Igueben

Igueben is a town of 70,000 people (2006) in Edo State.

Understand

The village is governed by a traditional ruler, called Onogie. The present Onogie is HRM Ehizogie Eluojerior. This governance system is the same as is used in the current monarchy of Benin and has been in existence since the earliest times in Benin's history.

The local language is a unique dialect of Edo and Esan. The people also use Pidgin English, which is a mixture of Portuguese, English and Esan. The majority fluently speak English due to their high levels of education.

The primary occupation in Igueben is farming. Local produce is cross-traded with the northern parts of Nigeria. They sell food products peculiar to the savannah vegetation, such as tubular roots like yam, cassava (garri), banana, and plantain.

Igueben has an area of 380 km² (150 sq mi).

Get in

Do

Cultural celebrations like the Ukpe Festival showcasing masquerades, traditional dances, family entertainment and visits, are well worth experiencing.

The Onogie's New Year Festival, Ihuan, which is similar to the Ukpe Festival, also affords further opportunities to engage with local traditional practices.