Esan History Since 850BC

10/08/2026

ESAN NAMES AND MEANINGS

* Izehinosen- I choose a good destiny
* Aizighode- a child cannot be bought with money
* Aizehinomon- you don't choose a child's destiny
* Irenosen - I came well
* Ihinosen - I convenated well with my destiny
* Onolunosen- The person who does well/right
* Aimiebenomon- there is nothing greater than child
* Omonefe- child is great than riches
* Omozuwa- child brings wealth
* Omozusi - child engenders never-ending fame/ legacy/lineage
* Akoamhen- Let's prosper/ succeed together
* Ebinehita - My convenant with destiny
* Ovienloba- a servant cannot be a king
* Aiwanose- You can't be wiser than God
* Ihensekhien- let the curse be reversed
* Ainojietine - you don't challenge/strive with a king
* Ehizojie - God chooses king
* Imeyikè- I am not different
* Uwameiye- I am in my house
* Omonfomhan- child is a deliverer/redeemer
* Ehikhuemhen - I thank God/guardian spirit
* Obibhunu- black-mouthed
* Ibhazobe - I didn't speak evil
* Ibhagbosoria - I didn't kill/harm someone's child
* Osezefua- God engenders light/success
* Aihebholoria- You don't reject your place/town
* Agbonkhese- human beings are the unseen forces contending with fellow humans
* Aburekhan- one followed by a multitude
* Aituajie/Eituajie- it's not ideal to laugh or make mockery in a hurry
* Abhulimhen- the verdict is in my favour
* Enaholo/Enahoro- these are the ones desired
* Ehizokhale- it is God who makes one great
* Oseidobor- God does not make mistakes
* Omonkhose- Child is the beauty
* Omejele- child of esteem, exalted one
* Oshioikhina- I am wary of friends
* Aiwanfo- one can never have infinite wisdom
* Aiwansubhor- death defies wisdom.
* Odianosen- it is well, fine
*Omonzehio-Child brings pride
*Ekeleoseye-beauty is in the heart
*Ikuenobe-I will not succumb to evil
*Ireobhude-I hearken to advice
*Akaehomhen-they are listening to me
*Aigbojie-You dont fight/beat a king
*Inokpoare-I come from a great home
*Abumhenre/Abumere-come to me
*Isimhenmhen/Isimemen-I prosper in a foreign land
* Isibhakhomen - foreign land was not unfair/
unfavourable to me
*Onakhuerekhanlen-the pursued
*Iyebagbe-I am not one to be killed
*Ebemhen-what is good
*Ejemhen-good place
*Edewede-the day still breaks
*Isokun-I have gotten to the top
*Isowa-I have reached my house
*Ehiaghe-looking up to destiny
*Odalomeiye-I am at the forefront
* Odaloighe- I look forward
*Emoagbon-issues of life
*Omoaghe-because of the child
*Ivie-precious child
*Oze- silver
* Ekan- gold
*Ebimienbhagbon-my life experience
*Oriabure- it is people we go to
*Abhulimhen/Abhulimen-judgement is delivered in my favour
*Oseghale-God plans
*Ebosele-divination/medicine has worked/succeded
*Asuelinmhen-let my name be mentioned
*Olumhense/Olumese-He does me right
*Ehimhen/Ehimen-my guardian angel/goodluck
*Iluobe-I do no wrong/evil
*Osezua-it's God that gives wealth
*Oaikhena-I'm wary of my family/home
*Inegbenehi-I seek God's protection
*Inegbedion-I seek the elders' protection
*Okhueleigbe-that your name is repeatedly slandered or maligned does not harm/kill you
*Okosun-Son of shrine
*Okouromi-son, friend of Uromi
* Okoyomon- son, friend of Oyomon
* Okoinemen- son, friend of Inemen
* Okoemu- son, friend of Emu
Idenekpoma-I am coming for Ekpoma
*Okotue/Omotue-pastor, a regular church goer or church worker
*Oseidobor/Ehiidobor-God does not make mistakes
*Oseikhuemhen/Ehikhuemhen-it is God I praise
*Ohainlo-miracle, marvel
*Oinoghose/oiloghose-it is not hard for God
*Onuwabhagbe-one whom the family has not betrayed or given out to be harmed/killed.
