The Etsakọ people are one of the major ethnic group in the northern region of Edo State, Nigeria. They are historically linked to the ancientBenin kingdom. Administratively, they presently occupy three local government areas of Edo State. These are: Etsako East, Etsako West and Etsako Central, with Agenebode, Auchi, and Fugar as their administrative headquarters respectively.[1]
The people of Owan are also known as Etsako. The Etsako, Owan, and Akoko-Edo people are often referred to as the Afenmai (Edo North), a land of warriors occupying the sprawling hills and valleys of Northern Edo state, that were derogatorily tagged Kukuruku people by the invading colonialist, in memory of the rallying "battle cry" code-sound of the people. The Afenmai people have close linguistic and historical relationships.[2][3] The local tradition of origin often traces their migration from Benin, which many oral traditionalists attribute probably to have happened around the 14th century BC. It is believed their ancestors settled in south Ibie before groups started moving to populate the other area they occupied like the Weppa Wanno lands, Okpella land, Uzaurue, etc.[4][5]
Etsako land is naturally blessed with arable farmlands, natural minerals, freshwater streams, and rivers including the Niger River, well distributed in every community across the vast plains, valleys, and hills, including mineral-rich mountains that decorate Etsako land. Naturally, Etsako people are traditionally engaged in crop and animal farming, fishery, hunting, and trading in the raw materials and by-products of these industries.[6] While many still engage in the traditional occupation of the people, industrialization and diversification have happened over many centuries. Today, Etsako people are prominently engaged in almost every known trade, occupation, and work in Nigeria and the world.
Etsako people predominantly practice farming with very fertile land that produces groundnut, yam, maize, rice in a large wide range, and cassava.[7] Mineral resources such as Coal, Limestone, Potassium, and precious stones of large commercial quantities are found in Etsako land. Compared to others Edo state, Security in Etsako land is better, and the people greatly host visitors.
Religion
Today, the Etsako people practice traditional religion, Christianity, and Islam.[8]Oghena, Osinegba, Osi, and Oshio are the common words used to refer to God in different communities and dialects of the Etsako people.[9]
Music
Etsako People are widely known for their Etsakor music.[citation needed] Examples of Etsakor artists:[10]
Omoake Oshiomha a.k.a. (Omowinsone of Imiegba included are the late Bolivia's son popularly known as Constantinopos Bolivia Osigbemhe (avi no pie), Ekpe Young, etc.,
^Enegbuma, Stanley; Odigie, Albert (2019). "Okpekpe North Ibie (Northern Edo) Resistance to the Nupe Ghazi (Raids) in the 19th Century". Journal of Benin and Edo Studies. 4: 68–87.
^Ekunwe, Peter A; Emokaro, Christopher O; Aigba, Grace A (2013). "Socio-economic Determinants of Output of Groundnut Production in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria". Albanian Journal of Agricultural Sciences. 12 (1): 111–116. ProQuest1315137085.
^Nitzova, Petya (June 1992). "Islam and Christianity in south Eastern Europe: An attempt for reappraisal of an interfaith encounter". Religion Today. 7 (3): 14–17. doi:10.1080/13537909208580676.
