edo State
2. (plural unchanged) a person or the people collectively from this ethnic group;
3. the language of these people which, linguistically, is of the Kwa subdivision of the Niger-Congo language family;
4. something of, related to, or having Esan origin e.g. uro Esan (=Esan language), otọ Esan (=Esan land), ọghẹdẹ Esan (=Esan banana).

In the pre-colonial era, Esans carried a crow’s foot tribal scar below their eyes

Owan is an ethnic group in the Northern part of Edo State, Nigeria. They are one of the Edoid peoples.

Owan is currently made up of two Local Government Areas, namely: Owan East and Owan West, including so many clans; notable amongst them are: Ihievbe, Emai people, Iuleha, Ora, Igue, Uokha, Otuo, Ikhin, Ivbi-Mion, Ivbi-adaobi, Ozalla, etc.

Etymology and identity

The name Owan, also pronounced Onwan, is derived from the root word “Owanbua” which is a name of a notable daughter of Egomi of Uvbiato. Uvbiato is the present day Uhonmora meaning the head of all Ora. Folklores have it that Madam Owan married at Otuo village but was not blessed with any children. When she died, her burial place became a stream that flowed from Otuo, through many villages in Owan before joining the Ule river which eventually emptied into the river “Ose”.

Tourist destinations

• The Giant Footprints of Ikhuse-oke and Ikhuse-osi in Owan-West L.G.A: – Located in a sacred grove between Ukhuse-oke and Ukhuse-osi in lulehe clan of Owan west local government area, very distinct footprints of a prehistoric giant are permanently embedded on the flat granite rocks. Some believe the footprints were made when the world was still in its molten state.

• Ihievbe Waterfalls, located in Ihievbe, Owan-East L.G.A: Water gushing out hot at one point and ice cold at another. The natives claim that the water is medicinal.

• The lapping rocks of Igwe-sale in Owan-East L.G.A.

• Akatamiyan Shrine in Ihievbe, Owan-East

• The Animal Footprints of Ivbiodohen – Footprints of various species of animals are embedded on a flat granite stab that confound all imaginations. Legend has it that the footprints were imprinted during the formative stages of the planet earth. The footprints are very detailed and like the ones in Ukhuse Oke, will require an extensive archaeological or anthropological research. Ivbiodohen is in luleha clan of Owan west Local Government area north of Edo state.

• The Great Hills of Urhoe in Owan-East L.G.A.

• Arhe Spring in Uzebba, Owan West L.G.A.: Folklore has it that this spring gives water to Uzebba. It is believed that the goddess of this spring is blessed with long breasts and that she impregnates Iuleha with water and lead them to doom.[citation needed]

• In Avbiosi (Owan West) there is Agbede Abohi,

The Whistling tortoise in Avbiosi

The Okhaku’roros so perfected the art of wars to a stage that they used magical means to propel tortoise as signaling devise. Tortoise whistle to alert them of wars to come. They planted an Akhuere or ducant tree on a spot in Avbiosi to mark the fetist[check spelling] they named Unuo gboeren. To avoid damnations, hunters dare not pick the whistling tortoise in that vicinity. The Unuo gboeren is a shrine that still stands till today in Avbiosi. In 1976 the Unuo gboeren tree was to give way to a new road being constructed by Niger cat construction company. The road was supposed to be a thoroughfare passing through Avbiosi-new site to Ifon in Ondo state, Nigeria. The timely intervention of Pa Alfred Onime Obuhoro spared this tree and the road was diverted from the shrine. Pa Obuhoro was born under the tree on the 24th of December 1922. This shrine is appeased during severe draughts to bring rain.

Bini people are the Edo speaking people found in the Mid-Western part of Nigeria. They occupy seven local Government Areas of Edo state in Nigeria.

Bini are known by their special greetings, which includes variety of morning greetings which uniquely distinguishes families of origin. These greetings include: Laidu – Ogiefa’s family, Lavbieze – Iyasere Family, Lamogun – Oba Family, to name few.

