Omuo

Omuo-Ekiti is an ancient town in the eastern part of Ekiti State in western Nigeria. It is the headquarters of the Ekiti East local government.[1] It is located in Yorubaland and people there are Yoruba.[1] It is situated on the boundary to Kogi state.[2]

Administrative divisions

The town is the headquarters of Ekiti-East Local Government, which contains towns and villages such as Ilasa, Araromi Oke, Ikun-oba, Eda-Ile and Isinbode. The traditional ruler of Omuo kingdom is the Olomuo, currently Oba Noah Omonigbehin, Okinbaloye II. His supporting high chiefs are Elekota of Kota currently High Chief Emmanuel Ojo Fagbemi who controls Kota region made up of nine communities that includes Obajoda,Bolorunduro,Ilisa-Oke, Igbede,Oda-Iponna, Irafun, Ujah,Oda-Odo and Isaya. Other high chiefs in Omuo Ekiti includes Odofin of Iludofin, Olomuooke of Omuooke, Ajero of Ijero quarters and Alawe of Iworo. Other chiefs administer Iworo, Ilisa, Ekurugbe, Ijero, Ahan, Oya, Oruju, Edugbe and Araromi.[3]

Geography

Omuo is about 75 km from Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital. The town is located in the Yoruba cultural region and has substantial Christian, Jehovah's Witness and Muslim populations with churches, worship halls and mosques. In 2001, the population was over 6000.

Climate and Vegetation

Omuo enjoys a tropical climate with two distinct seasons: the rainy season, between April and October, and the dry season, between November and March. The temperature ranges from 21° to 29 °C with high humidity. The wind tends to the southwesterly in the rainy season, with the northeast trade winds (Harmattan) predominant in the dry season.

Omuo has tropical and savannah forests. The town is a trading point for the production of cassava and Sweet potato in the surrounding areas which help in further development.

Education

Omuo is home to educational institutions including Omuo Comprehensive High School, Omuo Ore Secondary School, Amunnu Comprehensive High School, Omuo Community Grammar School and other government and private-owned primary and secondary schools.

Markets

Omuo is one of the chief commercial towns in Ekiti state, with several industries and markets, including Oja-Obadore Market and Omuo Community Market Kota.

Ethnic relationships

Although basically a Yoruba community, Omuo is home for members of other ethnic groups, including Igbo, Hausa, Fulani and Ijaw.

Festival

Omuo has a rich cultural heritage with many festivals. The Ayan festival in Iludofin draws residents to celebrate. Omuo is a secular town, but it celebrates Islamic festivals such as Eid al-Adha, Eid al-Fitr, Eid Kabir as well as Christian festivals such as Christmas and Easter as well as the New Year. Omuo Ekiti celebrates its Yam festival on the seventh of July every year.

References

  1. 1 2 "Ekiti East LGA". Retrieved 2015-09-02.
  2. "Omuo-Ekiti,Ekiti state,Nigeria". Facebook. Retrieved 2015-09-06.
  3. "The Official Website of the Government of Ekiti State, Nigeria » Ekiti East LGA". The Official Website of the Government of Ekiti State, Nigeria. Retrieved September 6, 2015.

External links

Coordinates: 7°45′46.85″N 5°43′28.98″E / 7.7630139°N 5.7247167°E / 7.7630139; 5.7247167

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