Edo, commonly known as Edo State, is a

state State may refer to: Arts, entertainment, and media Literature * ''State Magazine'', a monthly magazine published by the U.S. Department of State * ''The State'' (newspaper), a daily newspaper in Columbia, South Carolina, United States * ''Our S ...

located in the South-South geopolitical zone of

Nigeria Nigeria ( ), , ig, Naìjíríyà, yo, Nàìjíríà, pcm, Naijá , ff, Naajeeriya, kcg, Naijeriya officially the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a country in West Africa. It is situated between the Sahel to the north and the Gulf o ...

. As of 2006 National population census, the state was ranked as the 24th populated state (3,233,366) in Nigeria, However there was controversy over the population census figures, for example this same state that was ranked 24, population wise in 2006, was number 16 in terms of voters registration in the country in 2019, That shows strongly that the census conducted in 2006 is not a testament of reality on ground. The state population figures is expected to be about 8,000,000 in 2022. Edo State is the 22nd largest State by landmass in Nigeria. The state's capital and city, Benin City, is the fourth largest city in Nigeria, and the centre of the country's

rubber Rubber, also called India rubber, latex, Amazonian rubber, ''caucho'', or ''caoutchouc'', as initially produced, consists of polymers of the organic compound isoprene, with minor impurities of other organic compounds. Thailand, Malaysia, an ...

industry. Created in 1991 from the former Bendel State, is also known as the heart beat of the nation. Edo State borders

Kogi State Kogi State is a state in the North Central region of Nigeria, bordered to the west by the states of Ekiti and Kwara, to the north by the Federal Capital Territory, to the northeast by Nasarawa State, to the northwest by Niger State, to t ...

to the northeast,

Anambra State Anambra State is a Nigerian state, located in the southeastern region of the country. The state was created on August 27, 1991. Anambra state is bounded by Delta State to the west, Imo State to the south, Enugu State to the east and Kogi St ...

to the east, Delta State to the southeast and southsouth and

Ondo State Ondo State ( yo, Ìpínlẹ̀ Oǹdó) is a state in southwestern Nigeria. It was created on 3 February 1976 from the former Western State. It borders Ekiti State to the north, Kogi State to the northeast, Edo State to the east, Delta State to ...

to the west. The modern borders of Edo State encompass regions that were formerly the site of various empires and kingdoms formed in the 11th century AD, the Benin Empire. The ancient city of Edo, the site of modern-day Benin City, was home to some of the largest

earthworks Earthworks may refer to: Construction *Earthworks (archaeology), human-made constructions that modify the land contour * Earthworks (engineering), civil engineering works created by moving or processing quantities of soil *Earthworks (military), m ...

in the world. In 1897, the

British Empire The British Empire was composed of the dominions, colonies, protectorates, mandates, and other territories ruled or administered by the United Kingdom and its predecessor states. It began with the overseas possessions and trading posts e ...

conducted a

punitive expedition A punitive expedition is a military journey undertaken to punish a political entity or any group of people outside the borders of the punishing state or union. It is usually undertaken in response to perceived disobedient or morally wrong beh ...

of the region, destroying most of the ancient city of Edo and incorporating the territory into what would become the

Southern Nigeria Protectorate Southern Nigeria was a British protectorate in the coastal areas of modern-day Nigeria formed in 1900 from the union of the Niger Coast Protectorate with territories chartered by the Royal Niger Company below Lokoja on the Niger River. The ...

. Edo State is a diverse state that is predominantly inhabited by the Edoid peoples, including the Edo (or Bini), Esan,

Owan 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: Ih ...

and Afemai people. The most common Edoid language spoken is the

Edo language Edo (with diacritics, ), colloquially called Bini (Benin), is a language spoken in Edo State, Nigeria. It is the native language of the Edo people and was the primary language of the Benin Empire and its predecessor, Igodomigodo. Distribution Mo ...

, which is commonly spoken in Benin City.

Christianity Christianity is an Abrahamic monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth. It is the world's largest and most widespread religion with roughly 2.38 billion followers representing one-third of the global pop ...

is the dominant religion in Edo State. It was first introduced to the region by

Portuguese Portuguese may refer to: * anything of, from, or related to the country and nation of Portugal ** Portuguese cuisine, traditional foods ** Portuguese language, a Romance language *** Portuguese dialects, variants of the Portuguese language ** Portu ...

missionaries during the 15th century. Islam and traditional religions are also practised.

