Ekiti State History: Culture, Economy & People

At a Glance

Capital	Ado-Ekiti
Geopolitical Zone	South West
Date Created	October 1, 1996
Created From	Carved from the eastern portion of the former Ondo State
Area	6,353 km²
Governor	Biodun Oyebanji (APC) — since 2022
Nickname	Fountain of Knowledge State
No. of LGAs	16

History of Ekiti State

Pre-Colonial Ekiti — Ancient Kingdoms and Yoruba Heritage

The history of Ekiti is deeply connected to the wider history of the Yoruba people. Ekiti traditions trace the ancestry of many communities to migrations from Ile-Ife, the spiritual centre of Yoruba civilisation. Over centuries, communities established independent kingdoms and settlements across the hills and valleys of present-day Ekiti. The name Ekiti itself is associated with the numerous hills and elevated landscapes that characterise the region.

Unlike a single centralised empire, traditional Ekiti society developed through a network of autonomous kingdoms and towns, each governed by an Oba and supported by chiefs, councils and established customary institutions. Important traditional centres included Ado, Ikere, Ikole, Ijero, Ise, Ilawe, Efon, Otun, Oye and Aramoko. These kingdoms maintained political identities while sharing language, religion, ancestry and cultural traditions.

The Ekiti people were also deeply involved in the political and military struggles of nineteenth-century Yorubaland. During the period of Ibadan expansion, many Ekiti communities resisted external domination. Ekiti and Ijesha warriors participated in the wider Kiriji War, also known as the Ekiti-Parapo War, which lasted from roughly 1877 to 1893. The conflict was one of the final major civil wars of pre-colonial Yorubaland.

Colonial Ekiti — British Rule and the Ekiti-Parapo Era

British influence expanded into Ekiti during the late nineteenth century as Britain consolidated control over Yorubaland. The political structure of the region was gradually incorporated into the colonial administration of Southern Nigeria and later the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria.

The British employed a form of Indirect Rule, relying heavily on existing Obas and chiefs to administer local communities. Traditional rulers therefore remained important intermediaries between colonial officials and the population, although their authority increasingly operated within a framework controlled by the colonial government.

Missionary activity contributed to the spread of Christianity, Western education and literacy. Schools established by Christian missions helped produce an educated elite that later participated in Nigerian nationalism, public administration, journalism, education and politics.

Ekiti communities also became important agricultural areas. Cocoa, kolanut, oil palm, food crops and timber contributed to the regional economy, while towns such as Ado-Ekiti, Ikere, Ijero, Ikole and Ise developed as commercial and administrative centres.

Ekiti After Independence — Western Region and Ondo State

At Nigerian independence in 1960, the territory that now forms Ekiti State was part of the Western Region. The region was strongly influenced by the political and educational programmes associated with Chief Obafemi Awolowo and the Action Group, including the expansion of Western education.

Following the military restructuring of Nigeria in 1967, the Ekiti area became part of the new Western State. In 1976, it was incorporated into Ondo State. For many years, Ekiti communities continued to advocate for their own state because of their distinctive cultural identity, geographical concentration and desire for greater administrative representation.

The demand for a separate Ekiti State became especially strong during the state-creation debates of the 1970s, 1980s and early 1990s. Political leaders, traditional rulers and community organisations repeatedly argued that the predominantly Ekiti-speaking area should have its own state structure.

Modern Ekiti — Education, Agriculture and Governance

Ekiti State was created on 1 October 1996 by the military government of General Sani Abacha, carved out of the former Ondo State. Ado-Ekiti became the capital. The creation gave the Ekiti people a dedicated state administration after decades of agitation for greater political autonomy.

Modern Ekiti has developed a national reputation for its strong emphasis on education and learning. The state is home to major institutions including Ekiti State University, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Afe Babalola University, Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti and several colleges of education and technical institutions.

