Discover Esan
Eshan, also known as Ishan, is an Edoid language belonging to the Niger-Congo language family. It is spoken by the Eshan people of Edo State, Nigeria, particularly in the central part of the state. Closely related to the Edo (Bini) language, Eshan serves as a symbol of identity and unity for the Eshan people, reflecting their history, values, and traditions.
Main Communities
Ekpoma (Administrative and educational center)
Irrua
Uromi
Ewu
Ubiaja
Ewohimi
Igueben
Esan Names and Their Meanings:
- Eromosele: Prayer answered
- Ofure: Peace
- Ese: Gift
- Ekan: Gold
Staple Food
Black Soup (Omoebe) – A traditional Esan delicacy prepared from blended bitter leaf, scent leaf, and uziza, simmered with palm oil, spices, and assorted meat or fish. Rich in antioxidants and nutrients, it supports digestion, strengthens immunity, and nourishes the body.
Ogbono Soup – A popular Esan soup made from ground wild-mango seeds cooked with palm oil, spices, and assorted meat or fish, often finished with leafy vegetables. Naturally rich in healthy fats, fiber, and minerals, it supports digestion, boosts energy, and provides nourishing benefits for everyday meals.
Owo Soup – A creamy Esan soup made from blended smoked fish, palm oil, and ground ingredients such as crayfish and pepper, thickened with potash or starch and sometimes enjoyed with boiled yam or plantain. Known for its rich flavor and smooth texture, Owo soup provides healthy fats, protein, and essential minerals, making it both nourishing and deeply satisfying.
Culture and Traditions
Ihuen Festival – A colorful harvest festival marked by dance, drumming, masquerades, and thanksgiving to God for a bountiful yield. It strengthens community bonds and honors the ancestors for protection and fertility.
Igbabonelimhin is the most celebrated traditional dance in Esan land, performed mainly by young men in acrobatic masquerade style. It features spinning, somersaulting, and aerial flips, and is traditionally performed during New Year festivals, yam harvest celebrations, and funerals. Rooted in spiritual belief, it connects dancers to spirits through ritual initiation and masked performance.
Ukpe Festival, also known as the Esan New Year Festival, is one of the most significant cultural celebrations for the Esan people. It typically occurs in December and lasts for several days. The festival is primarily a time for thanksgiving to the gods and ancestors for a good harvest and to seek blessings for the upcoming year.
Notable figures:
Chief Anthony Enahoro – A prominent nationalist and statesman from Esanland, he is credited with moving the first motion for Nigeria’s independence in 1953. His leadership, journalism, and activism played a major role in shaping Nigeria’s political history.
Ambrose Folorunsho Alli – A respected academic and former Governor of the old Bendel State, known for his transformative work in expanding education. He established institutions such as Ambrose Alli University in Ekpoma, leaving a lasting legacy in Esanland.
Festus Iyayi – An award-winning writer, academic, and human rights activist from the Esan tribe. He is best known for his powerful novels like Violence and Heroes, which address corruption and social justice. Iyayi was a leading figure in the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and remains a celebrated voice in African literature.