History

The Mid-Western Region was a division of Nigeria from 1963 to 1991, formally known as Bendel state from 1976. It was formed in June 1963 from Benin and

Delta Delta commonly refers to: * Delta (letter) (Δ or δ), a letter of the Greek alphabet * River delta, at a river mouth * D ( NATO phonetic alphabet: "Delta") * Delta Air Lines, US * Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 that causes COVID-19 Delta may also ...

provinces of the Western Region, and its capital was Benin City. It was renamed a province in 1966, and in 1967 when the other provinces were split up into several states, it remained territorially intact, becoming a state. During the

Nigerian Civil War The Nigerian Civil War (6 July 1967 – 15 January 1970), also known as the Nigerian–Biafran War or the Biafran War, was a civil war fought between Nigeria and the Republic of Biafra, a secessionist state which had declared its independence ...

, the

Biafra Biafra, officially the Republic of Biafra, was a partially recognised secessionist state in West Africa that declared independence from Nigeria and existed from 1967 until 1970. Its territory consisted of the predominantly Igbo-populated form ...

n forces invaded the new Mid-Western state, en route to

Lagos Lagos (Nigerian English: ; ) is the largest city in Nigeria and the second most populous city in Africa, with a population of 15.4 million as of 2015 within the city proper. Lagos was the national capital of Nigeria until December 1991 fo ...

, in an attempt to force a quick end to the war. While under

n occupation, the state was declared as the “

Republic of Benin Benin ( , ; french: Bénin , ff, Benen), officially the Republic of Benin (french: République du Bénin), and formerly Republic of Dahomey, Dahomey, is a country in West Africa. It is bordered by Togo to the west, Nigeria to the east, Burki ...

” as Nigerian forces were to retake the region. The republic collapsed a day after the declaration as Nigerian troops overtook Benin City. Edo State was established on 27 August 1991 when Bendel State was split into Edo and Delta States.

People

With Benin City as capital, the population of the entire state is approximately 8 million. It is made up of four major ethnic groups; namely Edo (Binis),

, Esan and Afemai (

Etsako The Anglican Diocese of Etsako was created and inaugurated on the 14th March, 2007 and is one of 13 Dioceses within the Anglican Province of Bendel, itself one of 14 provinces within the Church of Nigeria The Church of Nigeria is the Anglican ch ...

& Akoko Edo). However the State has a high presence of residents from across the country and the world because of its cosmopolitan tendencies. Benin City has a history of being one of the foremost destinations of Europeans during their exploration of

Africa Africa is the world's second-largest and second-most populous continent, after Asia in both cases. At about 30.3 million km2 (11.7 million square miles) including adjacent islands, it covers 6% of Earth's total surface area ...

continent many centuries ago. Some of these flash points have remained enviable tourists’ attraction sites for the state.

Demographics

The main ethnic groups in Edo State are Bini, Etsako, Esan, Owan, and Akoko Edo. Virtually all the groups trace their origin to Benin City, hence their dialects vary with their distance from Benin City. The Bini speaking people occupy seven out of the 18 Local Government Areas of the state and constitute 57.54% of the total population. Others are as follows: Esan (17.14%), Etsako (12.19%), Owan (7.43%), and Akoko Edo (5.70%). There are also Igbira speaking communities in Akoko Edo, Itsekiri communities in Ikpoba-Okha, and

Ijaw Ijaw may refer to: *Ijaw people The Izon people or Izon Otu, otherwise known as the Ijaw people due to the historic mispronunciation of the name ''Izon'', are an ethnic group majorly found in the Niger Delta in Nigeria, with significant populatio ...

Izons and Urhobos in Ovia North East and South West Local Government Areas, especially in the borderlands. Also,

Igbo Igbo may refer to: * Igbo people, an ethnic group of Nigeria * Igbo language, their language * anything related to Igboland, a cultural region in Nigeria See also * Ibo (disambiguation) * Igbo mythology * Igbo music * Igbo art * * Igbo-Ukwu, a ...

speaking communities exist in Igbanke (Ika) in Orhionmwon LGA.

Governors

Local Government Areas

Edo State consists of eighteen (18)

Local Government Areas A local government area (LGA) is an administrative division of a country that a local government is responsible for. The size of an LGA varies by country but it is generally a subdivision of a state, province, division, or territory. The phrase i ...

. They are: *

Akoko-Edo Akoko Edo is a Local Government Area in Edo State, Nigeria. Its headquarters is in the town of Igarra. It has an area of 1,371 km and a population of 262,110 at the 2006 census. The postal code of the area is 312. As of 2016, its population ...

Egor Egor is a Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. Its headquarters are in the town of Uselu. Egor is one of the Local Government Areas that are part of the larger metropolitan area of Benin City. It has an area of 93 km and a popu ...

Esan Central Esan Central Local Government Area is a Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. Its administrative headquarters is located in the town of Irrua. The postal code of the area is 310. It has an area of 253 km² and a population density of 545.1 ...

