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Edo

“Heart Beat of the Nation”

Capital Benin City

Zone South South

LGAs 19

Population 4,700,000

2026 Budget ₦939.9B

🏠 19 LGAs 📄 Budget 🕐 History 🏂 Tribes 📍 Postal Codes

About Edo

Edo State is located in the South-South region of Nigeria with Benin City as its capital. It is historically significant as the heart of the ancient Benin Kingdom, known for its rich cultural heritage and bronze artworks.

Historical Background
The history of Edo State is inseparable from the history of the Benin Kingdom — one of the oldest, most sophisticated and most powerful states in sub-Saharan African history. The Benin Kingdom, known to its people as Igodomigodo in its earliest form, emerged around the 9th or 1… Read full history →

Explore Edo State

2026: ₦939.9B

Interactive map

Governor & reps

Gov election history

Quick Facts — Edo

Official name	Edo
Capital city	Benin City
Slogan / Motto	Heart Beat of the Nation
Geo-political zone	South South
Local govt areas	19 LGAs →
Population (census)	4,700,000
Population density	239 / km²
Total area	19,702 km²
First governor	Colonel Samuel Ogbemudia
2026 budget	₦939.9B →

Frequently Asked Questions — Edo

What is the capital of Edo State?

The capital city of Edo State is Benin City. It is the seat of the Edo State Government, the governor's office and the state legislature.

How many local government areas are in Edo State?

Edo State has 19 Local Government Areas (LGAs). Each LGA has its own elected council and chairman responsible for grassroots governance, primary education and community infrastructure.

What is the population of Edo State?

According to the National Population Commission, Edo State has a population of 4,700,000. The state capital Benin City is the most populated urban centre. The population density is approximately 239 persons per km².

Which geopolitical zone is Edo State in?

Edo State is in the South South geopolitical zone of Nigeria. The zone includes several other states and sends representatives to the Nigeria Governors' Forum and the National Assembly.

When was Edo State created?

Edo State was created in 1991. The first governor was Colonel Samuel Ogbemudia. Learn more on the Edo State History page.

What is the budget of Edo State?

The Edo State budget for 2026 is ₦939.9B. See the full breakdown on the Edo State Budget page, including capital expenditure, IGR and sector allocations.

What is the total area of Edo State?

Edo State covers a total land area of 19,702 km². With a population density of 239 people per km².

Government Structure

Edo State is governed by an Executive Governor and a House of Assembly. The state has strong traditional leadership headed by the Oba of Benin, one of the most influential monarchs in Nigeria.

Current Officials

Barr. Marie Olabisi Idaomi

Charity Amayaenvbo

Dr. Emmanuel Paddy Iyamu

Dr. Washington Osa Osifo

Etin-osa Ogbeiwi

Godwin Eshieshi

Paul Nosayaba Ohonbamu

Prince Kassim Afegbua

Prof. Omorodion Ignatius

Sir (Dr.) Lucky Eseigbe

Yakubu Oshiorenua

Deputy Governor

Senator Monday Okpebholo

Umar Musa Ikhilor

Secretary to the State Government

Sen. Adams Oshiomhole

Sen. Joseph Ikpea

Sen. Neda Imasuen

Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku

Speaker, House of Assembly

👤 View Full Edo Officials Directory →

Economy of Edo

The economy is driven by agriculture, oil and gas, manufacturing, and commerce. Key agricultural products include rubber, cocoa, palm oil, and timber. Benin City also serves as a growing hub for trade and services.

📄 View Full 2026 Budget (₦939.9B) →

Demographics & Geography

Population: Estimated over 5 million people. The state is mainly inhabited by the Edo (Bini), Esan, Owan, and Afemai ethnic groups.

4,700,000

Population

19,702

Area km²

239

Per km²

19

LGAs

Culture & Tourism in Edo

Edo State is rich in cultural heritage, famous for the Benin Bronzes, the Royal Palace of the Oba of Benin, Igue Festival, and the National Museum in Benin City. It is a major tourism destination in Nigeria.

Local Government Areas in Edo

19 LGAs

Known for Igarra, a gateway to Kogi State. Rich in cultural heritage of the Akoko-Edo people.

Part of the Benin metropolis. Known for dense residential areas, markets and proximity to Benin City centre.

Known for rubber and cocoa plantations. Home to Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital.

Esan North East

Known for the Uromi kingdom and rubber farming. Important commercial LGA in central Edo.

Esan South East

Known for rubber, cocoa and the Ubiaja kingdom. Agricultural LGA in southeastern Edo.

Home to Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma. Major educational centre in Edo State.

Known for the Etsako people and yam, cassava farming. Gateway LGA in north-central Edo.

Home to Auchi, a major commercial city. Auchi Polytechnic is one of Nigerias largest polytechnics.

Riverine LGA on the River Niger, known for fishing, yam farming and cross-river trade.

Small LGA known for rubber farming and the Igeben people cultural heritage.

Known for bronze crafts tradition and the Igueben kingdom, a branch of the great Benin kingdom.

HQ: Ikpoba-Okha

Peri-urban LGA around Benin City. Hosts major industries and the Benin Industrial Estate.

Heart of Benin City, the Edo State capital. Home to the historic Benin Royal Palace and Obas court.

Agricultural LGA south of Benin City, known for rubber plantations and the Orhionmwon people.

Ovia North East

Home to Benson Idahosa University and Edo University. Growing educational hub near Benin City.

Ovia South West

Forest LGA known for rubber, timber and the Ovia River. Important agricultural zone southwest of Benin.

Known for cocoa, rubber and timber. The Owan people have strong cultural traditions in northern Edo.

HQ: Sabongida-Ora

Known for cocoa farming and the Ora people. One of the major cocoa-producing LGAs in Edo.

Agricultural LGA southeast of Benin City, known for rubber, cassava and palm oil production.

🏠 View dedicated LGA pages for all 19 Edo LGAs →

History of Edo State

The history of Edo State is inseparable from the history of the Benin Kingdom — one of the oldest, most sophisticated and most powerful states in sub-Saharan African history. The Benin Kingdom, known to its people as Igodomigodo in its earliest form, emerged around the 9th or 10th century CE in the …

Historical Kingdoms: Benin Kingdom, Ishan chieftaincies, Etsako emirates, Owan kingdoms

🕐 Read Full History of Edo →

2026 Appropriation

₦939.9B

Total Budget — Edo State

📄 View Full Budget Breakdown →

Edo State Budget 2026

The 2026 budget for Edo State under Governor Monday Okpebholo totals ₦939.9B. The budget details include capital expenditure, recurrent expenditure, Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), federal allocation (FAAC) and sector allocations covering education, health, infrastructure, security and agriculture.

See full budget details, sector allocations and year-on-year comparison →

Compare State Budgets

See how Edo State compares to all 36 states and FCT Abuja.

📄 Nigeria State Budgets — All 37 States →

At a Glance

← All 36 States 📄 All State Budgets