How Many Local Government Areas Are In Edo State?

There are 18 local government areas in Edo State, and they are  Akoko-Edo, Etsako East, Etsako Central, Etsako West, Owan West, Owan East, Esan West, Esan North-East, Esan Central, Esan South-east, Ovia South-West, Ovia North-East, Igueben, Egor, Uhunmwonde, Oredo, Ikpoba-Okha, Orhionmwon.

The Present-day Edo State, located in the southern region of Nigeria, used to be part of the now-defunct Bendel State that was split into two states; Edo and Delta, on the 27th of August 1991. It is now one of the 36 states of Nigeria, ranking as the 24th most populous state with over three million inhabitants.

Like every other state in Nigeria, Edo State has a number of local government areas that are administered by local government councils. These councils, which are the third tier of government in Nigeria after the state and federal governments, are headed by a chairman and comprised of other elected members known as councilors. While the number of local government areas in each state varies, other aspects like their functions are similar as they are detailed in the Nigerian constitution.

List of Local Government Areas in Edo State

1. Akoko-Edo

  • Kilometer Size: 529 sq mi (1,371 km2)
  • Population: 262,110 (2006 census)
  • Address of Local Government Headquarters: Akoko-Edo Local Government Area Secretariat, Akoko-Edo, Edo State Nigeria

Situated south of the river Niger-Benue Confluence in the northern part of the state, Akoko-Edo is the oldest LGA in Edo. It is bounded to the north by other Nigerian States such as Kwara and Kogi, and the northwest by Ondo. Other local government areas in Edo bounding the state include Etsako West and Etsako North to the south-east, and Owan to the south-west. Notable towns in the area include Igarra, Ibillo, Somorika, Lampese, Ososo, Okpe, Oloma, Ikpeshi, etc.

The people of Akoko Edo speak eight different languages that overlap each other. However, Yoruba is the major language and is understood by all. Major economic activities in the area include agriculture, trading, education, and health care.

2. Egor

  • Kilometer Size: 36 sq mi (93 km2)
  • Population: 339,899 (2006 census)
  • Address of Local Government Headquarters: Egor LGA Secretariat, Uselu, Edo State Nigeria

Egor local government area is located in Uselu town. It is one of the LGAs that make up the popular and large metropolitan area of Benin City. Towns and villages that make up Egor include Evbougide, Okhoro, Iguikpe, Ugbighoko, Iguediaye, Use, Uwelu, and Oghedaivbiobaa.

Several tribal groups are located in Egor, including the Esan, Bini, and the Owan people who all speak their languages in the area. In regards to religion, the area is home to Christians, Muslims, and traditional worshippers.

3. Esan Central

  • Kilometer Size: 253 km²
  • Population: N/A
  • Address of Local Government Headquarters: Esan Central LGA Secretariat, Irrua, Edo State Nigeria

Esan Central is one of the local government areas in Edo State with headquarters in the city of Irrua. Other towns and villages that make up the local government area include Afuda, Adenu, Afuogbo, Atuagbo Ujabhole, Ewu, Ehenwen, Ehanlen, Eko, Ekori, Ekilor, Equare, Ibhiolulu, Iduwele, Idumoza, Idumoza, Idoa, Idumoghodor, Imokano, Ibore, Okharomi, Udomi, Ohe, Opoji, Uzokholo, Ugbokhare, Ugbegun, Unogbo, and Ugbalo, among others.

Major economic activities in the area include agriculture, commerce, cottage industry, carpentry, and wood processing. Places of attraction to tourists who visit the area are Lake Obiemen, Obiemen Shrine, Ogirrua’s Palace, and Ugbalo spring.

4. Esan North East

  • Kilometer Size: 338 km2
  • Population: 119,346 (2016 Census)
  • Population Density: 472.8/km2 (2016)
  • Address of Local Government Headquarters: Esan North-East LGA Secretariat, Uromi, Edo State Nigeria

Esan North-East local government area is located in Uromi, Edo State. It is bordered with Atani by Ubiaja, Ivue, and Obeidu by Irrua, Ebhoiyi by Igueben, Uzea by Afemai, and Amendokhian by Ugboha with towns in all its surroundings. Major economic activities in the area include trading, agriculture, cottage industry, and carpentry. In regards to religion, the area is home to Christians, African traditionalists, and Migrated Muslims. For tourists, one place of attraction is Onojie places.