Esan North-East Esan North-East (Uromi/ Uzea) is a town and Local Government Area located in Edo state of Nigeria with an estimated population of 119,346. It has an area of and a population density of (2016). Towns and villages Uromi, Egbele, Unuwazi, Utak ...

Esan South-East Esan South East Local Government Area is a local government area of Edo State, Nigeria Nigeria ( ), , ig, Naìjíríyà, yo, Nàìjíríà, pcm, Naijá , ff, Naajeeriya, kcg, Naijeriya officially the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is ...

Esan West Esan West is a Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. Its headquarters are in the town of Ekpoma. It has an area of 502 km and Esan West (Ekpoma) has an estimated population of over 190,000 people which consists of an adult male popul ...

Etsako Central Etsako Central is a Local Government Area at Edo State, Nigeria. Its headquarters is in the town of Fugar. It has an area of 660 km and a population of 94,575 in the 2006 census. The Common language speaking in the area is Afemai language ...

* Etsako East *

Etsako West Etsako West is a Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. Its headquarters are in the town of Auchi. Etsako West is made up of six clans: Uzairue, Auchi, South Ibie, Anwain, Jagbe and Aviele. The major towns in this LGA includes Auchi, Jat ...

Igueben Igueben is a local government area of Edo State, Nigeria. Its headquarters are located in the town of Igueben, which has an area of and a population of 69,639 according to the 2006 census. The postal code is 310. History Igueben was founded ar ...

* Ikpoba-Okha * Oredo * Orhionmwon * Ovia North-East * Ovia South-West *

Owan East Owan East is a Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. The headquarters is in the town of Afuze. The Owan East Local Government Area comprises 69 towns/villages made up of eight clans (Emai, Igue, Ihievbe, Ikao, Ivbi-Mion, Ive-Ada-Obi, Otuo an ...

* Owan West * Uhunmwonde

Edo State House Of Assembly (Fifth Assembly) Division List, 2013

Edo State House Of Assembly Division List 2013, consists of twenty-four (24) divisions: * Akoko-Edo 1 * Ovia South-West * Orhionmwon I * Etsako East * Uhunmwode *

* Oredo West * Esan North-East I * Ikpoba-Okha * Etsako West I *

* Orhionmwon II *

* Owan West *

* Esan North-East II * Akoko-Edo II * Ovia North-East II * Oredo East * Ovia North-East I * Etsako West II

Edo State Judiciary

The Judiciary is the third arm of Government in the State, vested with the power to interprete the laws and resolve disputes in both civil and criminal matters in the State. The State Judiciary is headed by a Chief Judge. On the 16 of May, 2021, Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki swore in Justice Joe Acha as Acting Chief Judge of Edo State, following the retirement of Justice Esther Edigin

Politics

Governor Godwin Obaseki is the current governor of Edo State and was sworn into office on the 12th November, 2016. His deputy is Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu. The

Edo State House of Assembly The Edo State House of Assembly is the unicameral legislative branch of the government of Edo State of Nigeria Nigeria ( ), , ig, Naìjíríyà, yo, Nàìjíríà, pcm, Naijá , ff, Naajeeriya, kcg, Naijeriya officially the Federal Rep ...

is the legislative body.

Languages

English is the official language of the state. The major tribal languages spoken in the state are

, Igarra, Etsako/Afemai, Esan and Okpamheri. Edo State is home to several ethnicities, they are the Edo,

Okpe Okpe is a kingdom in Delta State, Nigeria. Today, it is also the name of a local government area. It is one of the many kingdoms that make up Urhobo tribe. Its capital is Orerokpe. The kingdom plays host to the Osubi Airport (also known as Wa ...

, Esan, Afemai/Etsako, Ora,

Igbanke Igbanke is an Ika people community in Edo State, Nigeria. Ika is Igbo dialects which is spoken in parts of Delta and Edo States of Nigeria. Igbanke was founded by migrants from Onitsha and Ika land. The autonomous communities in Igbanke includ ...

, Ema i. The Etsako/Afemai people of Edo state have the highest population of Muslims. They live in Six local government areas within the state and their major occupation is farming. Areal view of the ancient city of Benin

Languages of Edo State listed by LGA:

Religion Practiced In Edo State

Christianity and Islam are the major religion Practiced in Edo State, although minority of the population are traditional worshippers.

Economy

Tourist attractions in Edo State include the Emotan Statue in Benin City, Ise Lake and River Niger Beach in Agenebode, Etsako-East; Mike Akhigbe Square at fugar, Ambrose Alli Square, Ekpoma, River Niger Beaches at Ilushi, BFFM Building at

Ewu EWU may refer to: * Ewu, a town in Nigeria * East West University, a private university in Dhaka, Bangladesh * East–West University East–West University is a private university in Chicago, Illinois. The university was founded in 1980. It ...