*Otibhor/Otimhenbhor-this makes me glad
*Uhonmhonebamhon-one's life is greater than one-s possessions
*Uwahimhinre/oahimhinre-it is one's home one strives to bring things to
*Uwayemen-I love wealth
*Iboi-boy
*Akhigbe-this one will not be killed
*Odegua-she has mixed up with(given to the only female child among males)
*Oseholen-God has heard
*Amiende-a child cant be bought
*Ebhodaghe-people are seeing, the world is a witness
*Erejele/Ejele-father of exaltation/esteem
*Esene-evil will not triumph
*Emiowele-one wakes up to behold the dawning of the day
*Itulah-I have blossomed
*Anetor -obedience of the law(by not doing things that are forbidden in the land) engenders long life
*Ibhakewanlan-I didnt get wise early
*Irobekhian-I dislike evil, I dont go with evil
* Omobera-child of esteem, child of my right hand
*Omonkherebhe-all are children
*Onahoemhonlen-the beloved
*Oseigbovo/Osaigbovo-God is not jealous
*Ehigiator-the guardian angel /God allows one to live long
*Oriarewo-one who appears strong, tough draws his/her strength, confidence from another, enjoys the backing of another
*Eigbibhalu- you don't fight/harm/punish the innocent
*Ibhalu - Innocent
*Osemhen/Osemen - my own
* Osedebamhen, Osedebamen- God is with me
* Obeimhen/Obeime- Evil is not good
* Aimioshior - no friend
*Obhafuoso- no one is completely free from the troubles and challenges of life, no one is perfect
* Odibo- servant
* Eidenojie/Aidenojie- you cannot unmake/change a king
*Oseatofo- God has the final say
* Aigbedion/Eigbedion- you don't fight/strive with elders
* Ighodalo - I am looking forward
* Ekpen - respect
* Esele- gift
* Ebhomeiye- I am in my place/land
* Efua- light/sunshine
* Osebor- God builds
* Iyere- I remember/remembrance
*Ikhuoria- I am after no one. I don't pursue people
* omoijade- My child will not let me fall, let me down
* Oigbochie- he will not go back
* Omochiere- My child has returned
* Omonigho- child is greater than wealth
* Okalo- first
* Aiyegbeni- no one wants their neighbour's good
* Aigbokhan- you don't fight/harm a person for no just cause
* Udo(h) - rock
* Omoehi- child of destiny
* Eboseremhen- What God gave me
* Ebehiremhen- what destiny gave me
* Iziengboya- I endure hardship/suffering
* Iziengbe - patience
* Aizonofe- You don't choose who will be rich
* Onolememen- the person who wishes me well
* Otaigbe- Gossip, slanderous talk don't kill
* Ibhawo- I am not strong (diabolically)
* Ihoezor- I don't want quarrel/trouble/dispute
* Ihoeghian- I don't want enemity
* Ikhide -I will not fall
* Unuagbontokpa- People are not consistent in their opinion/view
* Ebeagbor- What will survive
* Agbonmeirele- I came to my own life
* Omokhojie - child is king
* Egbele - family
* Ikpe-a - three years
* Ebea - three bags
* Ehiabhi- Pleading with destiny/God
* Ogun - strong like an iron, god of iron
* Esangbedo - Esans don't fight/harm the Binis
* Onosolease- The person whose word/decision will prevail
* Onomheasike- You draw close to good people,
* Osebhuohien- God is the judge
* Ojomon- Special child
* Edujie - day of feast/celebration
* Ehizibue - God engenders longevity
* Obeimhen/Obeime- evil is not good
* Ifada - father
* Ezehi - you cannot choose destiny
* Enojie- you cannot be greater than a king
* Oranomigho - tree that produces money
* Usifoh - fame/legacy/lineage is interminable, never-ending
* Ojiefoh - king/kingship is interminable/never-ending
* Omoifoh - child is interminable, never-ending
* Okpeaifo/ Oriaifo_ man/person is interminable, never-endingESAN NAMES AND MEANINGS