Tourism is another important part of Ekiti's identity. The Ikogosi Warm Springs, where warm and cold springs meet, is the state's best-known natural attraction. Other attractions include Arinta Waterfall, Fajuyi Memorial Park, Orole Hills, Ero Dam and several historic palaces and cultural sites.

The state's economy remains strongly agricultural. Cocoa, oil palm, kolanut, plantain, cassava, yam, rice, maize and citrus are widely cultivated. Ekiti also possesses deposits of granite, kaolin, feldspar, quartzite, tantalite, columbite, cassiterite and other minerals.

Ekiti State Creation — From Ondo State to a Separate State

Ekiti State was formally created on 1 October 1996 during the military administration of General Sani Abacha. The new state was carved out of the former Ondo State and had Ado-Ekiti as its capital.

The creation of Ekiti State followed decades of agitation for a separate administrative identity. The movement was driven by the geographical concentration of Ekiti-speaking communities, their shared cultural identity and the desire for greater political and economic representation.

At creation, Ekiti inherited a network of historic towns and traditional kingdoms including Ado, Ikere, Ijero, Ikole, Ise, Efon, Ilawe, Oye, Otun and Aramoko. Today the state has 16 Local Government Areas, while additional Local Council Development Areas have also been created by the state government.

Overview

Ekiti State is one of Nigeria's six South West states and is notable for its cultural homogeneity, extensive hills, traditional kingdoms and strong educational tradition. The state is predominantly Yoruba-speaking, with the distinctive Ekiti dialect spoken across its communities.

Ado-Ekiti serves as the administrative capital, while other major towns include Ikere-Ekiti, Ikole-Ekiti, Ijero-Ekiti, Ise-Ekiti, Efon-Alaaye, Ilawe-Ekiti, Oye-Ekiti, Otun-Ekiti and Aramoko-Ekiti.

Geography of Ekiti State

Topography

Ekiti is predominantly an upland region characterised by gently undulating plains, hills, ridges, valleys and isolated rock outcrops. Much of the state lies more than 250 metres above sea level. Prominent rocky landscapes occur around Efon-Alaaye, Ikere-Ekiti, Okemesi, Ijero and Ado-Ekiti. The abundance of hills is one of the defining physical characteristics of the state and is reflected in the meaning and identity associated with the name Ekiti.

Rivers & Waterways

Ekiti is an important watershed in southwestern Nigeria. Rivers and streams associated with the state include the Ero, Ose and Ogbese river systems, together with numerous smaller tributaries and seasonal streams. The Ero Dam is an important water infrastructure project, while springs and waterfalls contribute to the state's tourism potential.

Forests & Vegetation

Vegetation varies from relatively dense tropical forest in the southern areas to derived savanna and cultivated landscapes farther north. Agricultural land occupies a large portion of the state. Forest reserves, plantations, hills, valleys and river corridors provide ecological diversity. Cocoa, oil palm, kolanut, plantain and timber are particularly associated with the forest zone.

Climate

Climate type: Tropical wet and dry (Aw)

Ekiti experiences a tropical climate with distinct rainy and dry seasons. The rainy season generally extends from around April to October, while the dry season occurs mainly from November to March. Temperatures remain warm throughout the year, although elevated areas and the Harmattan season can produce cooler conditions. Rainfall and soil conditions support extensive agriculture across the state.

Bordering States

Ekiti State shares boundaries with: Kwara, Kogi, Ondo, Osun.

Culture & People of Ekiti State

Ethnic Groups

The population of Ekiti State is overwhelmingly Yoruba, with the Ekiti people forming a culturally distinctive Yoruba population. Traditional communities include the people of Ado, Ikere, Ijero, Ikole, Ise, Efon, Oye, Otun, Ilawe, Aramoko and many other historic towns. Smaller communities of other Nigerian ethnic groups live particularly in urban centres.

Languages

Yoruba is the dominant language, with the Ekiti dialect serving as the distinctive local variety. Pronunciation, vocabulary and expressions vary from one part of the state to another. English is the official language of government and education, while Nigerian Pidgin is understood in many urban areas.