, Igun Bronze Caster at Igun Street in Benin City, College of Agriculture and Aqua Culture Technology, Agenebode,

Okpekpe Okpekpe (Okphekphe) is a town in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. It is located about northeast of Auchi. It has a population of 3155 inhabitants. Its people belong to a homogeneous group of people, called the Afemai. ...

with its hills and scenes and the Usomege Hills at Apana-Uzairue, Somorika hills in Akoko Edo, where a government-run tourist center at

Ososo Ososo is a town situated in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, in the north of Edo State, Nigeria. With an average altitude of 1236 feet above sea level, it has a very temperate climate similar to that of Jos, Plateau State. The highest peak is a ...

is set among spectacular scenery. The state produces crude oil, and other mineral resources like limestone and quarry. The state has a cement factory at Okpella and a Flour Mill at Ewu which is moribound.

Mineral Resources In Edo State

The following are the Mineral Resources found in Edo State * Bitumen *

Clay Clay is a type of fine-grained natural soil material containing clay minerals (hydrous aluminium phyllosilicates, e.g. kaolin, Al2 Si2 O5( OH)4). Clays develop plasticity when wet, due to a molecular film of water surrounding the clay par ...

Dolomite Dolomite may refer to: *Dolomite (mineral), a carbonate mineral *Dolomite (rock), also known as dolostone, a sedimentary carbonate rock *Dolomite, Alabama, United States, an unincorporated community *Dolomite, California, United States, an unincor ...

Phosphate In chemistry, a phosphate is an anion, salt, functional group or ester derived from a phosphoric acid. It most commonly means orthophosphate, a derivative of orthophosphoric acid . The phosphate or orthophosphate ion is derived from phosph ...

* Glass-sand *

Gold Gold is a chemical element with the symbol Au (from la, aurum) and atomic number 79. This makes it one of the higher atomic number elements that occur naturally. It is a bright, slightly orange-yellow, dense, soft, malleable, and ductile me ...

* Gypsium *

Iron-ore Iron ores are rocks and minerals from which metallic iron can be economically extracted. The ores are usually rich in iron oxides and vary in color from dark grey, bright yellow, or deep purple to rusty red. The iron is usually found in the f ...

* Lignite *

Limestone Limestone ( calcium carbonate ) is a type of carbonate sedimentary rock which is the main source of the material lime. It is composed mostly of the minerals calcite and aragonite, which are different crystal forms of . Limestone forms whe ...

Marble Marble is a metamorphic rock composed of recrystallized carbonate minerals, most commonly calcite or dolomite. Marble is typically not foliated (layered), although there are exceptions. In geology, the term ''marble'' refers to metamorphose ...

* Oil/Gas

Education

Notable tertiary learning institutions in Edo state include: * Auchi Polytechnic * Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma *

Benson Idahosa University Benson Idahosa University (BIU) is a private, Christian university in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Previously named Christian Faith University (CFU), it was renamed in honor of Archbishop Benson Idahosa, a Charismatic Pentecostal minister f ...

, Benin City * Edo State Polytechnic Usen * Edo Technical College *

Edo State University Edo State University, Uzairue (abbreviated EDSU) is a state government-owned tertiary institution founded in 2016. It is located in Iyamho, a town in Etsako West local government area of Edo State, Nigeria. On 23 March 2016, the university w ...

, Uzairue (formerly Edo University, Iyahmo) * Igbinedion University, Okada * Kings Polytechnic * Mudiame University, Irrua *

Samuel Adegboyega University Samuel Adegboyega University (SAU) is located in Ogwa, Edo State, Nigeria, West Africa. It was founded by The Apostolic Church Nigeria, LAWNA (Lagos, Western and Northern Areas) Territory, which has her headquarters at Olorunda-Ketu, Lagos. The ...

Ogwa Ogwa is a town in Esan West Local Government Area in Edo State, Nigeria. It is among the constituent communities of Esanland. The people of Ogwa speak the Esan language. The language of the Esan people shares the same name as the name of the land ...

* Shaka Polytechnic * University of Benin (UNIBEN) * Wellspring University * College of Education, Ekiadolor * College of Agriculture, Iguoriakhi

Healthcare

List of Edo State Medical zones and associated local government areas.

Notable people

Oba of Benin The Oba of Benin is the traditional ruler and the custodian of the culture of the Edo people and all Edoid people. The then Kingdom of Benin (not to be confused with the modern-day and unrelated Republic of Benin, which was then known as Dahome ...

