Local government areas (LGAs) in Nigeria play an important role in governance, administration, and local development. Edo State, which is located in southern Nigeria, is home to 18 LGAs, each with its own unique historical significance.
Determining what is the oldest local government in Edo State requires tracing back through colonial, pre-independence, and post-independence administrative structures.
Historical Background of Local Governments in Edo State
Edo State was created on August 27, 1991, following the division of the former Bendel State into Edo and Delta States. Before this, the region was part of the Mid-Western Region, established in 1963 after it was carved out of the Western Region. Understanding the oldest local government requires looking at the original administrative structures and how they evolved into today’s LGAs.
The modern local government system in Nigeria was formalized in 1976 under the military government, when Bendel State (which included present-day Edo State) had 12 LGAs. These LGAs were later split into the 18 that exist today.
Key Candidates for the Oldest Local Government in Edo State
Several LGAs in Edo State have strong historical claims to being the oldest, including Oredo LGA and Akoko-Edo LGA. Below is an analysis of their historical significance:
1. Oredo Local Government Area
- Capital: Benin City (Edo State Capital)
- Established: Likely 1976 as part of the local government restructuring.
- Historical Relevance: Oredo is home to Benin City, which has been a center of governance dating back to the ancient Benin Empire (11th century).
- Economic & Administrative Importance: Being the capital, Oredo houses key government institutions, financial hubs, and commercial enterprises.
Benin City has been a center of power and administration for centuries, making Oredo LGA an administrative hub even before modern local governments were established. If considering historical governance, Oredo can be viewed as the oldest LGA due to its role in pre-colonial and colonial governance.
2. Akoko-Edo Local Government Area
- Capital: Igarra
- Established: 1976, during the military restructuring of LGAs.
- Historical Relevance: Akoko-Edo is home to some of the oldest settlements in Edo State, including Igarra, Ibillo, and Ososo, with histories tracing back to the 16th century.
- Cultural Importance: The people of Akoko-Edo are historically tied to the Yoruba and Benin Kingdoms.
Akoko-Edo LGA is regarded as one of the oldest in terms of continuous settlement and indigenous communities. If the definition of “oldest” is based on ancient settlements, then Akoko-Edo is a strong contender.
Comparative Analysis of the Oldest LGAs
| LGA | Historical Significance | Year Established | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oredo | Center of governance since Benin Empire | 1976 | State capital, ancient administration |
| Akoko-Edo | Home to some of the oldest settlements | 1976 | Traditional and cultural heritage |
Conclusion
Oredo Local Government Area is the oldest local government in Edo State based on governance and administrative continuity. The answer to what is the oldest local government in Edo State depends on how “oldest” is defined.
If based on governance and administration, Oredo LGA is the oldest due to Benin City’s centuries-old role as a political and economic hub. However, if considering historical settlements, Akoko-Edo LGA is a strong candidate due to its indigenous communities predating colonial rule.
Overall, Oredo LGA stands out as the oldest in terms of governance and administrative continuity, while Akoko-Edo holds deep historical and cultural significance.
References:
- Edo State Government – About Edo
- Edo State – Wikipedia
- Digital Benin – Map
- History Of Esan West LGA, Edo State