The people of Egba Land belong to a sub-group of the Yoruba people, an ethnic group of western Nigeria.
They are majorly from the central part of Ogun State. This make up the Ogun Central senatorial district which comprises of six Local Governments in Ogun state which includes Abeokuta North, Abeokuta South, Ewekoro, Ifo, Obafemi Owode and OdedaLocal governments.
HISTORY
The people of Egba were originally under the Old Oyo Empire. They became independent following the collapse of Oyo in the first half of the 19th century. The Egbas were successful partly due to the protection by the Olumo rock in the wars with the Dahomeys. Olumo rock led to the founding city of Abeokuta. The Egba people are sub-divided into the Ake, Owu, Oke Onaand Gbagura. The Alake (Ake) of Egbaland is the paramount ruler of the whole clan and their territory.
Other rulers are Olowu of Owu, Oshile of Oke Ona, and Agura of Gbagura. The early settlements of the people are under and around the famous Olumo rock. One of its founding fathers is Oko Adagba; the hunter that founded/discovered Olumo rock. Its people serve as the first of the many Nigerian nations to have had an anthem.
DRESSING AND FOODS
Egba men are adorned in trousers called kembe/sokoto, buba(top) and agbada. They wear cap called fila-abeti-aja. The women are used to iro (wrapper), buba (top) and gele(headgear). They are also styled with Ipele; a piece of cloth placed on the shoulder or wrapped around the waist. Foods eaten here are Lafu (white amala) and ewedu.
NOTABLE PEOPLE
This iconic Yoruba land of Egba has produced many great men. The town has produced renowned men who have contributed to the growth of the nation. They include MKO Abiola, OlusegunObasanjo, Chief Ebenezer Obey, Fela Ransome-Kuti, Olufunmilayo Ransome-Kuti, Reverend Oladotun Ransome-Kuti, Professor Olikoye Ransome-Kuti, Professor Wole Soyinka, Chief Ernest Shonekan and several others.
