The Esan people, also known as the Ishan people, are an ethnic group from Edo State in southern Nigeria. They are one of the major groups in the Benin Empire, and their history is intertwined with that of the Benin Kingdom, which was one of the most prominent and powerful kingdoms in pre-colonial Africa.

Origins and Early History

The Esan people are believed to have originated from the Benin Kingdom, but over time, they migrated to the eastern part of the kingdom. According to Esan oral tradition, they are descendants of the same ancestors as the Edo-speaking people of the Benin Kingdom. The Esan, however, developed their own distinct cultural identity and language over time. They speak the Esan language, which is a member of the Niger-Congo language family, and they practice a mixture of traditional beliefs and Christianity, with some Islamic influence as well.

Cultural and Social Structure

The Esan people have a rich cultural heritage, with a strong emphasis on respect for elders, family ties, and community cooperation. The Esan society is traditionally organized into clans and villages, each with its own local governance structure. The people are governed by chiefs who are often selected based on hereditary or seniority lines within the clan. The traditional ruler in each village is called the Onojie, and this position is significant in both political and spiritual matters.

The Esan people have various traditional festivals, rituals, and ceremonies that highlight their cultural practices. These include rituals tied to agricultural cycles, birth, and death, as well as the famous Igue festival (also known as the festival of the ancestors) that showcases their reverence for their forebears.

The Role in the Benin Kingdom

Historically, the Esan people were part of the wider Benin Kingdom, which was ruled by the Benin monarch, the Oba. The kingdom itself was one of the most sophisticated in Africa, known for its advanced political systems, art (notably bronze works), and military prowess.

The Esan were integral to the kingdom’s success, providing soldiers and contributing to the economy. However, the region that the Esan people inhabited was located at the eastern part of the Benin Kingdom, and over time, this proximity to the capital (Benin City) led to interactions, conflicts, and alliances that influenced the Esan’s political and social development.

When the Benin Kingdom was under attack by the British during the punitive expedition of 1897, the Esan region was also affected. Many of the Esan towns, like other parts of the kingdom, were looted and burned. British colonialism also had an impact on the social and political structures of the Esan people, as well as their agricultural and economic activities.

Colonial Period and Aftermath

During the colonial period, the Esan people, like many other Nigerian ethnic groups, were subjected to British rule. The British imposed new political systems and economic structures, which affected traditional governance. Many Esan leaders were displaced or forced to work within the colonial framework, leading to some shifts in power dynamics.

The British also introduced Christianity and Western education, which led to the decline of some traditional religious practices and the adoption of Christian practices. However, many Esan people still maintain a mix of traditional beliefs alongside Christianity.

Post-Independence Era

After Nigeria gained independence in 1960, the Esan people became part of the newly formed Edo State (formerly part of the Western Region, and later the Bendel Region before Edo was created). The Esan have continued to maintain their cultural practices, language, and traditional political structures, despite the pressures of modernization and urbanization.

The region has also contributed to Nigeria’s political landscape, with notable Esan people becoming active in national governance, education, business, and the arts.

Language and Dialects

The Esan language belongs to the Edoid group of languages within the Niger-Congo family. Like other languages in the region, Esan has several dialects, and although the core language remains the same, there are slight variations in pronunciation and vocabulary depending on the locality.

Modern-Day Esan

Today, the Esan people are known for their vibrant culture, resilience, and strong community ties. Many Esan people live in the towns and cities of Edo State, particularly in the Esan Central, Esan South-East, Esan North-East, and Esan West Local Government Areas.         However, many have also migrated to other parts of Nigeria and even abroad, especially to the United States, the United Kingdom, and other parts of the world.

The Esan are primarily farmers, but they have increasingly engaged in trade, education, and government service. Agriculture, especially the cultivation of crops like yam, cassava, plantain, and cocoa, remains an important part of their livelihood. There has also been a growing interest in preserving and promoting Esan cultural practices, with efforts to teach the younger generation about their traditions and language.

Festivals and Cultural Celebrations

The Esan people celebrate a variety of cultural festivals. One of the most important is the *Igue* festival, which is a major celebration of ancestors and the traditions of the people. This festival is an occasion for spiritual reflection, honoring of elders, and the reaffirmation of community values. Other important festivals include those associated with agricultural cycles, including the planting and harvesting seasons.

The Esan Day is another important cultural event, during which Esan people come together to celebrate their heritage, reflect on their history, and promote unity within their communities.

Esanland, located in the central part of Edo State, Nigeria, comprises several Local Government Areas (LGAs) inhabited predominantly by the Esan (Ishan) people. These LGAs are part of Edo Central Senatorial District, and they are the administrative regions that make up what is traditionally referred to as Esanland.

Local Government Areas in Esanland

There are five (5) main Local Government Areas in Esanland:

1. Esan Central LGA

• Headquarters: Irrua

• Notable towns: Irrua, Ewu, Opoji, Ugbegun, and Ewossa

• Key features:

  • Home to Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH)

  • Major center for healthcare and education

  • Historically significant for traditional medicine and culture

2. Esan West LGA

• Headquarters: Ekpoma

• Notable towns: Ekpoma, Iruekpen, Ujemen, Illeh, Urohi, and Uhiele

• Key features:

  • Host of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma

  • Economically vibrant, with educational and business hubs

  • Strong traditional institutions and chieftaincy systems

3. Esan North-East LGA

• Headquarters: Uromi

• Notable towns: Uromi, Uzea, Efandion, Amedokhian

• Key features:

  • Uromi is one of the largest and most influential Esan towns

  • Historically powerful monarchy system (Onojie of Uromi)

  • Commercially active region

4. Esan South-East LGA

• Headquarters: Ubiaja

• Notable towns: Ubiaja, Oria, Ugboha, Ohordua, Okhu-Esan

• Key features:

  • Strong agricultural economy (cassava, yam, oil palm)

  • Border LGA with other ethnic groups (e.g., Ika of Delta State)

5. Igueben LGA

• Headquarters: Igueben

• Notable towns: Igueben, Egbiki, Ebelle, Amahor, Ugun

• Key features:

  • Cultural hub with preserved traditional practices

  • Historically one of the earliest Esan kingdoms

• Esanland lies in the central part of the state

• Bordered by Ovia, Orhionmwon (south), Etsako (north), and Delta State (east)

 Other Notes

• The Esan people across these LGAs share a common cultural identity, language (Esan), and traditional rulership system (Onojie).

• Each LGA has its own local government council, but traditional institutions still play an important social and cultural role.

• The Esan Development Union (EDU) and other socio-cultural organizations work to promote unity and development across these LGAs.

Summary Table

In Summary

The Esan people of Edo State, Nigeria, have a rich and diverse history that spans several centuries. While their origins are tied to the Benin Kingdom, they have developed a unique identity, culture, and language. Despite the challenges of colonialism, modernity, and migration, the Esan have maintained their cultural heritage and continue to thrive in various spheres of life.