* Izehinosen- I choose a good destiny
* Aizighode- a child cannot be bought with money
* Aizehinomon- you don't choose a child's destiny
* Irenosen - I came well
* Ihinosen - I convenated well with my destiny
* Onolunosen- The person who does well/right
* Aimiebenomon- there is nothing greater than child
* Omonefe- child is great than riches
* Omozuwa- child brings wealth
* Omozusi - child engenders never-ending fame/ legacy/lineage
* Akoamhen- Let's prosper/ succeed together
* Ebinehita - My convenant with destiny
* Ovien-luoba- a servant cannot be a king
* Aiwanose- You can't be wiser than God
* Ihensekhien- let the curse be reversed
* Ainojietine - you don't challenge/strive with a king
* Ehizojie - God chooses king
* Imeyikè- I am not different
* Uwameiye- I am in my house
* Omonfomhan- child is a deliverer/redeemer
* Ehikhuemhen - I thank God/guardian spirit
* Obibhunu- black-mouthed
* Ibhazobe - I didn't speak evil
* Ibhagbosoria - I didn't kill/harm someone's child
* Osezefua- God engenders light/success
* Aihebholoria- You don't reject your place/town
* Agbonkhese- human beings are the unseen forces contending with fellow humans
* Aburekhan- one followed by a multitude
* Aituajie/Eituajie- it's not ideal to laugh or make mockery in a hurry
* Abhulimhen- the verdict is in my favour
* Enaholo/Enahoro- these are the ones desired
* Ehizokhale- it is God who makes one great
* Oseidobor- God does not make mistakes
* Omonkhose- Child is the beauty
* Omejele- child of esteem, exalted one
* Oshioikhina- I am wary of friends
* Aiwanfo- one can never have infinite wisdom
* Aiwansubhor- death defies wisdom.
* Odianosen- it is well, fine
*Omonzehio-Child brings pride
*Ekeleoseye-beauty is in the heart
*Ikuenobe-I will not succumb to evil
*Ireobhude-I hearken to advice
*Akaehomhen-they are listening to me
*Aigbojie-You dont fight/beat a king
*Inokpoare-I come from a great home
*Abumhenre/Abumere-come to me
*Isimhenmhen/Isimemen-I prosper in a foreign land
* Isibhakhomen - foreign land was not unfair/
unfavourable to me
*Onakhuerekhanlen-the pursued
*Iyebagbe-I am not one to be killed
*Ebemhen-what is good
*Ejemhen-good place
*Edewede-the day still breaks
*Isokun-I have gotten to the top
*Isowa-I have reached my house
*Ehiaghe-looking up to destiny
*Odalomeiye-I am at the forefront
* Odaloighe- I look forward
*Emoagbon-issues of life
*Omoaghe-because of the child
*Ivie-precious child
*Oze- silver
* Ekan- gold
*Ebimienbhagbon-my life experience
*Oriabure- it is people we go to
*Abhulimhen/Abhulimen-judgement is delivered in my favour
*Oseghale-God plans
*Ebosele-divination/medicine has worked/succeded
*Asuelinmhen-let my name be mentioned
*Olumhense/Olumese-He does me right
*Ehimhen/Ehimen-my guardian angel/goodluck
*Iluobe-I do no wrong/evil
*Osezua-it's God that gives wealth
*Oaikhena-I'm wary of my family/home
*Inegbenehi-I seek God's protection
*Inegbedion-I seek the elders' protection
*Okhueleigbe-that your name is repeatedly slandered or maligned does not harm/kill you
*Okosun-Son of shrine
*Okouromi-son, friend of Uromi
* Okoyomon- son, friend of Oyomon
* Okoinemen- son, friend of Inemen
* Okoemu- son, friend of Emu
Idenekpoma-I am coming for Ekpoma
*Okotue/Omotue-pastor, a regular church goer or church worker
*Oseidobor/Ehiidobor-God does not make mistakes
*Oseikhuemhen/Ehikhuemhen-it is God I praise
*Ohainlo-miracle, marvel
*Oinoghose/oiloghose-it is not hard for God
*Onuwabhagbe-one whom the family has not betrayed or given out to be harmed/killed.
