Edo State is located in southern Nigeria, within the South-South geopolitical zone. The state was ranked as the 20th most populous state in Nigeria, with an estimated population of 5,250,000 in 2024.
Historical Context
The Mid-Western Region, a division of Nigeria, was formed in 1963 from the Benin and Delta provinces of the Western Region, with Benin City as its capital. In 1967, it became the Midwest State. During the Nigerian Civil War, Biafran forces invaded the state, declaring it the "Republic of Benin," which collapsed a day later when Nigerian troops retook Benin City.
Edo State was officially established on August 27, 1991, when Bendel State was split into Edo and Delta States.
Demographics and Culture
Edo State is a diverse state predominantly inhabited by the Edoid people, including the Edo (or Bini), Esan, Ora, Akoko-Edo, Ijaw Owan and Afemai people and Igala people among others. The most common Edoid language spoken is the Edo language, which is commonly spoken in Benin City.
The main ethnic groups in Edo State are Édo, Etsako, Esan, Owan, and Akoko Edo. Some groups trace their origin to Benin City, and their dialects vary with their distance from Benin City. The Edo speaking people occupy seven out of the 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state and constitute 57.54% of the total population. Others are as follows: Esan (14.14%), Igala in Esan South East LGA 3%, Etsako (12.19%), Owan (7.43%), Ijaw (6%) and Akoko Edo (5.70%). There are also Igarra speaking communities in Akoko Edo, Itsekiri communities in Ikpoba-Okha, and Ijaw Izons and Urhobos in Ovia North East and South West Local Government Areas, especially in the borderlands.
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Religion
Christianity is the dominant religion in Edo State. It was first introduced to the region by Portuguese missionaries during the 15th century.
Political Organization
The Edo people's political organization is expressed in a three-tier age group system that cuts across kin groups and makes age, rather than lineage affiliation, a criterion of authority. Benin City itself is organized on the basis of age-grades similar to those of the villages as well as on the basis of wards and chiefs, both hereditary and non-hereditary, serving the Oba in specialised functions.
Edo State consists of eighteen (18) local government areas. The Edo State House of Assembly is the legislative body. The electoral system of each state is selected using a modified two-round system. To be elected in the first round, a candidate must receive the plurality of the vote and over 25% of the vote in at least two -third of the State local government Areas.
Hon. Monday Okpebholo is the current governor of Edo State and was sworn into office on 12 November 2024. His deputy is Dennis Idahosa.
Climate and Economy
Edo state has a Tropical wet and dry or savanna climate with yearly temperature of 28.78 °C (83.8 °F) and it is -0.68% lower than Nigeria's averages.
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The state produces crude oil and other mineral resources like limestone and quarry.
Edo State Postal Codes
Edo State has a postal code range of 300001 to 313111.
Are you searching for Edo State Postal Codes, Edo zip codes or any postal code under Edo state? you have come to the right place. To quickly see the postcode of any area you need, type the name in the search box and it will appear immediately.
The address of the NIPOST headquarters in Edo State is the General Post Office Airport Road in Benin City.
Facts and Figures
With Benin City as capital, the population of the entire state is approximately 5 million. However, the State has a high presence of residents from across the country and the world because of its cosmopolitan tendencies. Benin City has a history of being one of the foremost destinations of Europeans during their exploration of Africa continent many centuries ago.
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English is the official language of the state. The Etsako/Afemai people of Edo state have the highest population of Muslims.
Key Data at a Glance:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Geopolitical Zone | South-South |
| Capital | Benin City |
| Major Ethnic Groups | Edo (Binis), Esan, Owan, Afemai |
| Dominant Religion | Christianity |
| Postal Code Range | 300001 to 313111 |
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