History of Isan Ekiti
Discover the rich history and heritage of Isan Ekiti from its founding to present day.
About Isan-Ekiti
Isan-Ekiti is a historic Ekiti community whose identity is rooted in royal tradition, communal industry, and a shared commitment to education and development. Its story spans centuries of migration, settlement, and civic organization—evolving into a modern town that balances heritage with progress.
Isan-Ekiti Historical Background
Isan-Ekiti traces its origins to migrants from Ile-Ife—descendants of one of the sixteen sons of Oduduwa—who arrived around the 16th century in search of political freedom, fertile land, and clay for pottery. Internal disputes later split the group: some moved south to present-day Ishan (Edo State), while others traveled north through Ila-Orangun to Gboun (between Ifaki-Ekiti and Ido-Ekiti). Shortages of clay, leadership tussles, and limited farmland led to further dispersal into hamlets such as Ogede, Ipole, Egena, Ilemeso, and Ilafon. During the 19th-century Fulani Jihad, these settlements regrouped for defense at the present site under a unifying leader—the Onisan of Isan-Ekiti—consolidating the community that endures today. In the late 19th century, the Obbo-Ayegunle people briefly joined Isan-Ekiti before relocating to their current home in Kwara State around 1923.
Traditional Administration
Isan-Ekiti operates a monarchical system headed by the Onisan of Isan Kingdom. For effective governance, the town is organized into ten major quarters led by High Chiefs and other chiefs, including Onirefin, Arunsin, Olu, Adara, Ejimoko, and Obaisa, as well as the Odofins, Balomi, Obasolo, and Bara. This structure sustains communal order, customs, and development initiatives.
Our Vision
To become a model community that balances tradition with modernization, fostering development while preserving our unique cultural identity.
Our Mission
To unite the people of Isan-Ekiti, at home and in the diaspora, in promoting the welfare, development, and advancement of our community.
Population, Setting & Climate
Isan-Ekiti is home to a hardworking, progressive population of about 25,000. Since the 1963 census, numbers have grown significantly, supported by improved amenities including a Basic Health Centre, secondary schooling, reservoir-fed pipe-borne water, and electricity.
Boundaries
Isan-Ekiti shares an inter-state boundary with Obbo-Ayegunle in Kwara State. It is bordered by Iludun and Ipere (Ilejemeje LGA) to the west, Ayede-Ekiti to the east, Iyemero-Ekiti (Ikole LGA) to the north, and Orin-Ekiti (Ido/Osi LGA) to the south.
Religion
Christianity, Islam, and Traditional Religion are practiced side by side. Inter-faith cooperation is a hallmark of community life: Christians and Muslims routinely collaborate on civic causes and, when occasion demands, worship together in a spirit of harmony and shared development.
Education
Western education reached Isan-Ekiti about a century ago. Today, the town hosts seven public primary schools, one secondary school, and five private nursery/primary schools—providing a strong educational foundation for the next generation.
Health
Healthcare is anchored by a Basic Health Centre, a Dispensary, and a Maternity Centre, complemented by three private clinics that serve residents and neighboring communities.
Economic Development
Good federal and state road links—together with electricity and pipe-borne water—underpin Isan-Ekiti’s social, political, and economic growth. The town benefits from a functional microfinance bank and a post office, while indigenes and non-indigenes engage in farming, sawmilling, transportation, and general merchandise. Oye Local Government has also developed lock-up shops in the ancient market to support local enterprise.
Culture & Civic Life
Culturally aligned with other Ekiti and Yoruba communities, Isan-Ekiti is renowned for generosity, peace, hospitality, and respect for fundamental human rights. Under the leadership of the Oba and Chiefs—and with the Isan Progressive Union (I.P.U.) as a dynamic civic engine—the town continues to record notable social, economic, and political achievements, honoring its heritage while advancing opportunity for all.