*Otibhor/Otimhenbhor-this makes me glad
*Uhonmhonebamhon-one's life is greater than one-s possessions
*Uwahimhinre/oahimhinre-it is one's home one strives to bring things to
*Uwayemen-I love wealth
*Iboi-boy
*Akhigbe-this one will not be killed
*Odegua-she has mixed up with(given to the only female child among males)
*Oseholen-God has heard
*Amiende-a child cant be bought
*Ebhodaghe-people are seeing, the world is a witness
*Erejele/Ejele-father of exaltation/esteem
*Esene-evil will not triumph
*Emiowele-one wakes up to behold the dawning of the day
*Itulah-I have blossomed
*Anetor -obedience of the law(by not doing things that are forbidden in the land) engenders long life
*Ibhakewanlan-I didnt get wise early
*Irobekhian-I dislike evil, I dont go with evil
* Omobera-child of esteem, child of my right hand
*Omonkherebhe-all are children
*Onahoemhonlen-the beloved
*Oseigbovo/Osaigbovo-God is not jealous
*Ehigiator-the guardian angel /God allows one to live long
*Oriarewo-one who appears strong, tough draws his/her strength, confidence from another, enjoys the backing of another
*Eigbibhalu- you don't fight/harm/punish the innocent
*Ibhalu - Innocent
*Osemhen/Osemen - my own
* Osedebamhen, Osedebamen- God is with me
* Obeimhen/Obeime- Evil is not good
* Aimioshior - no friend
*Obhafuoso- no one is completely free from the troubles and challenges of life, no one is perfect
* Odibo- servant
* Eidenojie/Aidenojie- you cannot unmake/change a king
*Oseatofo- God has the final say
* Aigbedion/Eigbedion- you don't fight/strive with elders
* Ighodalo - I am looking forward
* Ekpen - respect
* Esele- gift
* Ebhomeiye- I am in my place/land
* Efua- light/sunshine
* Osebor- God builds
* Iyere- I remember/remembrance
*Ikhuoria- I am after no one. I don't pursue people
* omoijade- My child will not let me fall, let me down
* Oigbochie- he will not go back
* Omochiere- My child has returned
* Omonigho- child is greater than wealth
* Okalo- first
* Aiyegbeni- no one wants their neighbour's good
* Aigbokhan- you don't fight/harm a person for no just cause
* Udo(h) - rock
* Omoehi- child of destiny
* Eboseremhen- What God gave me
* Ebehiremhen- what destiny gave me
* Iziengboya- I endure hardship/suffering
* Iziengbe - patience
* Aizonofe- You don't choose who will be rich
* Onolememen- the person who wishes me well
* Otaigbe- Gossip, slanderous talk don't kill
* Ibhawo- I am not strong (diabolically)
* Ihoezor- I don't want quarrel/trouble/dispute
* Ihoeghian- I don't want enemity
* Ikhide -I will not fall
* Unuagbontokpa- People are not consistent in their opinion/view
* Ebeagbor- What will survive
* Agbonmeirele- I came to my own life
* Omokhojie - child is king
* Egbele - family
* Ikpe-a - three years
* Ebea - three bags
* Ehiabhi- Pleading with destiny/God
* Ogun - strong like an iron, god of iron
* Esangbedo - Esans don't fight/harm the Binis
* Onosolease- The person whose word/decision will prevail
* Onomheasike- You draw close to good people,
* Osebhuohien- God is the judge
* Ojomon- Special child
* Edujie - day of feast/celebration
* Ehizibue - God engenders longevity
* Obeimhen/Obeime- evil is not good
* Ifada - father
* Ezehi - you cannot choose destiny
* Einojie- you cannot be greater than a king
* Oranomigho - tree that produces money
* Usifoh - fame/legacy/lineage is interminable, never-ending
* Ojiefoh - king/kingship is interminable/never-ending
* Omoifoh - child is interminable, never-ending
* Okpeaifo/ Oriaifo_ man/person is interminable, never-ending