Festivals & Celebrations

Ekiti communities celebrate numerous traditional festivals associated with kingship, agriculture, ancestors and local deities. Important celebrations include the Ujesu Festival, Olosunta Festival, Oro festivals, Egungun celebrations, New Yam festivals and traditional royal ceremonies. Different towns maintain their own annual festivals and cultural calendars.

Traditional Food

Traditional Ekiti cuisine is strongly associated with pounded yam (iyan), yam, cassava, plantain, beans, rice, maize and locally prepared soups. Popular dishes include iyan with egusi soup, efo riro, okro soup, vegetable soups, pounded yam with bush meat, amala, akara, moin-moin and various yam preparations. Palm wine and locally produced beverages are also part of traditional social life.

Traditional Attire

Traditional Yoruba clothing is common throughout Ekiti. Men wear buba and sokoto, agbada and caps, while women commonly wear buba and iro, gele and elaborately designed wrappers. Aso-oke and other handwoven fabrics are especially important during weddings, festivals, coronations and other ceremonial occasions.

Music & Dance

Traditional Ekiti music features talking drums, bata drums, omele, sekere and other Yoruba percussion instruments. Praise poetry, royal chants, folk songs and ceremonial dances are important elements of cultural expression. Music and dance are commonly performed during festivals, weddings, coronations and community celebrations.

Arts & Crafts

Traditional crafts include weaving, pottery, wood carving, beadwork, blacksmithing, basketry, textile production and leatherwork. Ekiti's historic towns have long maintained specialist craft traditions, while contemporary artists continue to combine traditional Yoruba techniques with modern creative practice.

Traditional Rulers of Ekiti State

Ado-Ekiti Kingdom

Ewi of Ado-Ekiti: Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe Aladesanmi III (since 1990)

LGA: Ado

The Ewi of Ado-Ekiti is the traditional ruler of Ado-Ekiti, the capital and one of the most historically important kingdoms in Ekiti. The Ewi's palace remains a major symbol of Ado's traditional identity and serves as a centre for royal ceremonies and cultural affairs. The kingdom played an important role in the political organisation of the Ekiti area before and during colonial rule.

Ikole Kingdom

Elekole of Ikole: Oba Adewumi Ajibade Fasiku

LGA: Ikole

The Elekole of Ikole is the traditional ruler of Ikole-Ekiti, one of the major kingdoms in northern Ekiti. Ikole has long been an agricultural and commercial centre and played an important role in the network of Ekiti kingdoms. Its royal institution remains influential in cultural and community affairs.

Ikere Kingdom

Ogoga of Ikere: Oba Adejimi Samuel Adu Alagbado, Agrilala II

LGA: Ikere

The Ogoga of Ikere is the traditional ruler of Ikere-Ekiti, a major town located in the southern part of the state. Ikere is known for its hills, agricultural activity, commerce and long-established royal institution. The kingdom's traditional identity is closely associated with the historic settlement and surrounding hills.

Ijero Kingdom

Ajero of Ijero: Oba Joseph Adebayo Adewole II

LGA: Ijero

The Ajero of Ijero is the traditional ruler of Ijero-Ekiti, an important historic kingdom in western Ekiti. Ijero developed as a significant commercial and agricultural centre and is also associated with mineral resources including feldspar, quartzite, cassiterite, tantalite and columbite.

Oye Kingdom

Oloye of Oye: Oba Oluwole Ademolaju Adugbole III

LGA: Oye

The Oloye of Oye is the traditional ruler of Oye-Ekiti, one of the historic kingdoms of Ekiti. Oye is an important agricultural community and is located near several mineral-bearing areas. Its traditional institution continues to play an important cultural and ceremonial role.

