The Esan people (also known as Ishan, or Ẹ̀bhò Ẹ̀sán) are a major ethnic group primarily located in the central part of Edo State, in the South-South region of Nigeria. They are known for their rich history, distinct culture, and strong sense of independence, often expressed through a system of numerous, separate kingdoms.

Here is an overview of the Esan people:

History and Origin

The history of the Esan people is closely tied to migration and the neighboring Benin Empire.

• Meaning of the Name: The name “Esan” is believed by many historians to have originated from the Bini (Edo) phrase “E san fia,” meaning “they have fled” or “they jumped away” from an uncomfortable system. This refers to the major 15th-century exodus from the Benin Kingdom during the reign of Oba Ewuare the Great, who enforced highly restrictive laws of mourning. Nobles and citizens who fled settled in the northeast, joining the autochthonous (original) settlers to form new kingdoms.
• Early Settlement: Archaeological evidence suggests human settlement in Esanland dates back at least 3,000 years. Early settlements predated the Benin Empire, creating an organized society with moats and walls.
• Political Structure: Traditionally, Esanland was organized into a loose confederation of about 35 independent kingdoms, each ruled by its own king, called the Onojie (plural: Enijie). This decentralized structure, unlike the highly centralized Benin Empire, allowed the Esan kingdoms to maintain varying degrees of autonomy, though they often paid tribute to and were influenced by Benin.

Culture and Society

Socio-Political Structure

The society combines a monarchical system with a strong gerontocratic (rule by the elders) village structure:

• Onojie (King): The traditional and spiritual head of an Esan kingdom.
• Odionwele (Eldest Elder): The oldest man by age in a village, who serves as the central figure in village affairs, presiding over meetings and making decisions with a council of elders (Edion). This is the key element of the gerontocratic structure.
• Igene: An age-grade system for men responsible for community tasks, physical defense, and enforcing rules.
• Omijiogbe: The head of the extended family unit.

Traditional Occupations

The Esan are historically known as:

• Agriculturalists: They cultivate crops such as yams, cassava, maize, rice, various fruits, and palm products.
• Trado-medical Practitioners: Known for their deep knowledge of traditional medicine.
• Hunters and Warriors.

Cuisine

Staple foods include:

• Pounded Yam (Usi): Eaten with various soups.
• Ogbono Soup: A thick, draw soup.
• Omoebe (Black Soup): A native soup that is highly appreciated.

Language and Dialects

• Language: The Esan people speak the Esan language (Ẹ̀sán), a tonal language belonging to the Edoid branch of the Niger-Congo language family.
• Importance: Esan is a regionally important language, taught in schools, and broadcast on radio and television.
• Dialects: Due to the many independent kingdoms, the language has numerous dialects, which include:
  • Ekpoma
  • Uromi
  • Irrua
  • Ewohimi
  • Igueben
  • Ubiaja
  • Ogwa
  • Ohordua

Festivals and Ceremonies

Esan cultural life is marked by numerous festivals and rites of passage:

• New Yam Festival (Ihuan or Osanon): A major annual festival observed between September and November to celebrate the harvest of new yams and to appease the gods and ancestors. The name varies by kingdom, such as Ihuan in Uromi.
• Ukpe Festival: An annual festival held around December/January to give thanks to the gods for protection and to pray for prosperity in the new year.
• Oto Uromi Festival: A festival held in Uromi to pray for a bountiful harvest.
• Kola Nut Tradition: The kola nut holds a sacred place in socio-cultural gatherings. It is presented to guests and is usually broken by the oldest person present, which is often followed by prayers to the ancestors.
• Rites of Passage: Important ceremonies include marriage (which traditionally involved a dowry system or betrothing) and elaborate burial ceremonies for elderly parents, which must be performed for the deceased’s children to attain full status (Odion) in the community.