The Local Government Areas, towns and villages listed below are occupied by the Bini people in Edo State:

1. EGOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT (ÚSE)
   Towns: Ag’Agidigbi, Ag’Oviasuyi, Egor, Évbougide, Iguediayi, Iguikpe, Oghokhugbo, Ugbiyokho, Uwelu and more
2. IKPOBA-OKHA LOCAL GOVERNMENT (IDOGBO)
   Towns: Aduwawa, Ekae, Evbuamufi, Evbuomodu, Evbuomoma, Idogbo, Ihinmwinrin, Ikpe, Obagie, Obagie, Obayantor, Oben, Oben’evbugo, Ogbeson, Ogheghe, Ohovbe, Oka, Okabere, Okanaruovia, Okaniro, Ologbo, Ukhirhi, Ukhirhi N’ekhere, Umelu, Urora, Ute and more.
3. OREDO LOCAL GOVERNMENT (OGBE)
   Towns: Ag’Urhobo, Amagba, Arogba, Ebo, Egbirhe, Ekae, Emonfonmwan, Evbovbioba, Iguikpe, Imagbe Izobo, Obazagbon, Ogbareki, Ogiza, Ogunmwenyin, Okpebor, Osagiede, Ugbor, Uholor and more
4. ORHIONMWON LOCAL GOVERNMENT (ABUDU)
   Towns: Aibiokunla, Ageka, Aideyanoba, Azagba, Egbokor, Esso, Evbobemwen, Evbodamwen, Evbodobian, Evbueghae, Evbokabua, Evbomede, Evboesi, Evbuarhue, Evbu’Iyoba, Evbuobanosa, Igbanke, Igbontor, Idumodin, Idunmwebo, Idunowina, Iguemokhua, Iguododo, Iguomo, Igu’Ovbiebo, Ikhueniro, Ogbahu, Ohezenaka, Oligie, Oloten, Otobayi, Ozanisi, Sakpoba, Ugboko-N’Umagbae, Ugbugo, Ugbokoniro, Ukpato, Ottah, Ugbedun, Ugbeka, Ugo, Umolua, Urhomehe, Urhonigbe, Ute and more
5. OVIA NORTH-EAST LOCAL GOVERNMENT (OKADA)
   Towns: Adolor, Age’Guobadia, Aghanokpe, Agivbigie, Ag’Ofumwegbe, Ag’Okhuo, Army Barracks, Egbaen, Ekehuan, Ekenomaeghele, Ekiadolor, Evboneka, Gelegele, Ibaro, Igbehkue, Igbogo, Iguadolor, Iguesogban,  Igueze, Iguezomo, Iguodia, Iguogie, Iguomo, Iguosa, Iguosagie, Iguoshodin, Isiuwa, Ite, Iwu, Iyanomo, Iyowa, NIFOR, Odighi, Odiguetue, Ogbese, Oghobahon, Ogheghe, Ogua, Okakegbe, Okhumwun, Okoedo, Okokhuo, Oluku, Osasimwinoba, Ovbiogie, Owan, Ugboke, Uhiere, Ugbogiobo Ukpoke, Uhogua, Utekon, Umuame, Utoka, Ugbine, Ugbodun, Ugbokun, Ughoton, Uhen, Ulakpa, Utese and more
6. OVIA SOUTH WEST LOCAL GOVERNMENT (IGUOBAZUWA)
   Towns: Abere, Aden, Agbonokhua, Ag’Okunzuwa, Aideyanoba, Aifesoba, Amienghowan, Essi, Etete, Evbonogbon, Evbuogun, Iguagbado, Iguedo, Iguelaiho, Igueze, Iguiyase, Iguobanor, Iguogun, Iguoriakhi, Iguoriakhi Upland, Iguoriakhi Water Side, Iguosa, Ikpoba, Isokponoba, Nikogha, Obaretin, Ofunmwengbe, Ogunmwenyin, Okha, Okomu, Okomu-Ijaw, Siluko, Udo-Aken, Ugbogui, Ugbe-sango, Umaza, Usen and more
7. UHUNMWONDE LOCAL GOVERNMENT (EHOR)
   Towns: Aduhanhan, Agiyamu, Ahor, Azagba, Egba, Eyean, Ok Ebuenehian, Ebueneki, Egbede, Egbisi, Eguaholor, Ekhonidunolu, Ekhoniguokuen, Ekhoniro, Ekhonuwaya, Ekhuaihe, Ekpan-Irhue,  Emuhu, Evbosawe, Evbowe, Irhue, Erhua, Erhua-Nokhua, Igbogiri, Igieduma, Iguehana , Iguesogban, Iguezomo, Iguiyase, Iguiye, Iguoke, Iguomo, Iguosula, Iguovbiahianwen, Iguovbiobo, Ilobi, Ike, Ikhueniro, Irhiwe, Irighon, Isi, Isua, Iyanomo, Izihkiri, Obadan, Obagie, Obazagbon, Oke-Irhue, Otofure, Oghada, Ogheghe, Ogueka, Okhuo, Okpagha, Okhuokhuo, Okogbo, Ugbayon, Ugbezee, Uvbenisi, Ugierudu, Uhi, Ugomoson, Ugoneki, Ugonoba, Ugiamwen, Ugha, Umagbae, Urhokuosa, Uvbe, Ute and more