Otun Kingdom

Oore of Otun: Oba Adekunle A. Adeagbo

LGA: Moba

The Oore of Otun is the traditional ruler of Otun-Ekiti, the headquarters of Moba Local Government Area. Otun is one of the oldest and most prominent traditional centres in northern Ekiti and has historically maintained strong political and cultural links with neighbouring Yoruba communities.

Efon Kingdom

Alaaye of Efon: Oba Emmanuel Adesanya Aladejare

LGA: Efon

The Alaaye of Efon is the traditional ruler of Efon-Alaaye, a historic kingdom situated among the hills of western Ekiti. Efon is known for its distinctive mountainous landscape, traditional institutions and proximity to attractions including the Babalola religious heritage site and surrounding highlands.

Ise Kingdom

Arinjale of Ise: Oba Ayodele Adetunji Ajayi, Aweloye II

LGA: Ise/Orun

The Arinjale of Ise is the traditional ruler of Ise-Ekiti. Ise is an important agricultural town and one of the historic kingdoms of southern Ekiti. Cocoa and other agricultural products are important to the local economy.

Ilawe Kingdom

Alawe of Ilawe: Oba Adebanji Ajibade Alabi, Afuntade I

LGA: Ekiti South West

The Alawe of Ilawe is the traditional ruler of Ilawe-Ekiti, one of the major communities in southern Ekiti. Ilawe is surrounded by hills and fertile agricultural land and has long maintained a prominent royal and cultural institution.

Ido Kingdom

Olojudo of Ido: Oba Ayorinde Ilori-Faboro, Ajiboyede III

LGA: Ido/Osi

The Olojudo of Ido is one of the senior traditional rulers in Ekiti. The stool of Ido has considerable traditional importance, and the Olojudo serves as a custodian of the history, customs and cultural identity of the community.

Economy of Ekiti State

Ekiti State has a predominantly agricultural economy supported by education, commerce, public administration, small-scale manufacturing, construction, tourism and emerging mineral development. Agriculture remains one of the largest sources of employment and household income. The state's strong educational institutions also generate significant economic activity in Ado-Ekiti, Oye-Ekiti, Ikere and other university towns.

Ekiti's economic development strategy increasingly focuses on agro-processing, human capital, tourism, infrastructure, technology and the commercial exploitation of its mineral resources.

Agriculture

Major agricultural products include cocoa, oil palm, kolanut, plantain, banana, cashew, citrus, rubber, timber, rice, yam, cassava, maize and cowpea. Cocoa is especially important in Ise/Orun, Emure, Ekiti South West, Ijero and parts of Ikole. Rice, yam, cassava and maize are cultivated extensively across the state.

Natural Resources

Ekiti possesses mineral resources including kaolin and clay, granite, charnockite, gneiss, feldspar, quartzite, cassiterite, tantalite, columbite, bauxite, mica and gemstones. Ijero is particularly associated with feldspar, quartzite, cassiterite, tantalite and columbite, while granite and other dimension stones occur around Ado, Ikere, Oye and other areas.

Industries

Industrial activity is dominated by agro-processing, food processing, palm-oil processing, cassava processing, cocoa-related activities, quarrying, construction materials, furniture, textiles and small-scale manufacturing. Educational institutions also function as major economic anchors by supporting employment, accommodation, transport, retail and services.

Commerce & Trade

Ado-Ekiti is the principal commercial centre, while Ikere, Ikole, Ijero, Oye, Ise, Ilawe, Efon, Otun and Aramoko serve as important regional markets. Agricultural produce, food products, textiles, building materials and consumer goods are traded through markets throughout the state.

