Egbas

Egbas are Yoruba-speaking people who form the Egba subethnic group in southwestern Nigeria. They inhabit Egbaland, a historic and cultural region primarily in Ogun State, with Abeokuta and surrounding towns as central settlements. The name Egbas often refers to both the people and the communities within Egbaland.

They speak Yoruba, with dialectal varieties associated with different Egba communities. Traditional culture includes Yoruba religious practices, masquerade traditions such as Egungun, and festivals that mark seasonal and ceremonial events. The Alake of Egbaland is the principal traditional ruler, with the royal seat historically located in Abeokuta.

Historically, the Egbas formed several autonomous towns that later united under a centralized structure during the late 19th century under colonial influence, culminating in the Egba United Government, which administered Abeokuta and nearby towns. This period facilitated changes in governance, trade, and urban development, especially as Abeokuta emerged as a major trading center for palm oil and other commodities.

Today, Egbas maintain a strong cultural identity within Nigeria’s Yoruba-speaking world. They are predominantly Christian and Muslim, with many communities continuing Yoruba traditional rites alongside modern beliefs. Economically, they are involved in agriculture, commerce, and professional sectors, while preserving cultural heritage through festivals, arts, and social institutions. The Egba homeland remains a key part of Ogun State’s history and cultural landscape, with ties extending to other Yoruba communities and diasporic networks.