These 7 make up the Edo South Senatorial District.

Bini people are the Edo speaking people found in the Mid-Western part of Nigeria. They occupy seven local Government Areas of Edo state in Nigeria.

Bini are known by their special greetings, which includes variety of morning greetings which uniquely distinguishes families of origin. These greetings include: Laidu – Ogiefa’s family, Lavbieze – Iyasere Family, Lamogun – Oba Family, to name few.

The Local Government Areas, towns and villages listed below are occupied by the Bini people in Edo State:

1. EGOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT (ÚSE)
   Towns: Ag’Agidigbi, Ag’Oviasuyi, Egor, Évbougide, Iguediayi, Iguikpe, Oghokhugbo, Ugbiyokho, Uwelu and more
2. IKPOBA-OKHA LOCAL GOVERNMENT (IDOGBO)
   Towns: Aduwawa, Ekae, Evbuamufi, Evbuomodu, Evbuomoma, Idogbo, Ihinmwinrin, Ikpe, Obagie, Obagie, Obayantor, Oben, Oben’evbugo, Ogbeson, Ogheghe, Ohovbe, Oka, Okabere, Okanaruovia, Okaniro, Ologbo, Ukhirhi, Ukhirhi N’ekhere, Umelu, Urora, Ute and more.
3. OREDO LOCAL GOVERNMENT (OGBE)
   Towns: Ag’Urhobo, Amagba, Arogba, Ebo, Egbirhe, Ekae, Emonfonmwan, Evbovbioba, Iguikpe, Imagbe Izobo, Obazagbon, Ogbareki, Ogiza, Ogunmwenyin, Okpebor, Osagiede, Ugbor, Uholor and more
4. ORHIONMWON LOCAL GOVERNMENT (ABUDU)
   Towns: Aibiokunla, Ageka, Aideyanoba, Azagba, Egbokor, Esso, Evbobemwen, Evbodamwen, Evbodobian, Evbueghae, Evbokabua, Evbomede, Evboesi, Evbuarhue, Evbu’Iyoba, Evbuobanosa, Igbanke, Igbontor, Idumodin, Idunmwebo, Idunowina, Iguemokhua, Iguododo, Iguomo, Igu’Ovbiebo, Ikhueniro, Ogbahu, Ohezenaka, Oligie, Oloten, Otobayi, Ozanisi, Sakpoba, Ugboko-N’Umagbae, Ugbugo, Ugbokoniro, Ukpato, Ottah, Ugbedun, Ugbeka, Ugo, Umolua, Urhomehe, Urhonigbe, Ute and more
5. OVIA NORTH-EAST LOCAL GOVERNMENT (OKADA)
   Towns: Adolor, Age’Guobadia, Aghanokpe, Agivbigie, Ag’Ofumwegbe, Ag’Okhuo, Army Barracks, Egbaen, Ekehuan, Ekenomaeghele, Ekiadolor, Evboneka, Gelegele, Ibaro, Igbehkue, Igbogo, Iguadolor, Iguesogban,  Igueze, Iguezomo, Iguodia, Iguogie, Iguomo, Iguosa, Iguosagie, Iguoshodin, Isiuwa, Ite, Iwu, Iyanomo, Iyowa, NIFOR, Odighi, Odiguetue, Ogbese, Oghobahon, Ogheghe, Ogua, Okakegbe, Okhumwun, Okoedo, Okokhuo, Oluku, Osasimwinoba, Ovbiogie, Owan, Ugboke, Uhiere, Ugbogiobo Ukpoke, Uhogua, Utekon, Umuame, Utoka, Ugbine, Ugbodun, Ugbokun, Ughoton, Uhen, Ulakpa, Utese and more