John Odigie Oyegun John Odigie Oyegun (born 12 August 1939) is a Nigerian politician who served as the first national chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nigeria. He was also the Executive Governor of Edo State between 1992 and 1993, during the aborte ...

, First Governor of Edo state and former national chairman of the ruling APC * Godwin Obaseki, former chairman of the State's economic team and present Executive Governor of the State * Jeffrey Obomeghie, chief executive officer of the International Hospitality Institute and Writer *

Erhabor Emokpae Erhabor Ogieva Emokpae, OON, (9 May 1934 – 16 February 1984) was a renowned Nigerian sculptor, muralist, graphic artist and painter who is regarded as one of the pioneers of modern arts in Nigeria. Some of his notable works include the a br ...

, pioneer of modern arts in Nigeria *Admiral

Mike Akhigbe Okhai Michael Akhigbe (29 September 1946 – 13 October 2013) was a Vice-admiral (Nigerian Navy), Vice admiral of the Nigerian Navy who served as ''de facto'' Vice President of Nigeria (as Chief of General Staff) under military head of state Gen ...

, former vice president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. *

Dele Giwa Dele Giwa (16 March 1947 – 19 October 1986) was a Nigerian journalist, editor and founder of '' Newswatch'' magazine. Early life and career Sumonu Oladele "Baines" Giwa was born on March 16, 1947 to a family working in the palace of Oba Ades ...

, Nigerian journalist, editor and founder of Newswatch magazine. *Senator

Albert Legogie Albert Legogie (1947 - 17 June 2013) was a Nigerian politician. He was a member of the Senate for Edo Edo ( ja, , , "bay-entrance" or "estuary"), also romanized as Jedo, Yedo or Yeddo, is the former name of Tokyo. Edo, formerly a ''jōkamachi' ...

, former deputy senate president in the defunct Third Republic and a pioneer member of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). *Pa

Michael Imoudu Michael Athokhamien Omnibus Imoudu was a Nigerian labour union leader. Early life and education Imoudu was born in 1902, in Afemai division of Edo State. His father was a soldier in the West African Frontier Force and had served in East Africa ...

, labour leader and founder of the Nigeria state, *Chief Julius Momo Udochi, the first Nigerian ambassador to the

United States The United States of America (U.S.A. or USA), commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It consists of 50 states, a federal district, five major unincorporated territori ...

, *Gen.

George Agbazika Innih George Agbazika Innih (25 September 1938 – 15 August 2002) was a Nigerian Army general and statesman. He was the military governor of Bendel and Kwara States. Early years George Agbazika Innih was born on September 25, 1938, at Agenebode, ...

, who was one-time military governor of Bendel and Kwara State, * Major-General Abdul Rahman Mamudu former Commander

Nigerian Army The Nigerian Army (NA) is the land force of the Nigerian Armed Forces. It is governed by the Nigerian Army Council (NAC). The Chief of Army Staff is the highest ranking military officer of the Nigerian Army. History Formation The Nigerian ...

Signals Corps and military administrator

Gongola State Gongola State is a former administrative division of Nigeria. It was created on 3 February 1976 from the Adamawa and Sardauna Provinces of North State, together with the Wukari Division of the then Benue-Plateau State; it existed until 27 August ...

, *

Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede FCIB, CON (born 24 September 1966) is a Nigerian banker, investor and philanthropist. He was the former group managing director (GMD) and chief executive officer (CEO) of Access Bank Plc. He is the founder and chairman of C ...

, cofounder of

Access Bank Plc Access Bank plc, commonly known as Access Bank, is a Nigerian multinational commercial bank, owned by Access Bank Group. It is licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria, the national banking regulator. Originally a corporate bank, they expand ...

and founder of Africa Initiative for Governance (AIG) *

Adams Oshiomhole Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole (born 4 April 1952), is a Nigerian politician and the former National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress. He had previously served as the President of Nigeria Labour Congress from 1999 to 2007 and the executive gove ...

, past president of the

Nigeria Labour Congress The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) is an umbrella organization for trade unions in Nigeria. History The Nigerian Labour Congress was founded in December 1978, as a merger of four different organisations: the Nigeria Trade Union Congress (NTUC) ...

and former governor of Edo State; he built Edo University of Iyamoh, Edo State. *Pastor

Chris Oyakhilome Christian Oyakhilome (also known as "Pastor Chris") (born 7 December 1963) is the founder and president of LoveWorld Incorporated, also known as Christ Embassy, based in Lagos, Nigeria. Ministry and theology Oyakhilome's ministry holds me ...