Government of Ekiti State

Since its creation, Ekiti State has been governed by the following:

#	Name	Party	Period	Note
1	Biodun Oyebanji	APC	2022 — Present
2	Mohammed Bawa		1996 — 1998	Military Administrator — first administrator of Ekiti State after its creation on 1 October 1996.
3	Atanda Yusuf		1998 — 1999	Military Administrator — served during the final phase of military rule before the return to democratic government in May 1999.
4	Niyi Adebayo	AD	1999 — 2003	Civilian Governor — first elected Governor of Ekiti State and served during the first term of the Fourth Republic.
5	Ayo Fayose	PDP	2003 — 2006	Civilian Governor — served from May 2003 until October 2006. His administration ended following political crisis and declaration of a state of emergency.
6	Friday Aderemi		2006 — 2006	Acting Governor — briefly served as Speaker and Acting Governor during the political crisis of October 2006.
7	Tunji Olurin		2006 — 2007	Military Administrator — appointed following the declaration of a state of emergency in Ekiti State.
8	Tope Ademiluyi		2007 — 2007	Acting Governor — served briefly during the transition before the inauguration of the elected government.
9	Segun Oni	PDP	2007 — 2010	Civilian Governor — elected in 2007. His election was challenged and eventually nullified by the courts, after which the electoral process was repeated.
10	Kayode Fayemi	ACN	2010 — 2014	Civilian Governor — first term. His administration focused strongly on education, infrastructure, institutional reform and human development.
11	Ayo Fayose	PDP	2014 — 2018	Civilian Governor — second term. Returned to office after defeating incumbent Kayode Fayemi in the 2014 election.
12	Kayode Fayemi	APC	2018 — 2022	Civilian Governor — second non-consecutive term. His administration emphasised education, infrastructure, agriculture, governance reform and economic development.
13	Biodun Oyebanji	APC	2022 — Present	Civilian Governor — incumbent Governor of Ekiti State. Sworn in on 16 October 2022 and serving his current term.

Full governors history →

Education & Institutions in Ekiti State

Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti State — Est. 1982 — Ado LGA
Federal University Oye-Ekiti Federal — Est. 2011 — Oye LGA
Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti Private — Est. 2009 — Ado LGA
Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti Federal — Est. 1979 — Ado LGA

Landmarks & Tourist Attractions in Ekiti State

Ikogosi Warm Spring

Ekiti West LGA

Ikogosi Warm Spring is Ekiti State's most famous natural attraction and one of Nigeria's best-known spring destinations. It is remarkable because a warm spring and a cold spring flow side by side before meeting at a confluence while retaining different thermal characteristics for part of their course. The attraction is located in Ikogosi in Ekiti West Local Government Area.

The spring is surrounded by hills, forest and attractive landscapes, making it suitable for eco-tourism and recreation. The warm water emerges from the surrounding geological formation before joining the cold spring downstream.

Arinta Waterfall

Ekiti West LGA

Arinta Waterfall is a spectacular natural attraction near Ipole-Iloro in Ekiti West Local Government Area. Water cascades over a rocky landscape surrounded by vegetation and hills. The waterfall forms part of the wider tourism circuit around Ikogosi and the Efon highlands.

The site is particularly attractive during and after the rainy season when water flow is stronger. Visitors should use local guides and exercise caution around wet rocks and steep terrain.

Fajuyi Memorial Park

Ado LGA

Fajuyi Memorial Park in Ado-Ekiti commemorates Colonel Adekunle Fajuyi, the former Military Governor of the Western Region who was killed during the July 1966 coup. Fajuyi is remembered in Ekiti history as a military officer associated with loyalty, courage and sacrifice.

The park serves as a memorial and a location for remembrance ceremonies. It is one of the important historical landmarks in the state capital.

Orole Hills

Ikere LGA

The Orole Hills around Ikere-Ekiti form part of the dramatic hill landscape for which southern Ekiti is known. The rocky formations provide panoramic views and are associated with local history, legends and traditional cultural practices.

Ero Dam

Irepodun/Ifelodun LGA

Ero Dam is an important water infrastructure facility in Ekiti State. The reservoir supports water supply and provides opportunities for irrigation and agricultural development. The surrounding landscape also contributes to the state's ecological and tourism potential.

Alaaye Palace, Efon-Alaaye

Efon LGA

The palace of the Alaaye of Efon is an important centre of traditional authority and cultural heritage in Efon-Alaaye. The palace represents the long history of the Efon kingdom and remains relevant to royal ceremonies, community leadership and cultural preservation.

