HISTORY

History of Etsako

The Etsakos are descendants of refugees from Benin. Their legends relate to the Obas during the series of Civil Wars which led to their flight to the country lying to the East of Benin Kingdom.
The exact/accurate date of the battle or the subsequent exodus has not been pin-pointed,  but it is said to have occurred during the period of the reign of Oba Ozolua or Oba Esigie of Benin (1500-1504A.D.)
According to legend, the refugees first settled in an area lying between Auchi, Uzairue and Ugioli. At some point in the future, dissension arose between the settlers and further migrations towards the North and the East  were made. Peaceful expansion followed until 1855 when the area became subject of slave collection/raids by the Nupe from Bida.
All the clans could possibly have successfully repelled the invaders, but they did not combine to do so. They could not do anything against their mounted and well armed foes and eventually, they were compelled to capitulate and acquiesce to the Nupe demands.
For that reason, Etsako continued to to pay tribute to the Nupes until 1897 when the Nupes returned to Bida to resist the attack of the first British Patrols in the Northern part of Nigeria. Soon after the withdrawal of the Nupes, the first Europeans appeared. No resistance was offered them and the downfall of Bida was announced.
Unfortunately it was impossible to make research into the official records covering the periods 1897 to 1919 which was said to have got lost during the war. It is therefore only possible to piece the story of the British administration before 1919.
Around 1904, British Patrols from Idah, then part of the Southern provinces, found the clans of Weppa Wanno, Anegbete, Avianwu and Ekperi and established a native court at Fugar. At some time before 1904, North Ibie, Okpilla and parts of Uzairue up to Avia were administered from Kabba. In 1911, an assistant District Officer was stationed at Iddo-Okpilla for the administrative convenience of the residents of Kabba province. In 1914 Idah was transferred to the North provinces and the Southern portion of Etsako were administered from Ubiaja.
In 1918, the Kurukuru Division was formed with its headquater at Fugar and the Etsako re-united in one division. In 1919 administrative systems known as "District Headships" were created as follows:
1. Okpilla and North Ibie were placed under a District Head from Okpilla.

2. Auchi, Avianwu, Uzairue, Ikpeshi and South ibie were placed undera  District Head from Auchi.

3. Weppa Wanno, Ekperi and South Uneme were placed undera  District Head from Anegbete.

4. Long before this time, Aviele, Jagbe, Anwain were under a District Head from Agbede.