, founder of the Believers Loveworld Nation *Prince

Tony Momoh Prince Tony Momoh (27 April 1939 – 1 February 2021) was a Nigerian journalist and a politician who was Nigerian Minister of Information and Culture (1986–1990) during the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida. Birth and education M ...

, former Minister of Information and Culture * Maymunah Kadiri, Nigerian mental health advocate *Commander Anthony Ikhazoboh, minister of sports and transport *Professor Ambrose Alli, former governor of the defunct Bendel State. He created the Bendel State university now named after him. *

John Momoh John Momoh (born 1 July 1957) is a Nigerian broadcast journalist and the Chairman and CEO of Channels TV, an independent and multiple award-winning 24-hour news and media television channel based in Lagos. He is widely recognized in Nigeria as a t ...

, Nigerian broadcast journalist and CEO of

Channels TV Channels Television is a Nigerian independent 24-hour news and media television channel based in Lagos, Nigeria. The parent company, Channels Incorporated, was founded in 1992, a year before the Nigerian government deregulated the broadcast medi ...

*Professor

Osayuki Godwin Oshodin Osayuki Godwin Oshodin (9 August 1950 – 29 May 2022) was a vice-chancellor of University of Benin (Nigeria), University of Benin. He was professor of health education and published several journals and books concerning health and education. Os ...

, former vice chancellor of University of Benin * Jacob U. Egharevba, a Bini historian and traditional chief * Dr

Samuel Ogbemudia Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia (17 September 1932 – 9 March 2017) was a Nigerian army officer and politician. He was military Governor (1967–1975) of the Mid-West State, later renamed Bendel State, part of which in turn became Edo State Afte ...

, former governor of the midwest region of Nigeria and later Bendel state *Chief

Anthony Enahoro Chief Anthony Eromosele Enahoro (22 July 1923 – 15 December 2010) was one of Nigeria's foremost anti-colonial and pro-democracy activists. He was born the eldest of ten children in Uromi, present-day Edo State of Nigeria. His Esan parents we ...

, anti-colonial and pro-democracy activist and politician *Professor

Festus Iyayi Festus Iyayi (29 September 1947 – 12 November 2013) was a Nigerian leftist writer, best known for advancing his politics through realist novels depicting the socopolitical environment of contemporary Nigeria. He was also a former president of t ...

, novelist and first African to win the

Commonwealth Writers Prize Commonwealth Foundation presented a number of prizes between 1987 and 2011. The main award was called the Commonwealth Writers' Prize and was composed of two prizes: the Best Book Prize (overall and regional) was awarded from 1987 to 2011; the Best ...

* Odia Ofeimun, poet and former president of the

Association of Nigerian Authors The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) is a non-profit organization that promotes Nigerian literature. It represents Nigerian creative writers at home and abroad. It was founded in 1981 by Nigerian novelist Chinua Achebe as its president. The ...

*Dr

Abel Guobadia Sir Abel Guobadia OFR (28 June 1932 – 4 February 2011) was an educator, administrator, diplomat and retired public servant. Education Abel Guobadia was born on 28 June 1932, in Benin City, Nigeria. He attended C.M.S. Primary Schools in Benin ...

, educator and former Nigerian ambassador to the Republic of Korea, former Chairman

Independent National Electoral Commission The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was established in 1998 and is the electoral body which oversees elections in Nigeria. History Regulation and administration of elections The administration of democratic elections in Nige ...

(INEC) *General

Godwin Abbe Godwin Osagie Abbe (born 10 January 1949) in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria is a retired Nigerian Army Major General and former Defence Minister of Nigeria from 2009 to 2010. He served as the Nigerian Minister of Interior from 2007 to 2009. ...

, former Nigerian Minister for Interior and Defence * Archbishop John Edokpolo, founder of Edokpolo Grammar Schools and Political Activist *Sir

Victor Uwaifo Victor Efosa Uwaifo (1 March 1941 – 28 August 2021) was a Nigerian musician, writer, sculptor, and musical instrument inventor, university lecturer, music legend, and the first Honorable Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism in Nigeria. ...

, musician *Archbishop Benson Idahosa, Pentecostal Church Leader *

Sonny Okosun Sonny Okosun (1 January 1947 – 24 May 2008) was a Nigerian musician, who was known as the leader of the Ozzidi band. He named his band Ozzidi after a renowned Ijaw river god, but to Okosun the meaning was "there is a message". His surname is ...

, musician *

Augustine Eguavoen Augustine Owen Eguavoen (born 19 August 1965) is a Nigerian football manager and former player who thrice served as manager of the Nigeria national team. Playing career Club During his varied career Eguavoen began his career with ACB Lagos in ...