21/07/2026

HISTORY OF OKUKU AND OTHER ESAN HAIRSTYLE, THEIR SIGNIFICANCE

ETO-OKUKU - Okuku is more than a hairstyle, it was an Esan ancient tradition arranged for a deceased wealthy family. it doesn’t belongs to the BINIS, OBA, OJIE, QUEEN or CHIEFS. In modern history, it became a popular hairstyle for young Esan bride.

Okuku hairstyle consisted of one long piece tied together at the top with 'a parrot's red feather. It denoted the longevity of a dead man, and his wealth, for the more wives that took part at this ceremony, the wealthier he was taken. Only women whose first babies survived were entitled to plait this hair for another. Incentive for women of a compound to do all they can, to ensure survival of their first born.

The Chief Celebrant or heir to the dead man gave each of the women taking part a white head-tie with which the Eto-Okuku was tied. For the next seven days, they received special and preferential treatments. No sleeping in dirty and un-rubbed house, no eating of soup without meat, no load carrying, no servile work, and in fact for them, it was seven days of dignified life. On the seventh day, the hair was undone by the presentation of a basket of seven yams to each of the women by the heir.

IKPODODO - Girls from the age of five to puberty usually dyed their hair orange after curling with Ikpododo; the curls hung over the forehead to be brushed aside to cover the face. This protected the girl-child from the gaze of admirers until she came of age.

ETUKE (ETO UKE)- Usually after circumcision and on reaching the husband's home, the girl stopped using Ikpododo and did her hair like full grown women. The commonest style was that of ETUKE which consisted of five pieces in all: three heaps longitudinally and one on each temporal area. Adding height to women, it was the favourite hairstyle of women of rank such as the Onojie's wives.

OJIETO(The King of hairs)- This was the ceremonial post circumcision hair-do for virtuous girls. It is only seen now in Uzea area. It is a complicated affair of beauty making use of beads and old silver coins. Those who did not have hairs long enough made use of artificial hair from dyed fibres.

ETO OMON - This was the traditional hair-do for mothers from the fourteenth day of delivery to five days before the ceremonial Hair Washing (IHOETO) and Naming Ceremony. It was worn for about three months. It' consisted of five pieces woven like native to***co coils. These were covered with EKASA (yellow soap) before the decorative imprints. In modern time only in Uromi Kingdom is the Eto-Omon still of significance.

It is now made a day before Uromi market, soaped the next morning and the woman goes to show-off at the market. Her relatives and friends follow shouting her praise and praising God for her safe delivery; while some give her monetary presents, others demand money from her for joining in praising her.

This Eto-Omon with the Ekasa was the necessity to the Hair Washing on the day of the Naming Ceremony. Sometimes the mother herself did not make the hair - her mother or guardian wore the hair-style on her behalf. Practically every Esan law, custom or prescription has a raison d'etre or an end to serve. Eto Omon is not worn just for its aesthetic beauty but ensures the newly delivered mother has an easy rest which pregnancy and labour demands.

With this stately hair-do, such a newly delivered mother finds it impossible to carry any load on her head - only the very senior wives in the Onojie's harem adorned constantly with Eto Uke (Etuke) rarely carry small load on their shoulders since they must have maids to bear any burden. Since it is not Esan custom to carry loads on their shoulders like the Gwaris, this woman cannot carry yams or firewood from the farm and perforce has to refrain from such stressful exercise hence a newly delivered was no candidate for strenuous farm work and associated labour until after the hair washing ceremony of the fourth month.

HAIR-DO OF A WIDOW -This was simple, humiliating and sorrowful. She must shave off all the hair of her scalp. Thus it is strictly forbidden for a married woman to shave her scalp otherwise (expressed in Esan proverb - 'Aba non yulu ze inenen nan rie etoa!' - it is the death of the father that made the mother shave her hair!).

