INTRODUCTION

Edo State is one of the six states that make up the South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria. It is bounded to the South and Southeast by Delta State, to the North and Northeast by Kogi State and to the West by Ondo State. The state capital is Benin.

LANDMASS, LOCATION, AND POPULATION

Edo State covers an area of 17,800 square kilometres. It lies at latitude 6°30′ North and longitude 6°00′ East. It has a population of 3,233,366 (2006 census) 4,235,595 (2016 forecast) and a population density of 181. The state accounts for 2.3% of Nigeria’s total population.
 

HISTORY AND PEOPLE

The early settlers of Edo State were the Igodomigodo people (Edo or Bini-speaking groups) who founded the Benin Empire. The Edo civilisation is thought to date back approximately 6000 years. Under the three-region structure of 1954, Edo State was part of the Western Region. 
In 1967 with the creation of twelve federal states by General Yakubu Gowon’s military government, it became part of Mid-West State, which was renamed Bendel State in 1976 by the military government of General Murtala Muhammed. In 1991, General Ibrahim Babangida’s military government brought the number of states to twenty-seven and Bendel State was split into Edo and Delta States.
The main ethnic groups in Edo State are the Edo (Bini), Esan, Afemai, Akoko Igala and Owan. There are seventeen languages in the state; the major ones are Edo, Ebira, Esan and Okpamheri. Christianity and Islam are the main religions in Edo State, although traditional religion is also practised.
 

MAIN TOWNS AND CITIES

Benin City (capital), Afuze, Auchi, Ekpoma, Sabongida Ora, Ubiaja and Uromi.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS

ADMINISTRATORS AND GOVERNORS

John Yeri (Governor – Military): August 1990 – January 1992
John Odigie- Oyegun (Governor – Civilian (Social Democratic Party)): January 1992 – November 1993
Mohammed Onuka (Administrator – Military): December 1993 – September 1994
Bassey Asuquo (Administrator – Military): September 1994 – August 1996
Baba Iyam (Administrator—Military): August 1996 – August 1998
Anthony Onyearugbulem (Administrator – Military): August 1998 – May 1999
Lucky Igbinedion (Governor – Civilian (People’s Democratic Party)): May 1999 – May 2007
Oserheimen Osunbor (Governor – Civilian (People’s Democratic Party)): May 2007 – May 2008
Adams Oshiomhole (Governor – Civilian (Action Congress of Nigeria/All Progressive Congress)): May 2008 – November 2016
Godwin Obaseki (Governor – Civilian (All Progressives Congress/People’s Democratic Party)): November 2016 – Present
 

ECONOMY AND EDUCATION

Rice processing 

The agricultural resources in Edo State consist of food and forestry products and livestock. The main food crops in the state are yam, cassava, maize and rice in the lowlands and on the Esan plateau. Rice is cultivated at Agenebode and Illushi on the flood plains of the River Niger. 
The principal minerals found in the state are gold, gypsum, limestone, marble, kaolin, granite, industrial sand and bentonite. The major industries in the state are breweries, wood processing, carbonated drink bottling and cement manufacturing. Locally-made wood and metal sculptures are also of commercial importance.
The tertiary institutions in the state are University of Benin, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma; Igbinedion University, Okada; Benson Idahosa University, Benin City; Federal Polytechnic, Auchi; Shaka Polytechnic, Benin City; Edo State College of Education, Ekhiadolor; Institute of Continuing Education, Benin City and Institute of Physical Education, Afuze. 
 

FAMOUS SITES AND CULTURE
Sites
Benin Moat, Benin City
 

The Benin Moat is a historical edifice built as a defensive fortification around Benin City. The 20-meter-high wall has been described as one of the world’s largest earthworks carried out prior to the mechanical era by the Guinness Book of Records. The site has been on the World Heritage list since 1995.

Emotan Statue, Benin City

The statue was erected in Benin City in the memory of Emotan, the woman who helped Ewuare the Great, to reclaim the throne as the Oba of Benin after several years in exile.
The monarch later entrusted Emotan with the task of enforcing market rules and the supervision of security.

Igun Bronze Street, Benin City

Igun-Eronmwon Quarters popularly known as Igun Bronze Street was established in the 14th century. It hosts shops and other souvenir outlets dealing in artefacts and other relics of Edo civilization. The street is one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites.

Culture 

Edo State is home to several cultural activities and one of the most important events in the state is the Ighele Festival celebrated by the people of Ewu in Ishan land.  The festival is celebrated in June every year to appease the ancestors.
The Oriminyan Festival is a three-month festival marked by inhabitants of Oguta- Evbiame in Emai Clan to ensure peace in the town. The festival features dance by masquerades and other cultural groups. 
Other activities include the Ebomisi Festival in Benin City, Adu Ikukun Festival and Ukpe Festival.

NOTABLE INDIGENES

Victor Uwaifo (1941 – 2021)

Chief Anthony Enahoro (1923 – 2010)

DID YOU KNOW

Benin City (the capital of Edo State) was originally known as Igodomigodo and was founded around 400BC.