Ikale

Ikale are an ethnic group in southwestern Nigeria, concentrated mainly in Ondo State. They are part of the Yoruba-speaking world and speak Ikale, a language generally classified within the Yoruboid branch of the Niger-Congo language family. Although many Ikale identify with Yoruba culture, Ikale is often treated as a distinct language or dialect cluster with regional varieties.

Geography and demographics: The Ikale homeland comprises coastal and near-coastal communities in Ondo State, with inland settlements forming a connected cultural region. They have historically engaged in fishing and local trade and share borders and cultural ties with neighboring Yoruba-speaking groups and other southwestern communities.

Culture and economy: Traditional society emphasizes extended families and lineage groups. The economy centers on fishing, agriculture (cassava, yams, maize), and small-scale trade. Cultural life includes music, dance, and masquerade rites, as well as seasonal harvest festivals and communal ceremonies that reinforce social solidarity.

History and religion: The Ikale possess a rich oral history of migrations and trade along the southwestern coastal belt. In modern times, Christianity is the predominant faith among many Ikale, while Islam and indigenous beliefs remain in pockets of communities, frequently coexisting with secular institutions and education.