Ewi Palace, Ado-Ekiti

Ado LGA

The Ewi Palace is the traditional seat of the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti. It is one of the most important symbols of Ado-Ekiti's traditional identity and serves as a centre of royal ceremonies, cultural affairs and community history.

Olosunta Hills

Ikere LGA

The Olosunta Hills are among the most culturally significant natural landscapes around Ikere-Ekiti. The hills are associated with traditional beliefs and annual cultural activities and provide an important example of the relationship between Ekiti communities, landscape and indigenous spirituality.

All landmarks →

Notable People from Ekiti State

Afe Babalola (1929) — Senior Nigerian lawyer, founder of Afe Babalola University and prominent educationist and legal scholar associated with Ekiti State.
Wole Olanipekun (1951) — Senior Advocate of Nigeria, prominent constitutional lawyer and former President of the Nigerian Bar Association.
Femi Falana (1958) — Senior Advocate of Nigeria and prominent human-rights lawyer and activist with deep professional and family connections to Ekiti.

Politics & Government

Niyi Adebayo (1958) — First elected Governor of Ekiti State from 1999 to 2003 and former Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment.
Ayo Fayose (1960) — Governor of Ekiti State from 2003 to 2006 and again from 2014 to 2018; prominent Peoples Democratic Party politician.
Kayode Fayemi (1965) — Governor of Ekiti State from 2010 to 2014 and 2018 to 2022; former Minister of Mines and Steel Development and former President of the Nigerian Governors' Forum.
Segun Oni (1954) — Governor of Ekiti State from 2007 to 2010 and former prominent Peoples Democratic Party and Social Democratic Party politician.
Biodun Oyebanji (1967) — Governor of Ekiti State since 2022 and a prominent political figure in the state.

Military

Adekunle Fajuyi (1926–1966) — Military officer and first Military Governor of the Western Region; remembered for his role during the July 1966 coup and his death alongside Head of State Aguiyi Ironsi.

Religion

Joseph Ayo Babalola (1904–1959) — Nigerian Christian evangelist and one of the founding spiritual figures of the Christ Apostolic Church movement; strongly associated with Efon-Alaaye.

Entertainment

Yinka Ayefele (1968) — Nigerian gospel musician, broadcaster and media entrepreneur associated with Ekiti State.

Full notable people list →

Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Ekiti State

Ekiti State has 16 Local Government Areas:

Ado — HQ: Ado-Ekiti (345 km²) Ado Local Government Area contains the capital of Ekiti State and is the most populous LGA in the state.
Efon — HQ: Efon-Alaaye (243 km²) Efon is one of the historic kingdoms of western Ekiti and is known for its hills, traditional institutions and proximity to major tourism attractions.
Ekiti East — HQ: Omuo-Ekiti (334 km²) Ekiti East is one of the eastern LGAs of Ekiti State and has Omuo-Ekiti as its headquarters.
Ekiti South West — HQ: Ilawe-Ekiti (404 km²) Ekiti South West is one of the major agricultural LGAs in southern Ekiti State and is headquartered in Ilawe-Ekiti.
Ekiti West — HQ: Aramoko-Ekiti (353 km²) Ekiti West contains some of Ekiti State's best-known natural attractions, including the Ikogosi Warm Spring and Arinta Waterfall areas.
Emure — HQ: Emure-Ekiti (268 km²) Emure is a historic Ekiti community located in the southern part of the state.
Gbonyin — HQ: Ode-Ekiti (346 km²) Gbonyin is also historically known as Aiyekire in official population records.
Ido-Osi — HQ: Ilupeju-Ijan (340 km²) Ido-Osi combines several historic communities and traditional settlements in central Ekiti.
Ijero — HQ: Ijero-Ekiti (366 km²) Ijero is one of the largest and historically important commercial centres in western Ekiti State.
Ikere — HQ: Ikere-Ekiti (231 km²) Ikere is one of the largest towns in Ekiti State and is historically associated with the Ogoga traditional institution.
Ikole — HQ: Ikole-Ekiti (875 km²) Ikole has the largest land area among Ekiti State's 16 LGAs, covering approximately 874.94 km².
Ilejemeje — HQ: Eda-Oniyo (97 km²) Ilejemeje is the smallest LGA in Ekiti State by land area and population.
Irepodun/Ifelodun — HQ: Igede-Ekiti (381 km²) Irepodun/Ifelodun contains Igede-Ekiti and several important communities located close to Ado-Ekiti.
Ise/Orun — HQ: Ise-Ekiti (372 km²) Ise/Orun is an important agricultural LGA in southern Ekiti State.
Moba — HQ: Otun-Ekiti (189 km²) Moba is headquartered in Otun-Ekiti, the seat of the historic Oore traditional institution.
Oye — HQ: Oye-Ekiti (662 km²) Oye has the second-largest land area among Ekiti State's 16 LGAs and hosts Federal University Oye-Ekiti.