There are a few popular people from different walks of life who hail from Esan North East. Some of these people are popular on the international stage while others are on the national stage. They include anti-colonial and pro-democracy activist Chief Anthony Enahoro, Cardinal Anthony Olubunmi Okogie, Archbishop Patrick Ebosele Ekpu, and politician Tony Anenih (Iyasele of Esanland).

5. Esan South East

  • Kilometer Size: 504 sq mi (1,306 km2)
  • Population: 167,721 (2006 census)
  • Address of Local Government Headquarters: Esan South East Local Government Area Building, Ubiaja, Edo State Nigeria

Esan South East is one of Edo State’s eighteen local government areas. It has its headquarters located in the town of Ubiaja. Other towns and villages located in the area include Emu, Equare-Ewatto, Ewohimi, Ifeku, Ilushi, Inyenlen, Ohordua, Okhu-Essan, Onog-Holo, Oria, Orowa, Ubiaja, Udo, and Uroh.

6. Esan West

  • Kilometer Size: 194 sq mi (502 km2)
  • Population: Over 190,000 people
  • Address of Local Government Headquarters: Along Benin/Auchi Expressway, Opposite Ambrose Alli University Hall Ekpoma, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria

The headquarters of Esan West local government area is located in the town of Ekpoma. Other towns and villages located in the area include Akahio, Emuhi, Ekhiro, Emaudo, Egoro Amede, Egoro Naoka, Ebhakuala, Idemebo, Ihumudumu, Idoa, Illeh, Iruekpen, Ogwa, Ujemen, Uhiele, Ukpenu, Ujoelen Eguare, Ukhun, Urohi, and Ujogba. Economic activities in the area are similar to that of other Edo local government areas. Unlike others, there are more educational facilities here. They include Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Samuel Adegboyega University, Ogwa, and Ujoelen Grammar School, Ekpoma, among others.

The first civilian governor of the defunct Bendel State, Prof. Ambrose Folorunsho Alli, hails from the region. Tourists to the area visit the commemorative statue of Prof. Alli as well as other places like Ibiekuma River, Ukhun Shrine, Oghedekpe River, and Orosun Waterfalls in the Ukhun Kingdom.

Ambrose Alli Statue (image source)

7. Etsako Central

  • Kilometer Size: 250 sq mi (660 km2)
  • Population: 94,575 (2006 census)
  • Address of Local Government Headquarters: Etsako Central Local Government Area Secretariat, Fugar, Edo State Nigeria

Made up of 10 wards that are represented by 10 councilors, Etsako Central is one of Edo’s eighteen local government areas. It is bounded by the Esan North East and Esan South East. The towns and villages that make up the area include Ape, Apeabebe, Atavo, Awuyemi, Imiekhuri, Iviakpela, Iviochie, Ogbago, Sabogida, and Ukhomoduba.

8. Etsako East

  • Kilometer Size: 437 sq mi (1,133 km2)
  • Population: 145,996 (2006 Census)
  • Population Density: 330/sq mi (129/km2)
  • Address of Local Government Headquarters: Etsako East Local Government Secretariat, Agenebode, Edo State Nigeria

The town of Agenebode houses the headquarters of Etsako East local government area. There are numerous other towns and villages in the area, including Afokpella, Awuyemi-Okpella, Ebelle, Ekwoakpele-Uzanu, Iddo-Okpella, Igiode, Imiegba, Imiekuri-Okpella, Illewi, Ivianokpodi, Ofukpo, Ogbethaya-Uzanu, Ogwoyor-Uzanu, Udochi Oke-Uzanu, Ovao, ogiria, okhu, etc. Most people in the area practice either Islam or Christianity.

9. Etsako West

  • Kilometer Size: 365 sq mi (946 km2)
  • Population: 197,609 (2006 census)
  • Address of Local Government Headquarters: Etsako West Local Government Area Building, Auchi, Edo State Nigeria

Etsako West has its headquarters in the popular commercial town of Auchi that is known to be the home of the Federal Auchi Polytechnic and the Nigerian Army School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering among other notable institutions and industries. Other major towns in the local government area include Ayua, Ayaoghena, Afowa, Afashio, Agbede, Ayogwiri, Apana, Egbogio, Egho, Elele, Iyamho, Iyuku, Iyora, Ikabigbo, Irekpai, Ikholo, Iyerekhu, Ibienafe, Jattu, Uluoke, Ugbhenor, Idato, Imeke, Ogbido, Odighie, Sabo Iyakpi, Ughiole, Ubiane, and Ughieda. The Agbedes from Agbede are the makers of the artifacts in the Benin Kingdom.

