There are so many towns in Ekiti State. With the several local government areas in the state, each boasts of a handful of towns. Ekiti state is on the Southwest region of Nigeria. On the 1^st of October 1996, Ekiti state was born. This, however, came with five other states at the time. Also, its creation came during the Gen. Sani Abacha regime.

Being a new state at the time, Ekiti was carved out of the old Ondo State. Likewise, Ekiti covers the 12 local government of its region. After a while, there was an addition of 4 local governments. So, there are now 16 local government areas in all. Among others, Ekiti state is one of the 36 states in Nigeria. This includes The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja.

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 History

Prior to the British conquest, Ekiti was an independent state. It was and is still one of the many Yoruba states in the country. Also, the Ekiti people trace their origin to Oduduwa. To clarify, Oduduwa is the father and progenitor of the Yoruba race. Despite the existence of the aboriginal people in Ekiti region, they stick with the Oduduwa theory. As this also comes prior to the influx of royalty from present-day Ile Ife.

 Ekiti Settlement

Regarding Ekiti’s history, there are two schools of thoughts involved. Albeit, both are quite contradictory. The first tells a story that ties the origin of Ekiti to Ife. Olofin, one of the children of Oduduwa had sixteen children of his own. In the search for a better land, they travelled out of Ile-Ife. At the arrival of a lovely land, two of the sons decided to stay. This is because they were impressed with what they saw. The Owa-Obokun (the Monarch of Ijesha land) and Orangun of Ila both stayed in the present Ijesha and Igbomina land. Meanwhile, the rest of the 14 children moved on and settled in the present-day Ekiti. With the discovery of many hills in the place, they gave it the name “Ile Olokiti”. This means the land of hills. As a result, the name ”Ekiti’ was born.

On the other hand, the second school of thought seems more feasible. Besides, it seems more grounded in actual history. Here, Oduduwa was said to travel to Ife where he met people were already settled. During his stay, he met some elders there. Some of which were Obameri, Orelure,  and Obatala. There were other settlers with the likes of Alara and Ajero. They were sons of Ifa. Among others were descendant of Agbonniregun (Baba Ife). To sum up, there are no accurate dates to thee events. This is due to the lack of written sources. However, people have lived in Ekiti for centuries. Gradually, they created towns in Ekiti state.

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 Local Governments (towns in Ekiti)

There are sixteen Local Government Areas in Ekiti State. Below is a list of these areas.

• Ado-Ekiti
• Efon
• Ikere
• Oye
• Emure
• Ekiti-East
• Moba
• Ijero

 Ado-Ekiti

Ado-Ekiti is the state capital and headquarters of Ekiti State. It is a city in the South-West part of Nigeria. With a population of 308,621 in 2006, it combines the Yoruba and Edo, sub-ethnic group. Moreover, any person of Edo origin is also regarded as Ado. On the other hand, Ado is the trade centre for a farming region. For example, the likes of Yams, Cassava, grains, and tobacco are grown. Another is Cotton which the people grow for weaving.

 Ekiti-East

This local government has its headquarters in Omuo town. As a local government, it falls within the southern senatorial district of Ekiti state. Among other southern districts are Ikere, Emure, and Gbonyin.

The population at the 2006 census was 137,955. Also, it has a land area of 1,072 km².On the other hand, Ekiti-East borders Kogi state on the north. There is Ondo state to the East. While you have Gbonyon local Government on the southern part. Lastly, Ikole Ekiti sits on the west. The postal code of this area is 370.

 Moba

Its headquarters is in Otun town. Its population at the 2006 census was 146,496. It also has a land area of 199 km². Postal code is 372.

Some of the towns in Moba includes;

• Iro Ekiti
• Osan Ekiti
• Otun Ekiti
• Irare Ekiti

The local governments have interesting places for tourists. The towns in Ekiti state house several places that attract visitors. Some include; Oore Monumental Palace, Ero Dam, and Egi hill.

 Other local governments

• Ilejemeje
• Ekiti South-West
• Ise/Orun
• Aiyekire (Gbonyin)
• Ekiti West
• Irepodun/Ifelodun
• Ido-Osi
• Ikole

 Languages

Below is a list of the languages the people of Ekiti speak.

Ukue: There are two local government areas that speak this language. They are Ado-Ekiti and Irepodun/Ifelodun.

 Okpamheri: The Emure people have this as their primary language. Another local government that speak this language is Ise-Orun. And lastly, Ekiti-East and the Aiyekire community also speak this language.

 Uhami: Ikere local government speak the Uhami language.

Àhàn; Arigidi: These languages are spoken by the people from Ekiti-East.

 Ehueun; Iyayu; Iyive: With different dialects, the Aiyekires own this.

 Ukaan: Any person from Akoko North-East speak the Ukaan language.

Besides those earlier mentioned, there are a few other languages in Ekiti state. They include Ayere, Akpes and Emai-Iuleha-Ora.

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 Map of Ekiti State

 Tourist Attractions

There are several wonderful attractions in Ekiti. The towns in Ekiti state boasts of one or more fun places.

 Ikogosi Warm Springs

This is one of the most popular attractions in Ekiti. Its confluence of hot and cold spring makes it irresistible. It is located in the forest just beyond a hilly landscape. Above all, it has a renowned cultural significance.

 Fajuyi Memorial Park

This a perfectly serene environment. This tourist destination has several interesting features. There is a fountain and a mini-museum. Among others are a restaurant, bar and children playground.

 Erin Ayonigba Fish River

Another name for this river is the Sacred River. According to tales, the fishes here can never be killed or eaten. Firstly, it is a taboo to kill any of the fish. Also, whoever manages to kill a fish will die in poverty. As superstitious as it may sound, lots of people believe it.

However, it is also believed none of the fishes can be cooked. No matter how long it stays on the fire, it will never get done. This is certainly one bizarre tale. So, anyone passionate about tourism will like to see this.

 Esa Cave

The cave has its location in Iyin-Ekiti. That is the Irepodun/Ifelodun local government. It is just a few kilometres from Ado-Ekiti. The original owners of the cave were the Ijoro family of Okesale.

During the ancient wars in Yoruba land, it served as a place of refuge. As the people of the town had to run for their lives. That notwithstanding, it is a site to explore rich Yoruba history.

 Olosunta and Orele Hills

This is arguably the perfect location for sightseeing in Ekiti. For example, with mountain climbing and picnic, you have a fun-filled day. It is located in Ikere Ekiti. Its features make it a good tourist centre.

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 Festivals (towns in Ekiti

There are so many festivals and carnivals in Ekiti state. Here are a few;

• Odun Ifa
• Elefon Ikoro (February)
• Alayere, Igbara Odo (December)
• Ajagbo Dance (Isinbode-Ekiti)
• Ayan, OmuoAdo (Annually

Odun Ijesu (New Yam Festival)

The Udiroko festival was established around 1310 AD. Its creation came about during the reign of Oba Awamaro. He is the First Ewi (king) of present-day Ado-Ekiti.

Besides Ogun or Oitado, this is the only festival that brings the people together. Also, it is celebrated in Ado-Ekiti. So, this brings everyone back home.

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