Edoid · Nigeria’s peoples

Edo

The Edo (Bini) are the people of the Benin Kingdom, founded by the Ogiso and later ruled by the Obas.

At a glance

Where do the Edo people live?: Their homeland is in Edo State, across 7 local government areas.
What language do the Edo speak?: Edo (Bini), a language of the Edoid family (Atlantic-Congo › Volta-Congo › Benue-Congo › Edoid).
Who is the traditional ruler of the Edo?: Oba of Benin, seated at Oredo.
Which kingdoms are part of Edo history?: Kingdom of Benin

Overview

The Edo (Bini) are the people of the Benin Kingdom, founded by the Ogiso and later ruled by the Obas. They are native to the seven LGAs of Edo South; many Edoid peoples trace their origins to Benin.^[2]High confidence

Where the Edo live

Local government areas by state. Homeland: the group is the majority. Shared area: a large share of a mixed area. Smaller presence: present, but a small share.

Edo
- Egor(Homeland)
- Ikpoba-Okha(Homeland)
- Oredo(Homeland)
- Orhionmwon(Homeland)
- Ovia North-East(Homeland)
- Ovia South-West(Homeland)
- Uhunmwonde(Homeland)

Areas are approximate and show where people live. They are not claims of land ownership.

Communities beyond the homeland

Uselu and Egor

Egor, Edo State: Okhoro, Use, Uwelu, Iguikpe, Ugbighoko, Iguediaye, Evbougide.^[3],[4]High confidence

Ikpoba Okha villages

Ikpoba-Okha, Edo State: Idogbo, Evbuomodu, Obazagbon, Agedo, Okha, Ekae, Utezi, Ogheghe, Obagie.^[5],[4]High confidence

Mostly rural farming and fishing communities.^[5]

Iguobazuwa and the Ovia country

Ovia South-West, Edo State: Aghobahi, Igueze, Usen, Ugbogui, Ora, Udo.^[6],[4]High confidence

Edo-speaking country on the Ovia river, historically part of the Benin kingdom; the Ovia cult is traced to a woman from Uhen.^[6]

Timber and farming.^[6]

Language

Edo (Bini), a language of the Edoid family (Atlantic-Congo › Volta-Congo › Benue-Congo › Edoid). ISO 639-3: bin.^[1]High confidence

Traditional ruler

Oba of Benin, seated at Oredo.^[2]Medium confidence

In history

Kingdom of BeninKingdom of Benin at its height, 1600

Sources

Every claim carries a confidence level: high (well attested), medium (one source or approximate) or disputed (sources disagree).