Ilushi

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Ilushi is a riverine community located in Edo State, Nigeria, along the River Niger. It lies in the Esan South East Local Government Area, though its people are of Igala origin and part of Uloshi land.

It is situated near the border with Kogi State and Delta State, making it an important location for fishing and trade. Historically, Ilushi and its surrounding communities were part of the Igala but now administratively included in Edo State The Ilushi people (also known as Olu people) are a subgroup of the Igala ethnic group, residing along the River Niger in present-day Edo State, Nigeria. They speak an Olu dialect of the Igala language and share deep cultural, historical, and linguistic ties with the Igala Kingdom in Kogi State.

Origins and Identity • The Ilushi people trace their roots to the Igala Kingdom, which was historically influential in the Niger-Benue region. • They are part of the larger Uloshi land, which includes communities like Okpokporo, Odo-Egwume, Igbamaka, and others. • Despite being administratively placed in Esan South East Local Government Area of Edo State, they remain distinct from the Esan people in terms of language, culture, and traditions.

Culture and Traditions • The Ilushi people maintain Igala cultural practices, including chieftaincy titles, traditional festivals, and religious beliefs. • They primarily engage in fishing, farming, and trade, benefiting from their strategic location along the River Niger. • Their language, though influenced by neighboring communities, remains a dialect of Igala, and they refer to their father as Attah, a term also used in the Igala Kingdom.

Challenges and Identity Struggles • Due to colonial and administrative changes, Ilushi and other Olu-Igala communities were placed under Edo State governance, despite their Igala heritage. • This has led to some confusion in their identity, with official records sometimes misclassifying them as Esan, even though they do not speak Esan or follow Esan traditions. • The people of Ilushi continue to assert their Igala identity, advocating for recognition of their true historical and cultural roots..Edo State, Nigeria.[1][2] Their major occupation is farming, fishing and other productions of unfinished Goods .[3] It borders Kogi state, Anambra state and Delta state[4]

## References

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1. ^ "Edo 2020: Obaseki's 30-year devt plan projects opportunities for coastal communities". Edo State Government. 2020-08-18. Retrieved 2023-02-03.
2. ^ Okafor, Judd-Leonard (2020-11-01). "Community, agro company fight over land acquisition". Daily Trust. Retrieved 2023-02-03.
3. ^ Alade, Abiodun (2020-08-01). "Obaseki restates commitment to economic diversification, food security, others". Daily Trust. Retrieved 2023-02-03.
4. ^ AgroNigeria (2017-01-10). "FG begins construction of Fish market in Illushi, Edo State - AgroNigeria". Archived from the original on 2023-02-03. Retrieved 2023-02-03.

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