Okene

Okene is a historic town located in Kogi State, central Nigeria. The Ebira people, who trace their origins to Wukari in present-day Taraba State, are believed to have settled in this region around 1700 after migrating from Idah. Itaazi, the ancestral leader of the Ebira, guided his people to this area, where his sons established various districts such as Okengwe and Adavi. In 1976, Okene was formally created as a Local Government Area under the administration of General Olusegun Obasanjo.

Historically, the Ebira fiercely defended their land against Fulani and Nupe incursions, maintaining autonomous clan-based governance until the British arrived in the early 20th century. In 1904, the British established the Ebira Division with Okene as its headquarters. Today, Okene serves as the political and commercial capital of Ebiraland, attracting visitors to landmarks such as the Azad Palace, the personal residence of the late Ohinoyi of Ebiraland.

The population of Okene is approximately 549,438, and it covers an area of about 328 square kilometers. While the Ebira form the majority, the town is also home to Hausa, Yoruba, and other ethnic communities. Agriculture and traditional crafts such as cloth-weaving and leatherwork remain the primary sources of livelihood in the area.