Edo State is located in southern Nigeria, bordered by Kogi, Delta, and Ondo States. Its capital is Benin City, a historic center known for the ancient Benin Empire.
The state covers an area of about 17,800 square kilometers and has a diverse population of over 4 million people, primarily consisting of the Edo (Bini), Esan, and Afemai ethnic groups.
Edo State’s economy relies on agriculture, producing crops like yam and cassava, as well as minerals such as limestone. The state is divided into 18 local government areas, including Oredo, Egor, and Esan Central.
READ ALSO: List Of LGAs In Nasarawa State, Capital, And LGA Chairmen
List Of Local Government Areas In Edo State, And Their Chairmen
Here is a list of all the 18 local government areas In Edo state, and their chairman, and headquarters:
S/N | LGA | Capital | Chairman |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | Akoko-Edo | Igarra | Mr. Tajudeen Sulaiman |
2 | Egor | Uselu | Eghe Ogbemudia |
3 | Esan Central | Irrua | Hon. Paul Iyoha |
4 | Esan North-East | Uromi | Dr. inedegbor Kelly |
5 | Esan South-East | Ubiaja | Victor Emuanagbon |
6 | Esan West | Ekpoma | Hon. Collins Aigbogun |
7 | Etsako Central | Fugar | Hon. Solomon Imokhai Obomighie |
8 | Etsako East | Agenebode | Hon. Benedicta Attoh |
9 | Etsako West | Auchi | Hon. Zibiri Muhizu Marvelous |
10 | Igueben | Igueben | Hon. Dr. Josie Ogedegbe |
11 | Ikpoba-Okha | Idogbo | Dr. Eric Osayande |
12 | Oredo | Benin City | Dr. Tom Obaseki |
13 | Orhionmwon | Abudu | Hon. Newman Oghomwen Ugiagbe |
14 | Ovia North-East | Okada | Mr. Collins Ogbewe |
15 | Ovia South-West | Iguobazuwa | Engr. Edosa Enowoghomwenma |
16 | Owan East | Afuze | Hon. Andrew Osigwe |
17 | Owan West | Sabongida-Ora | Mr. Frank Ilaboya |
18 | Uhunmwonde | Ehor | Hon. Adodo Kenneth Osarobo |
Which Local Government Area Is Home To Benin City?
Benin City is located in the Oredo Local Government Area (LGA) of Edo State, Nigeria. Oredo LGA is one of the 18 LGAs that make up Edo State, and it is an important part of the state’s administration.
This area is not only because it includes Benin City, which is the capital and largest city of Edo State, but also due to its rich history and cultural heritage.
Benin City covers an area of 1,204 square kilometers, making it the fourth-largest city in Nigeria, after Lagos, Kano, and Ibadan.
According to the 2006 census, the population of Benin City was about 1,050,000 people, and by 2022, the number of people living in the urban area was estimated to be around 1,973,000.
Historically, Benin City was the center of the ancient Benin Empire, which was a powerful civilization in West Africa from the 13th to the 19th century.
Oredo LGA itself covers 249 square kilometers and has a population of 553,671 people as of the 2022 census. However, there are many important places in Oredo LGA, such as the Oba market, New Benin market, and Ekiosa market. These markets are Important for trade and commerce in the city.
Additionally, Oredo LGA is home to the palaces of the current Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba Ewuare II, and Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, who is known as the Esama of Benin Kingdom.
The local government also plays an important role in governance, with different offices and services available for residents, including the Oredo marriage registry located on Ring Road in Benin City.
In recent times, Oredo LGA has been involved in political events, especially during the 2024 Edo State gubernatorial election.
The voting process in this area was closely monitored, and there were claims of vote suppression by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oredo LGA and two other LGAs, Egor and Ikpoba/Okha.
READ ALSO: List Of LGA’s In Ebonyi State, Capital, And LGA Chairmen
What Is The Largest Local Government Area In Edo State By Population?
Egor Local Government Area (LGA) is known as the largest by population in Edo State, Nigeria. As of 2022, its estimated population is about 502,700. This number shows how much Egor has grown and developed over the years.
Egor is located in the southern part of Edo State and is an important area around Benin City. The main office of Egor LGA is in Uselu, a busy urban center that plays a key part in the local economy and government.
The area includes several towns and villages, such as Okhoro, Use, Uwelu, Iguikpe, and Ugbighoko. Also, the people of Egor come from different ethnic backgrounds, including the Bini, Esan, and Owan.
This mix of cultures is seen in the daily lives of the residents, from the languages they speak to their celebrations and traditions. However, the main languages spoken in this area are Bini and Esan.
In terms of religion, the people practice Christianity, Islam, and different traditional African beliefs. Egor LGA covers about 93 square kilometers, and It has a tropical savannah climate.
The average temperature in Egor is around 28°C, and the humidity is about 68%. This warm climate is great for farming, and many people in Egor work in agriculture, growing crops like cassava, maize, and yams.
The economy of Egor is mainly supported by agriculture, trade, and small businesses. The fertile land helps farmers grow many types of food.
In towns like Uselu, markets are bustling with activity, where people buy and sell from fresh produce to household items.