Detailed LGA information →

Did You Know? — Ekiti State Facts

Ekiti State was created on 1 October 1996 by the military government of General Sani Abacha and was carved out of the former Ondo State.
Ado-Ekiti is the capital of Ekiti State and the traditional seat of the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti.
Ekiti State has 16 Local Government Areas and additional Local Council Development Areas created by the state government.
The name Ekiti is associated with the numerous hills and elevated landscapes that characterise the state.
Ekiti is one of Nigeria's most culturally homogeneous states, with the overwhelming majority of its indigenous population belonging to the Yoruba ethnic group.
The Ekiti people speak a distinctive dialect of Yoruba known as Ekiti, with noticeable variations between different parts of the state.
Ikogosi Warm Spring is famous for the unusual meeting of warm and cold springs in the same natural setting.
The Ikogosi Warm Spring is located in Ekiti West Local Government Area near the town of Ikogosi.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ekiti State

What is Ekiti State known for?

Ekiti State is known for its hills, strong Yoruba cultural identity, traditional kingdoms, educational tradition, agriculture and natural attractions. The state is particularly famous for Ikogosi Warm Spring, Arinta Waterfall, Fajuyi Memorial Park, its many historic palaces and its reputation as a centre of education and learning.

What is the capital of Ekiti State?

The capital of Ekiti State is Ado-Ekiti. Ado-Ekiti is the administrative, commercial and political centre of the state and is also the traditional seat of the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti.

When was Ekiti State created?

Ekiti State was created on 1 October 1996 by the military government of General Sani Abacha. It was carved out of the former Ondo State, with Ado-Ekiti designated as the capital.

Who is the current Governor of Ekiti State?

The current Governor of Ekiti State is Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He assumed office on 16 October 2022.

How many Local Government Areas are in Ekiti State?

Ekiti State has 16 Local Government Areas: Ado, Efon, Ekiti East, Ekiti South-West, Ekiti West, Emure, Gbonyin, Ido/Osi, Ijero, Ikere, Ikole, Irepodun/Ifelodun, Ise/Orun, Moba, Oye and Ilejemeje.

What language is spoken in Ekiti State?

The dominant language is Yoruba, specifically the distinctive Ekiti dialect. There are variations in pronunciation and vocabulary between communities such as Ado, Ijero, Ikole and Ikere. English is the official language of government and formal education.

What ethnic group is Ekiti State?

The indigenous population of Ekiti State is overwhelmingly Yoruba. The Ekiti people form a culturally distinctive Yoruba population with their own dialect, traditional institutions, festivals and community histories.

Why is Ekiti called the Land of Honour?

Ekiti State is officially associated with the slogan Land of Honour, reflecting the state's emphasis on integrity, dignity, cultural identity and the traditional values associated with the Ekiti people.

Other South West States

All South West States →