The Ekiti people are a distinct sub-group of the Yoruba ethnic group in Nigeria and parts of Benin. Known for their intelligence, cultural homogeneity, and agricultural prowess, they are renowned for their rich traditions in music, arts, poetry, and proverbs. Predominantly residing in Ekiti State, the 2006 population census put their numbers at 2,384,212 (National Population Commission, 2006).
Geography and Formation of Ekiti State
Ekiti State lies south of Kwara and Kogi, east of Osun, and bounded by Ondo State in the east and south. It was created on October 1, 1996, by the military government of General Sani Abacha, carved out from the former Ondo State. The state initially had 16 Local Government Areas (LGAs), with four additional LGAs created later. Its capital is Ado-Ekiti.
Most towns in Ekiti carry the suffix “-Ekiti,” such as Ido-Ekiti, Ado-Ekiti, and Oye-Ekiti, reflecting their common heritage. Historically, the term “Ekiti” means “mound”, inspired by the rugged, mountainous landscape of the region.
History and Political Organisation
The Ekiti people consider themselves aboriginal, though their lands were historically influenced by invasions from eastern groups. They did not view themselves as a unified nation until the Ekiti Parapo (Ekiti Confederacy) of 1877, which united 16 Ekiti towns to form a strong army against Ibadan. The Parapo army was allied with Ogedengbe of Ilesa in defense of their territories.
According to Yoruba oral traditions, the ancestors of Ekiti migrated from Ile-Ife, the spiritual home of the Yoruba, and combined with aboriginal settlers. Orunmila (Ifa) spent much of his life in Ado-Ekiti, giving rise to the saying: “Ado ni ile Ifa” (Ado is the home of Ifa).
Today, the 16 principal districts of Ekiti each have their Owa or king, including notable rulers such as:
Owore of Otun
Ajero of Ijero
Alara of Aramoko
Alaye of Efon-Alaye
Ewi of Ado-Ekiti
Elekole of Ikole
Olojudo of Ido-Ekiti
Oloye of Oye-Ekiti
Arinjale of Ise-Ekiti
These Owas controlled smaller towns that paid homage to them, with Ewi and Owore holding the largest territories.
Culture and Intellectual Legacy
Ekiti people are highly educated, respectful, and intelligent. The state has produced many renowned academics, including:
Prof. Adegoke Olubummo – one of Nigeria’s first Mathematics professors
Prof. Adeyinka Adeyemi – first Professor of Architecture in West Africa
Prof. J.F. Ade-Ajayi, Niyi Osundare, Sam Aluko – distinguished academics
This intellectual legacy contributed to Ekiti State’s motto: “Fountain of Knowledge”.
Economy and Natural Resources
Ekiti is agriculturally rich, with yam, cassava, rice, maize, cocoa, kola nut, and fruits widely cultivated. Cocoa was historically a major cash crop, contributing over 40% of production in the old Western Region. The state also boasts abundant timber, minerals, and water resources, including granite, kaolin, gold, iron ore, and rivers such as Ero, Osun, Ose, and Ogbese.
Tourist attractions include Ikogosi Warm Spring, Ipole-Iloro Waterfalls, Olosunta Hills, and Fajuyi Memorial Park. Ikogosi Warm Spring, a unique natural feature, is now commercially exploited for bottled water by UAC Nigeria.
Food and Cuisine
The staple diet of the Ekiti people is pounded yam with Isapa or vegetable soup, reflecting their agricultural heritage.
Ekiti Anthem and Oriki
Ekiti Anthem:
“Oun abajoro kiipe kun
Oun asepo nileye
Ehin ola wa tidara o
Awa Ekiti ati parapo
Kaparapo katun panupo
Awa Ekiti ati gbominira
Okan lawansee
Chorus: Ekiti, Ekiti ati gbominira (2ce)
Awa Ekiti iwaju laomalo lagbara Olorun
Awa Ekiti okan soso ma ni’wa o lailai.”
Oriki Ekiti:
A poetic praise of the people, highlighting their wisdom, bravery, and communal spirit, written by distinguished Professor Ekundayo Adeyemi.
The Ekiti people are a proud, intellectual, and culturally rich sub-group of the Yoruba. From their historic resistance and formation of the Ekiti Parapo to their intellectual achievements and rich cultural heritage, they continue to maintain their distinct identity while contributing to Nigeria’s socio-cultural and academic landscape.
Sources:
National Population Commission, Nigeria, 2006 Census
Adeyemi, Ekundayo, Oriki Ekiti: Praise Poetry of the Ekiti People
Omodara, Oluwafemi, The History and Culture of Ekiti People
Akinjide, Richard, Ekiti State: Fountain of Knowledge, Lagos University Press, 2010
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