6. OVIA SOUTH WEST LOCAL GOVERNMENT (IGUOBAZUWA)
   Towns: Abere, Aden, Agbonokhua, Ag’Okunzuwa, Aideyanoba, Aifesoba, Amienghowan, Essi, Etete, Evbonogbon, Evbuogun, Iguagbado, Iguedo, Iguelaiho, Igueze, Iguiyase, Iguobanor, Iguogun, Iguoriakhi, Iguoriakhi Upland, Iguoriakhi Water Side, Iguosa, Ikpoba, Isokponoba, Nikogha, Obaretin, Ofunmwengbe, Ogunmwenyin, Okha, Okomu, Okomu-Ijaw, Siluko, Udo-Aken, Ugbogui, Ugbe-sango, Umaza, Usen and more
7. UHUNMWONDE LOCAL GOVERNMENT (EHOR)
   Towns: Aduhanhan, Agiyamu, Ahor, Azagba, Egba, Eyean, Ok Ebuenehian, Ebueneki, Egbede, Egbisi, Eguaholor, Ekhonidunolu, Ekhoniguokuen, Ekhoniro, Ekhonuwaya, Ekhuaihe, Ekpan-Irhue,  Emuhu, Evbosawe, Evbowe, Irhue, Erhua, Erhua-Nokhua, Igbogiri, Igieduma, Iguehana , Iguesogban, Iguezomo, Iguiyase, Iguiye, Iguoke, Iguomo, Iguosula, Iguovbiahianwen, Iguovbiobo, Ilobi, Ike, Ikhueniro, Irhiwe, Irighon, Isi, Isua, Iyanomo, Izihkiri, Obadan, Obagie, Obazagbon, Oke-Irhue, Otofure, Oghada, Ogheghe, Ogueka, Okhuo, Okpagha, Okhuokhuo, Okogbo, Ugbayon, Ugbezee, Uvbenisi, Ugierudu, Uhi, Ugomoson, Ugoneki, Ugonoba, Ugiamwen, Ugha, Umagbae, Urhokuosa, Uvbe, Ute and more

These 7 make up the Edo South Senatorial District.

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The Afemai, also spelled Afenmai, are an ethnic group living in the northern part of Edo State south geopolitical zone of Nigeria. Afemai people occupy six local government areas of Edo state: Etsako West, with headquarters in Auchi, Etsako Central, Etsako East, Owan East, Owan West and Akoko Edo. These make up the Edo-North Senatorial District.

The Afemai are also known as the Afenmai, Etsako, Etsakor, Iyekhee,[1] or Yekhee people. In Benin, they are also known as Ivbiosakon people.

Previously the name used by British colonial administration was Kukuruku, supposedly after a battle cry “ku-ku-ruku”,[4] now considered derogatory.

The Afenmai language is a Ghotou-Uneme-Yekhee language, belonging to the North-Central branch of Edoid languages.[1] Afemai is closely related to Edo.

