Global InformationGovernment of Edo State information
| Sub-national administrative division | |
   A map of Nigeria showing the location of Edo State in red. | |
| Formation | 27 August 1991 |
|---|---|
| State | Edo State |
| Country | Nigeria |
| Website | www |
| Legislative branch | |
| Legislature | Edo State House of Assembly |
| Speaker | Blessing Agbebaku |
| Deputy Speaker | Maria Edeko |
| Assembly members | 24 |
| Meeting place | Edo State House of Assembly Complex |
| Executive branch | |
| Governor | Godwin Obaseki |
| Main body | Edo State Executive Council |
| Deputy Governor | Omobayo Godwins |
| Secretary to the State Government | Osarodion Ogie |
| Chief of Staff to the Governor | Osaigbovo Iyoha |
| Appointed by | Governor |
| Headquarters | Government House, Benin City |
| Judicial branch | |
| Court | Edo State High Court |
| Chief Judge | Daniel Okungbowa |
| Seat | Edo State High Court Complex |
| Other courts | Edo State Sharia Court of Appeal, Edo State Customary Court of Appeal, Edo State Magistrates' Courts, Edo State District Courts, Customary courts of Edo State, Sharia courts of Edo State |
The government of Edo State serves as the governing authority for Edo State, one of the 36 states within the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It comprises three branches of government: the executive branch led by the Governor of Edo State, the legislative branch represented by the Edo State House of Assembly, and the judicial branch, including the Judiciary of Edo State and the Courts of Edo State. The state government operates under the frameworks of the Constitution of Nigeria and the Constitution of Edo State, delineating the powers, duties, and functions of state organs and institutions. It also encourages direct participation from the electorate through mechanisms such as initiative, referendum, and ratification.[1]
Established on 27 August 1991, Edo State was carved out of the former Bendel State, itself formed in 1976 through the amalgamation of the former Mid-Western Region and the former Western Region.[2] The state's capital and largest city is Benin City, historically significant as the seat of the ancient Benin Empire.[3] Geographically situated in the South South geopolitical zone, Edo State shares borders with Kogi State to the northeast, Anambra State to the east, Delta State to the southeast and south, and Ondo State to the west.[4] Covering an area of 19,559 square kilometres (7,552 sq mi), the state had a population of 4.8 million as of 2022.[5] Edo State boasts ethnic diversity, with the Edo people (or Bini) forming the largest group, followed by the Esan people, the Owan people, the Etsako people, and other smaller groups.[6] The primary language is Edo language, with English serving as the official language.[7] Major religions include Christianity, followed by Islam and traditional religions.[8]
Referred to as the "Heartbeat of the Nation," Edo State earns this title due to its strategic location, cultural heritage, and economic potential.[9] The state is a producer of commodities such as rubber, palm oil, cocoa, cassava, yam, plantain, banana, maize, rice, and groundnut. It is also endowed with mineral resources, including petroleum, natural gas, limestone, granite, clay, and gold.[10] Edo State features several tourist attractions, including the Benin City National Museum, the Oba's Palace, the Okomu National Park, the Ososo Tourist Centre, and the Somorika Hills.[11] The state is renowned for its arts and culture, with highlights such as the Benin bronze sculptures, the Igue festival, the Edo masquerade festival, and the Esan dance.[12]
- ^ "Overview of Edo – Niger Delta Budget Monitoring Group". Niger Delta Budget Monitoring Group – Niger Delta Budget Monitoring Group. 27 July 1963. Retrieved 29 November 2023.
- ^ Alapiki 2005, pp. 49–65.
- ^ Koutonin, Mawuna (18 March 2016). "Story of cities #5: Benin City, the mighty medieval capital now lost without trace". the Guardian. Retrieved 29 November 2023.
- ^ "Benin City, Igarra, Uzebba". Encyclopedia Britannica. 20 July 1998. Retrieved 30 November 2023.
- ^ "Edo State executive council, 2009". Soluap. 27 October 2023. Retrieved 29 November 2023.
- ^ Emielu 2013, pp. 92–110.
- ^ Sonny, Hammed (16 June 2022). "The Edo Language: An Enthralling History and Interesting Language Uses!". Crystal Clear Translation – Language Translation Services. Retrieved 30 November 2023.
- ^ "Edo State". Zaccheus Onumba Dibiaezue Memorial Libraries. 22 July 2022. Retrieved 30 November 2023.
- ^ "The Violent Road: Nigeria's South South". AOAV. 12 December 2013. Retrieved 30 November 2023.
- ^ Osawaru & Ogwu 2020, pp. 1–23.
- ^ "Tourist places in Edo State". Soluap. 27 October 2023. Retrieved 30 November 2023.
- ^ "Igue: The story of Benin's age-long thanksgiving festival". Daily Trust. 22 December 2019. Retrieved 30 November 2023.