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Surprisingly, the Etsako tribe can easily be mistaken for the Tiv tribe in Benue State, primarily because of their similar traditional attire. However, there are distinct differences between the two, which this article will explore. If you’re curious to learn more, read on until the end.
Location of the Etsako Tribe
The Etsako tribe, also known as Afemai, is located in the northern region of Edo State, in the South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria. This group is part of the ethno-linguistic minorities of Edo State.
Etsako covers an area of approximately 1,000 square miles, with the 1991 national census estimating their population at around 264,509. They inhabit six local government areas: Etsako West, with its headquarters in Auchi; Etsako Central; Etsako East; Owan East; Owan West; and Akoko Edo. Together, these areas form the Edo North senatorial district.
The Etsako people are the predominant ethnic group in northern Edo State and are historically linked to the ancient Benin Kingdom. They currently administrate three local government areas: Etsako East, Etsako West, and Etsako Central, with Agenebode, Auchi, and Fugar serving as their respective administrative headquarters.
As a border ethnic group, Etsako-land is bordered to the north by Kogi and Benue States and to the east by Anambra State.
The clans and communities within Etsako land are characterised by diverse soil and topographic features, including savannah land found in Auchi, Uzairue, Weppa-Wanno, and South-Ibie; semi-forested and swampy areas in Aviele, Anwain, Jegbe Ekperi, and South Uneme; and rocky terrain in Okpella and Akpepke.
Additionally, these communities benefit from an abundant water supply sourced from six major rivers: the River Niger, River Orle, River Edion, River Ogio, River Ogbudu, and River Obe. Aside from these, smaller streams also contribute to meeting the water needs of the local population.
History and Origin of The Etsako Tribe
Etsako is a group of people located in the northern part of Edo State, within the South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria. They are part of the ethno-linguistic minorities of Edo State, occupying three of the eighteen local government areas.
Historically, the Etsako tribe is believed to have migrated from the Benin Kingdom in the 16th century during the reign of Oba Ewuare or Oba Ozolua. Initially, they settled in the countryside of Aviele, north of the Benin Kingdom. However, dissension arose between them and the original settlers, prompting further migration northward to the area now lying between Auchi, Uzairue, and Ugioli.
This was followed by a period of peaceful expansion, during which the population grew and diversified into different clans and communities. Today, these communities are geopolitically divided into three local government areas: Etsako West, Etsako East, and Etsako Central.
The three local government areas are bordered to the south by Okpeho Local Government Area, to the north by the Okene Local Government Area of Kogi State, to the west by Owan Local Government Area, and to the east by the River Niger. Etsako West includes Auchi, Uzairue (Jettu), Agbede, Anwain, Iyaro (Ivbiaro), South-Ibie, Afashio, Aviele/Ugioli, and Warrake. Etsako East comprises Agenebode, Oshiolo, Iviagbapue, Imiiakebu, Afana, Imiegba, Itsukwi, Ayogwiri, Emokweme, Ekwother, Iviukhua, Okpella, Iviebua, Ibie, and Weppa-Wanno. Etsako Central encompasses Fugar, Anegbette, Udochi, and Ogbonna.
Despite the artificial boundaries created for administrative convenience, the people of Etsako tribe largely remain united due to a shared ancestral history and language.
The Etsako people speak a homogenous native language, commonly referred to as “Moo,” meaning “welcome.” Although there are dialectical variations and intonations, the language exhibits signs of ethno-linguistic threat. Etsako shares similarities with the Benin, Afemai, Yoruba, and Hausa languages, yet there is a general understanding of the language among those within the linguistic group.
The term “Etsako” is derived from the cultural practice of teeth splitting. Traditionally, women who remain virgins at the time of marriage are honoured by splitting their incisors. This practice was seen as a symbol of pride for the women and their families. Over time, the nomenclature of this practice evolved into the name of the people.
Religion
Atheism is a rare ideology among the Etsako people, who have historically been pro-theism, as evidenced by cultural records. Today, the Etsako community practises a mix of traditional spiritism, Christianity, and Islam. In various communities and dialects, the terms Oghena, Osinegba, Osi, and Oshio are commonly used to refer to God.
Etsako boasts the largest concentration of Muslims in Edo State. The prominence of Islam among the Etsako people has a long history, dating back to the Jihad led by followers of Uthman dan Fodio in the 19th century.
Islam entered the region now known as Edo State through the Edo North corridor, where the Etsako people are situated. The Jihad aimed to Islamise the local population, eradicating traditional beliefs such as idol worship and introducing Islamic culture and values. This cultural exchange is shared with other groups in Northern Nigeria, including the Nupe, Hausa, and Fulani peoples.