Afemai has several documented dialects:

Afemai is made of several kingdoms and clans (large villages/townships ruled traditionally by monarchs) and many of them seem to have their oral historical versions of the origin of Afemai as well as its starting point in history. Historical accounts claimed that they migrated from Benin, during the tyrannical rule of Oba Ewuare, the greatest warrior legend and the most outstanding king in the history of the Benin Empire.[6][7] “The title Ewuare (Oworuare), meaning “all is well” or the trouble has ceased and as a result, the war is over.[8] The title symbolizes an epoch of reconciliation, reconstruction, and the return of peace among the warring factions in Benin between 1435 and 1440 AD.

Shortly after this critical period of war, Akalaka and his two sons Ekpeye and Ogba migrated further southeast to first settle at Ula-Ubie, and subsequently other groups moved out of Benin City and migrated north.[8] However, it has recently become clear that there were people living in Afemailand prior to the migration from Benin City.

Government

The Afemais do not have a central traditional ruler. However, some of the prominent traditional institutions and rulers in Afemai land are the Okumagbe of Weppa Wanno (Agenebode), Ogieneni of Uzairue (Jattu), Aidonogie of south Ibie, Otaru of Auchi, Oba of Agbede, Otaru of Igarra, Ukor of Ihievbe, Oliola of Anegbette, Okumagbe of Iuleha clan, Okuopellagbe of Okpella etc.

Afemai have produced many illustrious personalities in both national and international levels.[11]

Tourist attractions, which span the expanse of Afemai, are exemplified by the Ise Lake in Agenebode (Weppa Wanno clan) Etsakor East, the Ososo hills (featured in an edition of Gulder Ultimate search), the famous Kukuruku hills and the Somorika hills in Akoko Edo.[11] Somorika hills consist of an extended expanse of hills crowned by massive boulders perched precariously on the summits of hills and alongside seemingly inadequate locations on the sides.

Some of the most important towns/clans in Afemai land are Agenebode(Weppa-Wanno), Weppa, Oshiolo, Emokwemhe Iviagbapue, Auchi, Ihievbe, Afuze, Anegbette, Warrake, Iviukwe, South Ibie, Agbede, Sabongida Ora, Igarra, Ekperi, Jattu, Fugar, Aviele, Okpella, Uneme Ehrunrun, Uneme Osu, Iviukhua, Ososo, Uzanu, Uzebba, Iviukhua, Weppa, Okpella, Okpekpe, Somorika etc.[12]

The autonomous clans, towns, villages and kingdoms in Afemai land are currently administratively arranged as follows under the current six local government areas:

1. Etsako East LGA, Agenebode:
   1. Agenebode, Oshiolo, Iviagbapue, Imiakebu, Afana, Imiegba, Itsukwi, Emokweme, Ekwothor, Iviukhua, Okpella, Okpekpe, Iviebua, Ibie, Weppa, Uzanu City
2. Etsako Central LGA, Fugar:
   1. Fugar, Ekperi, Ogbona, Anegbette, Udochi
3. Estako West LGA, Auchi:
   1. Auchi, South Ibie, Agbede, Awain Community( Ewora, Eware, Ibvioba, Ama, Idegun, etc.) Jattu, Afashio, Ayogwiri, Aviele, Iyorah, Ikabigbo, Afowa, Irekpai, Ugbenor, Idato,
4. Owan East LGA, Afuze
   1. Afuze, Warrake, Igue, Ihievbe, Ikao, Ivbi-Mion, Ive-Ada-Obi, Otuo and Uokha
5. Owan West LGA, Sabongida Ora:
   1. Sabongida Ora, Iuleha Clan
6. Akoko Edo LGA, Igarra:
   1. Igarra, Ibillo, Uneme Osu, Uneme Ehrunrun, Ojah, Ososo, Somorika,

Aviawun (Iviawu) is one of the popular clans in Afemai. It comprises 1 Unone 2 Arua 3 Ogbona 4 Iriakhor

Awun is the father of Unone Arua Ogbona Iriakhor and Awun migrated from Benin Kingdom and settle in the present Fugar. Unone and Arua make up the present Fugar.