, former professional Nigerian footballer and coach *

Felix Idubor Felix Idubor (1928–1991) was a Nigerian sculptor from Benin City, a city with a rich history of artistic excellence. He was part of a young group of artists in the 1950s and 1960s who raised awareness of the artistic consciousness of African tra ...

, artist *

Festus Ezeli Ifeanyi Festus Ezeli-Ndulue (born October 21, 1989) is a Nigerian-American professional basketball player. He previously played five seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for Vanderbilt before being s ...

, basketball player formerly with the Golden State Warriors *

Modupe Ozolua Modupe Ozolua (born on 10th of October 1973, in Benin City, Nigeria) is a Nigerian philanthropist and entrepreneur. She served as the CEO of Body Enhancement Ltd, and is the founding president of Empower 54 Project Initiatives (Empower 54) form ...

, body enhancement and reconstructive surgery *Chief

Tony Anenih Tony may refer to: People and fictional characters * Tony (given name), including a list of people and fictional characters * Gregory Tony (born 1978), American law enforcement officer * Motu Tony (born 1981), New Zealand international rugby leag ...

, chairman of board of trustees (PDP) Once Minister of Work. * Gabriel Igbinedion, international business mogul and bini high chief and owner of ITV *

Raymond Dokpesi Chief Raymond Anthony Aleogho Dokpesi (born 25 October 1951) in Ibadan is a Nigerian media entrepreneur. His parents are from Agenebode, Edo state in a family including six sisters siblings. He entered the Nigerian mass media industry with hi ...

, owner of Africa largest private television network and politician *

Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen (born 20 June 1971) is a Nigerian film director and film producer. Career Imasuen has worked in the film industry since 1995 mainly as a film director and producer. He currently lives in Lagos. His films feature unexplo ...

, film director, screenwriter and producer * Suyi Davies Okungbowa, fantasy and speculative fiction author *Osaze

Peter Odemwingie Peter Osaze Odemwingie (born 15 July 1981) is a retired Nigerian professional footballer who played as a forward and winger. Odemwingie grew up in Uzbekistan and Russia and began his career with Bendel Insurance in the Nigeria Premier League. ...

, professional footballer *

Chris Aire Christopher Aire (born December 25, 1964) is a Nigerian born African American jeweler and timepiece designer. He is the president of Solid 21 Incorporated and the founder of his eponymous brand, Chris Aire. Early years Chris Aire was born in I ...

-Iluobe, jeweler and timepiece designer * Francis Edo-Osagie, businessman *

Kamaru Usman Kamarudeen Usman (born May 11, 1987) is a Nigerian and American professional mixed martial artist, former freestyle wrestler and retired folkstyle wrestler. He currently competes in the welterweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Champions ...

, professional mixed martial artist, former

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. * Yakubu Ayegbeni, former professional footballer * Rema (Nigerian musician), musician signed to

Mavin Records Mavin Records (also known as the Supreme Mavin Dynasty) is a Nigerian music corporation record label founded by record producer and recording artist Don Jazzy on 8 May 2012. The label's inception came to fruition following the closure of Mo' Hit ...

, * Philip Shaibu (born 1 December 1969, in Kaduna) an alumnus of

University of Jos The University of Jos, abbreviated as Unijos, is a Federal University in Jos, Plateau State, central Nigeria. History What became the University of Jos was established in November 1971 from the satellite campus of the University of Ibadan. ...

is a Nigerian lawmaker, politician and business man. He is currently the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Nigeria. *

Eghosa Asemota Agbonifo Eghosa Asemota Agbonifo is a Nigerian businessman and serial entrepreneur from Benin City. Education Eghosa was educated at Emotan Primary School, Benin City from 1991-1997. He later proceeded to Negbenebor International School for his second ...

, politician, coordinator of Michael Agbonifo shoe a child foundation *Prof

T. M. Yesufu Tijani M. Yesufu was a Nigerian academic and administrator who was the first Nigerian Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin. Yesufu was an important figure in the development of industrial relations as an academic course in Nigerian universiti ...

, pioneer Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin, economist. * Odion Jude Ighalo, Nigerian professional footballer. * Victor Osimhen, Nigerian professional footballer. * Aisha Yesufu, Nigerian socio-political activist. * Yvonne Jegede is a Nigerian actress, film producer, model, and

television Television, sometimes shortened to TV, is a telecommunication medium for transmitting moving images and sound. The term can refer to a television set, or the medium of television transmission. Television is a mass medium for advertisin ...

personality; notable for producing ''3 is Company''. * Zakariyau Oseni, prominent professor of Arabic and a scholar of

Islamic studies Islamic studies refers to the academic study of Islam, and generally to academic multidisciplinary "studies" programs—programs similar to others that focus on the history, texts and theologies of other religious traditions, such as Easter ...