10. Igueben

  • Kilometer Size: 150 sq mi (380 km2)
  • Population: 69,639 (2006 census)
  • Address of Local Government Headquarters: lgueben Local Government Area Secretariat, lgueben, Edo State Nigeria

Igueben local government area is located in the town of Igueben whose origins can be traced back to 1516 during the reign of Benin monarch Oba Esigie (1504-1550). Today, the area is governed by a traditional ruler called Onogie. There are three districts in Igueben: Amahor, Ekpon, and Ugun.

See also  Yoruba People, Culture and Language

The indigenous people of the area speak Edo and Esan. They are generally very hard-working, creative, and industrious, a pointer to why they are very literate people. The economy of the area is growing, with major economic activities being trading and farming. As a result of the Igueben people maintaining their cultural heritage from Benin, they have many festivals and ritualistic traditions that are a major tourist attraction. This includes the Ukpe Festival and the Onogie’s New Year Festival – Ihuan.

11. Ikpoba-Okha

  • Kilometer Size: 333 sq mi (862 km2)
  • Population: 381,106 (2006 census)
  • Address of Local Government Headquarters: lkpoba Okha Local Government Area Secretariat, ldogbo, Edo State Nigeria

Another one of the eighteen local government areas of Edo State is Ikpoba Okha LGA. It is the second-largest local government area in the state by population, estimated to be more than three hundred and eighty-one thousand as of 2016. The town of Idogbo serves as its headquarters. Other towns and villages in the area include Aduwawa, Agedo, Avbiama, Ekiuwa, Evbumufi, Evbuomodu, Ighekpe, Iguehana, Ogbeson, Ohovbe, Urora (UHOHO), Ute OKHA, Ologbo, etc.

12. Oredo

  • Kilometer Size: 96 sq mi (249 km2)
  • Population: 374,671 (2006 census)
  • Address of Local Government Headquarters: Oredo Local Government Area Council Ring Road, Benin City, Edo State Nigeria

Headquartered in the town of Benin City, Oredo local government area can be described as an urbanized LGA, unlike most of the other local governments. Some of the districts in the area include GRA, Eguadase, Etete, Ibiwe, Iwegie, Ihogbe, Isekhere, Oreoghene, etc. As a result of Oredo’s urbanization, it counts as the richest among the eighteen local government areas in the state. Many historical aspects of the Edo people and the ancient Benin Empire can be located in this area, including the Oba of Benin’s palace and that of The Esama Of Benin Kingdom among other prominent princes.

In addition to the aforementioned places, tourists who visit Oredo LGA can also go to places like the Igbesamwan woodcarvers, National Museum, and Igun Bronze Guild.

Aerial view of Benin City (image source)

13. Orhionmwon

  • Kilometer Size: 920 sq mi (2,382 km2)
  • Population: 206,717 (2006 census)
  • Address of Local Government Headquarters: Orhionmwon Local Government Area Headquarters, Abudu, Edo State Nigeria

Orhionmwon local government area in Edo State was created in the aftermath of the creation of the now-defunct Bendel State. It is surrounded by two Delta State local governments; Agbor and Eku. Notable towns and communities in the area include Edummungba, Egbhuru, Egbokor, Idumwebo, Idomodin, Igbekhue, Numagbae, Ottah, Obozogbe-niro, Obi, Ugokoniro, and Ukpato.

Orhionmwon has a claim to being the wealthiest area in the state due to it having numerous mineral resources, as well as the largest gas deposit in Nigeria, and possibly in West Africa as a whole.

14. Ovia North East

  • Kilometer Size: 888 sq mi (2,301 km2)
  • Population: 153,849 (2006 census)
  • Address of Local Government Headquarters: Ovia North-East Local Government Area Secretariat, Okada, Edo State Nigeria

In terms of landmass, the Ovia North-East local government area, which is situated in the center of Edo State, is one of the largest. Okada, one of the wards of the area, serves as its administrative capital. The remaining eleven wards of the area are Egheta, Egbarha, Emma, Iguegho, Isiuua, Oghese, Olumoye, Ovbiogie, Utekan, Utese, and Uhen.

The inhabitants of Ovia North East are Edo-speaking people. Major economic activities in the area are farming and trading.