MEN HAIRSTYLE - As for the men, up to the first quarter of the 19th century the men particularly of noble birth plaited their hair. The Ohens (juju priests) left their hair in long coils (ogbihiagha) while those above the middle age shaved all the scalp except a small island left on the occipital area which was plaited and an ekan bead tied to it.

Source- Esan Native Laws and Customs by Christopher Okojie

20/07/2026

WHY BINIS DO NOT HAVE A TRADITIONAL ATTIRE

The Bini people did not develop a distinctive indigenous woven traditional attire because they lived mainly in the dense rainforest, like many cultures in the South South. Where the environment was not suitable for growing cotton.

In contrast, the Esan people lived in the savanna and forest–savanna transition zones, where they were able to cultivate cotton and develop indigenous weaving traditions from ancient times.

Much of the cotton and cloth used in the Benin came through trade from Esan and northern Nigeria. This is documented.

It is only in more recent times that Bini people began buying cloth from the market and sewing skirts as part of what is now regarded as their traditional attire.

Please, disregard their propaganda online.

18/07/2026

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐎𝐛𝐚𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧

Those who are claiming people as their descendants has refused to tell us why their OBA names don’t have meaning in their so called Benin language.

1. Name: Eweka
Correct Spelling: Eweka (Ewe ee ka)
Meaning: His ways are not crooked
Ethnic Origin: yoruba

2. Name: Omobesa
Correct Spelling: Omabeosa
Meaning: The child begs the father
Ethnic Origin: Yoruba

3. Name: Ewedon
Correct Spelling: Ewedon
Meaning: By the heart (Something precious)
Ethnic Origin: yoruba

4. Name: Oguola
Correct Spelling: Oguaola
Meaning: The beginning of fortune
Ethnic Origin: Yoruba

5. Name: Ouhe
Correct Spelling: (?)
Meaning: Unknown
Ethnic Origin: Unknown

6. Name: Ezoti
Correct Spelling: Ejoti
Meaning: He refused support
Ethnic Origin: yoruba

7. Name: Olua
Correct Spelling: Oluwa
Meaning: Lord/Owner of Wealth
Ethnic Origin: yoruba

8. Name: Ebowani
Correct Spelling: Ebowani
Meaning: He did not come with him
Ethnic Origin: yoruba

9. Name: Ojolua
Correct Spelling: Ojoluwa
Meaning: The day of the lord/He looks like the lord
Ethnic Origin: yoruba

10. Name: Esige
Correct Spelling: Esigbe
Meaning: Protected by the law
Ethnic Origin: yoruba

11. Name: Osogboa
Correct Spelling: Osogbuuwa
Meaning: He threw it for wealth
Ethnic Origin: yoruba

12. Name: Ehenbuda
Correct Spelling: Eghengbuda/Ehengbuda
Meaning: Someone soft has taken the scepter(authority)/We have taken authority
Ethnic Origin: Itsekiri/Ilaje-Yoruba (Ikedu)

13. Name: Ohuon
Correct Spelling: Oron
Meaning: Heaven
Ethnic Origin: yoruba

14. Name: Ahejai
Correct Spelling: Akenjeye
Meaning: The king that enjoys life
Ethnic Origin: yoruba

15. Name: Akenbedo
Correct Spelling: Akenbenedo
Meaning: The king is in a duel with us
Ethnic Origin: yoruba

16. Name: Nakpe
Correct Spelling: Nakpe
Meaning: Priceless call
Ethnic Origin: yoruba

17. Name: Akedzua
Correct Spelling: Akenjuwa
Meaning: Bravery is greater than wealth
Ethnic Origin: Itsekiri yoruba

18. Name: Erizoyne
Correct Spelling: Eresoyen
Meaning: Profit has paid this
Ethnic Origin: Ilaje-Yoruba (Ikedu)

19. Name: Okenbuda
Correct Spelling: Akengbuda
Meaning: The king has taken the sword/The king has taken authority
Ethnic Origin: Itsekiri yoruba