, guardian of

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and literature, an imam and poet. *

Mike Ozekhome Mike Agbedor Abu Ozekhome (born on October 15, 1957 in Iviukwe, Agenebode in Edo State, Nigeria) is a lawyer and human rights activist, holding the rank of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. He is known for his work as a constitutional lawyer and also ...

, legal practitioner and a human rights activist. * Mike Oghiadomhe, chief of staff to President

Goodluck Jonathan Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan (born 20 November 1957)Lawson Heyford, ''The Source'' (Lagos), 11 December 2006. is a Nigerian politician who served as the President of Nigeria from 2010 to 2015. He lost the 2015 presidential election to fo ...

in 2014. *

Solomon Arase Solomon Ehigiator Arase (born 21 June 1956) is a retired Nigerian police officer. He is currently the Chairman of the Nigeria Police Service Commission. He was appointed Chairman in January 2023 by President Muhammadu Buhari. Arase also served ...

, former and 18th inspector general of police in Nigeria under President Goodluck Jonathan government. *

Julius Aghahowa Julius Efosa Aghahowa (born 12 February 1982) is a Nigerian former professional association football, footballer who played as a striker (association football), striker. He was known for his pace and his back-flips when he scored goals. Aghahowa ...

, former professional footballer for Nigeria. * Sam Loco Efe (1945-2011), former Nollywood veteran actor and producer. *Admiral

Augustus Aikhomu Augustus Akhabue Aikhomu (20 October 1939 – 17 August 2011) was an Admiral in the Nigerian Navy, who served as the ''de facto'' Vice President of Nigeria under military head of state General Ibrahim Babangida from 1986 to 1993. Early life ...

, former chief of staff in the General

Ibrahim Babangida Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (born 17 August, 1941) is a retired Nigerian Army general and politician. He served as military president of Nigeria from 1985 until his resignation in 1993. He rose through the ranks to serve from 1984 to 1985 as C ...

administration. *

Helen Paul Helen Paul is a Nigerian comedian, singer and actress. She is also a stand-up comedian, known as Tatafo, characterized by a voice range that makes her sound like a child. She graduated with a doctorate in Theatre, Theater Arts from the Univers ...

, stand-up comedian and actress and popularly known as Tatafo. One time face of the Telecom consumer by the

Nigerian Communications Commission The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is the independent regulatory authority for the telecommunications industry in Nigeria. The NCC was created under Decree number 75 by the Federal Military Government of Nigeria on 24 November 1992. The ...

(NCC). *

, film director and Nollywood producer. Established the first Benin film academy at Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State. *Hon. Joe Edionwele, a politician and member of the 8th and 9th National Assembly, Nigeria representing Edo Central Senatorial District *

Lucky Igbinedion Lucky Nosakhare Igbinedion (born 13 May 1957) was the governor of Edo State in Nigeria from 29 May 1999 to 29 May 2007. He is a member of the People's Democratic Party (PDP). Early life and education Lucky is a son of Gabriel Igbinedion, Esama ...

a politician and former democratic governor of Edo State. *

Oserheimen Osunbor Oserheimen Osunbor, (born 5 October 1951), is a Nigerian lawyer and politician who was a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria from 29 May 1999 to 29 May 2007 and the Governor of Edo State of Nigeria from 29 May 2007 to 11 November 2008. E ...

, a lawyer and one time Governor of the State. He is from Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State. * Osagie Ehanire Nigerian medical doctor and politician *

Skales Raoul John Njeng-Njeng (born 1 April 1991), better known by his stage name Skales (an acronym for Seek Knowledge Acquire Large Entrepreneurial Skills), is a Nigerian rapper, singer, and songwriter. In 2000, he started writing rap songs in Kadun ...

Nigerian rapper, singer and songwriter. *

Nancy Isime Nancy Isime (born 17 December 1991) is a Nigerian actress, model, and media personality. Early life and background Nancy Isime was born in Edo State, Nigeria to Nigerian parents of Esan descent. After her senior secondary education in Benin, s ...

Nigerian Actress, model and media personality. *

Adesua Etomi Tolulope Adesua Etomi-Wellington (born 22 February 1988), professionally known as Adesua Etomi is a Nigerian actress. In 2014, she starred in her first feature film '' Knocking On Heaven's Door''. She won the Best Actress in a Drama award at ...

Nigerian Actress * Queen Blessing Ebigieson Nigerian Actress * BB02 Nigerian Musician * Peter Akpatason, a politician

References

External links

*
Edo State Open Data PortalEdo State Civil Service Commission
{{Portal bar, Nigeria States of Nigeria States and territories established in 1991 1991 establishments in Nigeria