Ekiti State Overview: The Complete

In this guide, you’ll learn about Ekiti State with respect to its date of creation, location, population, topography, vegetation, language, LGAs, list of governors, history, universities, and more.

When Was Ekiti State Created?

Ekiti State, Nigeria, was officially created on October 1, 1996. It was General Sani Abacha, the military Head of State at the time, who established the state from the present-day Ondo State. Abacha, a military leader, took control of Nigeria through a coup.

The name “Ekiti” originates from “Okiti,” which means “hill,” reflecting the region’s hilly topography. Ado Ekiti is the capital city of Ekiti State. The state’s slogan is Fountain of Knowledge, which aligns with its reputation for having a high number of professors in Nigeria.

Location

Ekiti is located in southwestern Nigeria. Its coordinates are 7°37′16″N, 5°13′17″E. The states sharing borders with Ekiti include:

• Ondo State to the west
• Osun State to the south
• Kogi State to the north

Traveling to and from Ekiti is convenient via road transport. The state also has an airport, providing an additional means of transportation.

EKiti State
Capital: Ado Ekiti Nickname: Land of Honour & Integrity
Date of Creation:	1 October 1996
Location	South West
Executive Governor:	Biodun Oyebanji
Deputy Governor:	Monisade Afuye
Population:	2.2 million as at 2006 Census
Language:	Yoruba
LGA:	16
Postal Code	NA

Land Mass & Population

Ekiti has a land area of 6,353 square kilometers, making it the 30th largest of the 36 states in Nigeria. The population of the state, according to the 2006 census, was 2,398,957, ranking it as one of the less populated states in Nigeria. As of 2022, the estimated population of Ekiti was approximately 3,271,900, with a population density of about 515 people per square kilometer.

Ekiti State Topography

Ekiti features diverse topography, including hills, valleys, and fertile land that supports agricultural activities. Ado Ekiti and Ikere Ekiti are known for their elevated terrain. The Ogbese River and Ero River are significant water bodies that shape the region’s landscape and contribute to agricultural productivity.

Vegetation in the Area

The state has diverse vegetation, comprising tropical rainforest and savanna.

• Rainforest vegetation: Found in areas like Ado Ekiti, Ikere, and Ise Ekiti, the tropical rainforest supports various tree species, plants, and shrubs. The high humidity in these regions allows for the cultivation of crops such as cassava, yam, and cocoa.
• Savanna vegetation: Characterized by light grasses and scattered trees, the savanna experiences reduced rainfall. This vegetation is suitable for growing cash crops such as maize and millet.

Climate: Wet and Dry Seasons

Ekiti experiences two main seasons: the rainy season and the dry season.

• Rainy Season:
  The rainy season lasts from April to October, with the heaviest rainfall typically occurring in July. Annual precipitation ranges from 1,500 to 2,000 mm. This period is characterized by lower temperatures and higher humidity, creating ideal conditions for agriculture, as farmers rely on natural irrigation for crop cultivation.
• Dry Season:
  The dry season spans November to February and is marked by warm, muggy, and sometimes cloudy weather. Temperatures can be scorching, particularly under direct sunlight. The average annual temperature in Ekiti is around 32°C, with March being the hottest month of the year.

What Language Do the People Speak?

Unlike some multilingual Nigerian states, the people of Ekiti predominantly speak the Yoruba language. Many indigenes communicate in local dialects specific to Ekiti, while British English serves as the official language used in government, education, and private organizations.

How Many Local Governments Are in Ekiti State?

Ekiti State has 16 local government areas (LGAs), which are listed as follows:

Who Was the First Governor of Ekiti State?

Colonel Mohammed Inua Bawa became the first governor of Ekiti State when he assumed office following his appointment by the then Head of State, Sani Abacha. Bawa served as governor from October 7, 1996, until 1998, when he was transferred to Gombe State by Abdulsalami Abubakar.