15. Ovia South West

  • Kilometer Size: 1,082 sq mi (2,803 km2)
  • Population: 135,356 (2006 census)
  • Address of Local Government Headquarters: Ovia South-West Local Government Area Building, lguobazuwa, Edo State Nigeria

Ovia southwest Local Government Area, whose headquarters is in the town of Iguobazuwa, is bounded by Ondo State to the north and Ovia North-East local government area to the east. The bight of Benin is located to the south of the area. Other towns located in the area include Ofunama, Ora, Siluko, Udo, Ugbogue, Umaza, and Usen.

16. Owan East

  • Kilometer Size: 480 sq mi (1,240 km2)
  • Population: 154,385 (2006 census)
  • Address of Local Government Headquarters: Owan East Local Government Area Headquarters, Afuze, Edo State Nigeria

The headquarters of Owan East Local Government Area is Afuze. Several other Edo State LGAs border the area, including Akoko-Edo LGA to the north, Etsako-West LGA to the east, Owan-West LGA to the southwest, and Esan Central LGA and Uhunmwonde LGA to the south. The southwest Nigerian state of Ekiti borders it to the west.

Some of the towns and villages that make up the local government are Emai, Igue, Ihievbe, Ikao, Ivbi-Mion, Ive-Ada-Obi, Otuo, and Uokha.

17. Owan West

  • Kilometer Size: 283 sq mi (732 km2)
  • Population: 97,388 (2006 census)
  • Address of Local Government Headquarters: Owan West Local Government Area Building, Sabongida Ora, Edo State Nigeria

The town of Sabongida Ora is where the administrative headquarters of the Owan West local government area is located. The area as a whole is bounded by Ovia North East and Uhunmwode to the south, Owan East to the north, and the southwestern Nigerian state of Ondo to the west. Other towns and villages that makeup Owan West include Avbiosi, Eruere, Iloje, Ovbiokhua, Ohia, Oke, Okegboro, Sabongida-Ora, and Uhonmora.

18. Uhunmwonde

  • Kilometer Size: 785 sq mi (2,033 km2)
  • Population: 120,813 (2006 census)
  • Address of Local Government Headquarters: Secretariat Building, Benin-Auchi Road, Ehor, Edo State Nigeria

Uhunmwode Local Government was created on the 27th of August, 1991. Its headquarters is situated in the town of Ehor. Other LGAs that border it include Igueben and Esan West to the west, Orhionmomwon and lkpoba to the south, and Owan East and Owan West to the north.

Local Government Areas in Edo State
Benin Art (image source)

How Many Local Governments in Edo State?

There are 18 local governments in Edo State. The state ranks average when compared with other states in so far as the number of local government areas is concerned. For instance, a state like Kano State has 44 local government areas, while Akwa Ibom (31 LGAs), Osun (30 LGAs), Oyo (33 LGAs), and Katsina (34 LGAs) have at least 30 local government areas each. On the other side of the divide, you have Bayelsa State, with only eight local government areas.

18 Local Government in Edo State and Their Headquarters

Local Government Area Headquarters
Akoko-Edo Igarra town
Egor Uselu town
Esan Central lrrua town
Esan North-East Uromi town
Esan South-East Ubiaja town
Esan West Ekpoma town
Etsako Central Fugar town
Etsako East Agenebode town
Etsako West Auchi town
Igueben Igueben town
Ikpoba-Okha Idogbo town
Oredo Benin city
Orhionmwon Abudu town
Ovia North-East Okada town
Ovia South-West Iguobazuwa town
Owan East Afuze town
Owan West Sabongida Ora town
Uhunmwonde Ehor town

 

Which is The Biggest Local Government in Edo State?

The biggest local government in Edo State is Orhionmwon, which has its council headquarters in Abudu town. It is about 51 kilometers away from Benin City, the capital of Edo state. Orhionmwon is not just large in terms of land mass but also ranks amongst the most popular local government areas in Edo state. Others that fall into this category are Owan East, Ovia North East, Etsako East, Oredo, Ikpoba-Okha, Egor, Akoko-Edo, Etsako West etc.

What Is The Smallest Local Government in Edo State?

Using landmass to calculate the smallest local government area, Egor LGA ranks lowest with an area of 93 km2. However, it has a population of over three hundred and thirty-nine thousand. The local government area with the lowest population is Igueben, with just over sixty-nine thousand inhabitants in an area of 380 km2.

How Many States Have Boundaries With Edo State?

Including Delta State that was created alongside Edo State in 1991 from the defunct Bendel State, four states have boundaries with the region that is home to the famous Benin Empire. The first is Delta State, which is situated southeast of Edo, while Kogi State is located to the northeast. Anambra State is to its east, while Ondo State is to the west.

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