Igede
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| Approx. 1 million | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Nigeria: Benue State, Cross-River State, Ogun State, Osun State | |
| Languages | |
| Igede | |
| Religion | |
| Christianity, Traditional Religion | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Idoma, Tiv, Etulo, Cross-River Languages |
The Igede people are the third largest ethnic group in present-day Benue State of Nigeria. They are native to the Oju and Obi local government areas of Nigeria, where 2006 population figures stand at an estimated 267,198 people. However, a large number of Igede people are dispersed across the state and the Nation. For instance, the Igede language is also spoken in Nigeria's Cross River State, and a large number of Igede communities exist in Osun State and Ogun State. The Igede language is a member of the Benue-Congo subgroup of the Niger-Congo language family. Igede.org is the unofficial online community of Igede people.
The Oju Local Government Area was created in 1976 and shares boundaries with present-day Obi, Ado, Konshisha and Gwer East Local Government Areas of Benue State, Ebonyi and Izzi Local Government Areas of Ebonyi State, and Yala Local Government Area of Cross River State. It is headquartered in Oju Town.
The Obi local government area was created in 1996 and has its headquarters at Obarike-Ito. The local government area derives its name from the Obi stream that flows in the area and shares boundary with Ado, Otukpo and Oju local government areas of Benue State.
The Igede trace their origin to Sabon Gida Ora in present-day Edo state. They are said to be the descendants of Agba, a high chief in Sabon Gida Ora. A skirmish between the Igede and the natives of Ora led to their migration from that region to present-day Benue state through Nsukka in Enugu state. This historical event in Igede history is commonly recounted in song and drama, for instance the record and drama piece "Ego ny'Igede".
Archival records portray them as migrants from Ogoja province who have increasingly adopted the culture and practices of the Idoma.
Politically, the Igede fall under the Zone C senatorial district.
The Igede are predominantly farmers cultivating maize, cassava, groundnut and yams. Igede is home of the popular Igede-Agba festival, a colourful annual celebration that marks the yam harvest season in September.
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