THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE EGUN PEOPLE

The Egun people are an ethnic group located majorly in Lagos and Ogun state, the Southwestern part of Nigeria. The people are also referred to as Ogu people. They are also found in neighboring West African countries, notably the Republic of Benin and Togo. The people account for about 15% of the indigenous population of Lagos state. The Eguns in Lagos state are located majorly in Badagry, a coastal town and Local Government Area in Lagos state, Nigeria. It is situated between the city of Lagos and it’s border with Benin at Seme. Egun people are found in the Yewa and Ijokia region of Ogun state.

ORIGIN

The people were settlers in the Old Dahomey, presently known as the Republic of Benin. According to oral history, the people are descendants of those who migrated from Whydah, Allada and Weme, which are now part of the Republic of Benin. This is as a result of the Dahomean war that occurred during the 18^th century. The people were said to have migrated to Badagry as early as the 15^th century due to the need for security. Badagry serves as the auction point for slaves captured during the inter-village warfare.

LANGUAGE

Although the people belong to the Yoruba tribe of Southwest Nigeria, they speak a distinct language from the main Yoruba spoken in its land. They have varieties of dialects which include Thevi, Xwela, Seto and Toli. Gun is the main language spoken by the indigenes.

LEADERSHIP

Egun people in Badagry have a monarchical head in the Akran of Badagry, who has seven white cap chiefs. The white cap chiefs head the eight quarters into which Badagry is divided. They include Ahovikoh, Boekoh, Jegba, Awhanjigo, Asago, Whaleko and Ganho.

RELIGION

The people practice Christian, Islamic, and Vodun religion. The people believe strongly in their traditions despite the introduction of other religions. They are seen worshipping a masquerade called Zangbeto.

MAJOR OCCUPATION

Since they live in coastal areas, the majority of the indigenes are into fishing, coconut processing, and salt production. Others are involved in trading and farming.

FOOD

Common native food to the Egun includes pap and stew, azori bokun, Benin red sauce, peanut sauce, and vegetable soup. They also have similar kind of food with the Yorubas, which includes eba, semo, fufu, amala, etc.

DO YOU KNOW THAT?

The use of condoms as a method of birth control is perceived to be a taboo. This is due to their long-held traditional belief in the practice of coitus interruptus.