SOCIO-POLITICAL ORGANISATION OF THE EBIRA

The Ebira people are one of the ethnic groups in the Niger-Benue confluence area of Nigeria. They are currently found mostly in Kogi, Nasarawa and Edo states as well as the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria. There are different Ebira sub-groups as Ebira Tao, Ebira Koto, Ebira Etuno and Ebira Opanda.

A very popular tradition of origin of the Ebira claimed that they originated from Wukari in the present day Taraba State, but later moved with the Idoma and Igala people out of Wukari.

Between 1680 and 1750, the Ebira people had split into different groups, now living in different places. Itaazi was believed to be the father of the most Ebira groups.

The Ohinoyi is the highest traditional political authority in Ebiraland. The Ebira people celebrate three major festivals which include: Echane, Eche Ori and Ekuechi/Ebe.

Farming and cloth weaving are economic activities among the Ebira people.