Among the Etsako people, Christianity is the predominant religion, with approximately 85% of the population identifying as Christian. This high percentage can be attributed to the early missionaries who arrived in the Waterside area of Agenebode.
A significant concentration of Muslims is found in the Auchi, Agbede, and Okpella regions.
The original religion of the Etsako people encompasses beliefs in a remote creator, lesser gods, spirits of the dead, and mythical or semi-mythical village heroes. In Etsako religious practices, adherence to the correct procedures during rituals is crucial, and breaking taboos is viewed as a form of impurity that must be ritually cleansed.
Etsako Tribe Marriage Rites
There are three primary forms of marriage among the Etsako tribe, known as Amoya, Isomi, and Enabo. Each form has distinct customs and rules, which reflect the social structure and marital obligations within the community.
Amoya Marriage
An Amoya wife is one for whom a full marriage payment has been made. In this arrangement, the husband and his descent group acquire full rights over her as a wife and mother. Under no circumstances can she leave her husband’s family, although if her husband is impotent, she may be permitted to take a lover to produce an heir. Upon the husband’s death, she passes to one of his heirs. The children born of this union are fully affiliated with the husband’s descent group.
Isomi Marriage
In an Isomi marriage, the bride’s price is lower, and the woman can terminate the marriage at anytime. Some accounts suggest that the children of an Isomi marriage are divided between the descent groups of the husband and the wife’s father. They are considered to belong to the wife’s family unless the father redeems a son by purchasing a title for him or acquiring an Amoya wife for him. Alternatively, after the father’s death, the son may choose to remain with his father’s family and inherit a share of his father’s property.
Enabo Marriage
Enabo’s marriage differs from Amoya’s in that the wife comes from a different tribe. In the Ibie community, when a man dies, his Enabo widow must marry his heir or return to her town; she cannot marry another man within her husband’s town.
Customary Practices at Fuga (Avianwu)
In Fuga, an Amoya wife is acquired when she is young, typically around four or five years old. The husband takes her away without ceremony, and she is raised in his household. He receives the full marriage payment for the daughters of the marriage, with the mother’s family receiving no share.
In contrast, an Isomi marriage at Fuga involves a smaller bride price, but the suitor expects additional services. Once accepted, the suitor begins assisting his father-in-law on the farm and fetching water and firewood for his mother-in-law. The marriage ceremony itself involves an exchange of presents between the two families. Upon arriving at her husband’s house, the bride sweeps it out with a broom, and ten days later, she begins working on her husband’s farm. She usually lives with her husband’s mother or senior wife until her children are old enough to work, although if she misbehaves, she may be moved to a separate house.
At Auchi, the bride price for an Isomi marriage is divided between the father’s and mother’s descent groups, with the mother’s family receiving the larger share.
Kinship and Marriage Class System
Marriage is forbidden between close kin; in some clans, the practice was formerly exogamous. In Uwepa, for example, there are two exogamous marriage “classes”. The children of an Amoya or Enabo wife belong to their father’s class, while the children of an Isomi wife belong to their mother’s class. This rule is upheld even if an Isomi child affiliates with his father’s people later in life.
Traditional attire
The Etsako tribe’s traditional attire is strikingly similar to the Tiv tribe in Benue State. However, there are distinct differences. Etsako women typically wear a white and black aso-oke fabric wrapped around the bust, extending to the knees or ankles, paired with an Okuku headpiece. They also adorn themselves with coral beads around the neck, wrists, and waist while holding a horsetail in one hand. Occasionally, the aso-oke may feature a touch of red along the bottom.
For men, traditional attire consists of a white long-sleeve shirt and trousers, with a black-and-white aso-oke draped across the body. Coral beads are worn around the neck and wrists; in some cases, a beaded cap is also part of the ensemble.
In modern times, the Etsako outfit has become less common, as many tribes in Edo State now adopt the Benin attire for traditional weddings, regardless of their ethnic background. However, this traditional attire remains an essential choice for Etsako brides or grooms who wish to honour their heritage on their special day.
Traditional Food
The traditional food of the Etsako people is Omitsagwe ( Groundnut soup ), which is widely eaten with pounded yams.
Occupation
Etsako land is naturally endowed with fertile farmlands, mineral resources, and an abundance of fresh water, including streams and rivers, notably the River Niger. These resources are well distributed across the region’s vast plains, valleys, and hills, adorned with mineral-rich mountains.
Traditionally, the Etsako tribe engages in crop and animal farming, fishing, hunting, and trading in raw materials and by-products from their local industries. They are also recognised as one of Nigeria’s most prominent voices of political reason, historically leading socio-political activism and people-oriented mass movements from colonial times to the present day.