Born on April 6, 1954, in Kebbi State, Nigeria, Bawa completed his primary education before attending Bida Government Secondary School in Niger State. With a strong passion for learning, he earned a degree from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) and later traveled to India, where he obtained another degree from the University of Madras. His academic background significantly contributed to his military career.

In 1976, Bawa joined the Nigerian Army, where he quickly rose through the ranks, eventually attaining the rank of Colonel.

After retiring from the military, Bawa ran for the gubernatorial seat in his home state under the Action Party in 2007, but he was not successful. He passed away in 2017 due to complications from a surgical operation.

It is noteworthy that Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo became the first democratic governor of Ekiti State following the end of the military regime of Sani Abacha.

Who is the Current Governor of Ekiti?

Mr. Abiodun Abayomi Oyebanji is the current governor of Ekiti State. He won the governorship election in 2022 under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and was sworn into office on October 16, 2022.

Born on December 21, 1967, Oyebanji completed his high school education in Ekiti before attending Ekiti State University, where he earned a B.Sc. in Political Science. He furthered his academic journey at the University of Ibadan, obtaining a Master’s degree in Political Science.

After completing his education, Oyebanji joined the civil service, where he steadily rose through the ranks. Notably, he served as the Secretary of the Committee responsible for creating Ekiti State in 1994. By his early 30s, he had made significant strides in politics, holding various appointments.

His last position before becoming governor was as Secretary to the Government of Ekiti State in the previous administration. He resigned from that role to contest in the gubernatorial election, which he won, making him the current governor.

Who is the Current Deputy Governor of Ekiti State?

Chief Monisade Christiana Afuye is the Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, beginning her tenure in 2022. A native of Ikere Ekiti, she was born on September 28, 1958, in Ikere Local Government Area.

Chief Afuye started her early education at Saint Joseph Christ Apostolic Church Primary School, Aramoko, and attended Amayo Grammar Secondary School, Ikere. She furthered her studies at Crown Polytechnic, where she earned an HND in Business Administration.

Before entering politics, Chief Afuye was an accomplished entrepreneur, particularly in catering services, a field where she gained prominence in her community. She also served as a catering supervisor at the Ikere College of Education and was an associate of the Governing Council of Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science, and Technology, Ikere Ekiti.

Her various experiences in entrepreneurship, education, and administration have significantly contributed to her leadership skills, aiding her success as the Deputy Governor of Ekiti State.

List of All Governors of Ekiti State – Till Present

This table contains all individuals who have governed Ekiti, both during the military and civilian eras.

The People of Ekiti

The origins of the Ekiti people can be traced back to Ile-Ife, the cradle of the Yoruba civilization. Their forefathers migrated from ancient Yoruba land to settle in the area now known as Ekiti State. The Ekiti people speak a distinct yet heterogeneous Yoruba dialect, which sets them apart from other Yoruba-speaking states.

While there are slight dialectical variations among different groups, such as the Ijero and Ado Ekiti people, mutual intelligibility ensures seamless communication across the region.

Ekiti comprises both modern cities and rural towns, with Ado Ekiti serving as the major city and commercial hub.

Traditionally, many men are engaged in farming, while women often participate in trade and other entrepreneurial activities. Visitors to Ekiti may experience the hospitality of the people, often marked by the offer of traditional dishes like pounded yam and vegetable soup, staples in the region’s cuisine.

Higher Institutions in Ekiti

Below is a list of universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education in Ekiti State, including their location, type, and the degrees they award:

Related: FAQs

• How many hours is Ilorin to Ado Ekiti?

Traveling to Ado Ekiti from Ilorin takes about 3 to 4 hours, passing through Osun State for about 2 hours, followed by approximately 1.5 hours to Ado Ekiti, depending on road conditions and traffic.

• How far is Akure to Ado Ekiti?

Travelers from Akure, the capital of Ondo State, spend about 1 to 1.5 hours on the road before reaching Ado Ekiti.

• Where is the DHL office located in Ado Ekiti?

The DHL office is located at No. 28 Adebayo Road, Ado Ekiti. However, addresses may change, so it’s advisable to check their official website for the latest information.