20. Name: Osifu
Correct Spelling: Osifo
Meaning: Endless fame
Ethnic Origin: idu

21. Name: Esemede
Correct Spelling: Esemuede
Meaning: Nothing will prevent the day
Ethnic Origin: idu

22. Name: Adolo
Correct Spelling: Adolo
Meaning: Peacemaker
Ethnic Origin: Idu

23. Name: Overami
Correct Spelling: Oferanmi
Meaning: He loves me
Ethnic Origin: Yoruba.

16/07/2026

THE INVASION OF ESANLAND BY FULANI/NUPE IN 1800.

Before 1824, the dynasty that ruled the Nupe Kingdom was Tsoede Royal Dynasty. Unfortunately, there was a crisis between the Nupe princes as a member of the Tsoede royal family, and it’s emerged after the death of Abdullahi Tinkanko in 1783. The two principal rivals, Jimada and Majia, could not resolve their differences without inviting foreigners, e.g., The Fulani under Mallam Dendo.

These Fulani leaders who were invited, neither helped to settle the quarrel nor found a solution to the civil wars that ensued. Rather, they manipulated the situation to take over power from the two Nupe princes in 1824. This was how Dendo established a Fulani dynasty that assumed leadership in the area from 1824.

In 1860, Bida under the leadership of the Fulani adopted a violent external policy. An aggressive expansionist policy aimed at the establishment and maintenance of Nupe's control over several lands and raiding of slaves, particularly Etsako, Owan, Akoko Edo, and other Afemai communities in Northern Edo State. Their primary goal was to conquer and annex, Edo North, Esanland, down to the seacoast of the Niger Delta for their economic and political benefits.

The army under the leadership of Fulani Princes Umaru Majidi and Maliki supervised the invasion and conquest of Edo North in 1860. They were successful in their mission because of some internal collaborators who assisted the Nupe/Fulani to ensure their victory over the entire Etsako or Afemai country, due to the necessity of keeping their new titles and position of IZENI or consuls, during this period.

When they were able to establish a leadership structure in Edo North. In 1881, they invaded Ewu. Ewu was the first place the Fulani attacked in Esanland and this is due to its proximity to Agbede in Esako. Which is about 10 kilometers at Ujagbe, which was then part of Ewu. In 1882, they attacked Idoa, Ukhun, and Uzea looking for slaves. At this time, it was imperative there is a need for (Akugbe) unity in Esanland to be able to defeat the (Egbalukpon) the name Esan called Fulani.

Thus, all the kingdoms in Esanland drafted an army through their war captain Okakulo. The military defense alliance was named AKOTA. They were armed with modern weapons, fi****ms, long barrel guns, Utagbo, Blacksmiths, archers, and juju priests. The AKOTA was positioned across strategic locations in Esanland, including Ehor. The first encounter between the Akota, allied forces, and Fulani/Nupe troops lasted for more than three years. (1894-1897). It was coded Egbalukpon Nell war, meaning ‘the war of the robed ones’, because the Nupe and their collaborators robed even in war with horses.

This is how the Fulani were defeated and pushed back to Agbede in Etsakoland.

Reference
Esan Native Laws and Customs; with Ethnographic Studies of the Esan People. Dr Christopher Okojie 1960.

The Impact of Nupe Invasion on Etsako Society, 1860 - 1897. A Sociopolitical and Cultural Analysis. Hakeem Billy Harunah 1990.

13/07/2026

Before Oba of Bini migrated from Yorubaland to Igodomigodo in 13 century. There were already Ojies-Kings in our land. They recorded in their history Orominyan married Ogie Egor daughter. A marriage that never took place but a product of r**e

06/07/2026

Oba of Bini paid homage to his ancestors in ile ife.

27/06/2026

25/06/2026

According to the Ijaws of Edo State, they were the original inhabitants of the area before the Binis arrived.

22/06/2026

Ijaw communities have lived in parts of present-day Edo State for centuries, long before modern state boundaries were created. So, what’s the noise about.