Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Ekiti State: Full List & Details

Ekiti State, fondly referred to as the "Land of Honour and Integrity", is one of the 36 states in Nigeria, located in the southwestern region of the country. Created on October 1, 1996, from the old Ondo State, Ekiti has carved a distinct identity for itself through its rich history, cultural heritage, academic achievements, and grassroots-driven governance.

The state is subdivided into 16 Local Government Areas (LGAs), which serve as the administrative and political engines driving development at the local level. Each LGA has a unique historical background, administrative structure, economic strengths, and cultural makeup. Understanding these LGAs is crucial for researchers, investors, policymakers, students, and residents who want deeper insights into the governance and geography of Ekiti State.

This article provides a comprehensive list and breakdown of the 16 Local Government Areas in Ekiti State, including their headquarters, prominent towns, socio-economic importance, and other relevant details.
 

Overview of Ekiti State

• Capital: Ado-Ekiti

• Geopolitical Zone: South-West

• Number of LGAs: 16

• Main Ethnic Group: Yoruba (Ekiti dialect)

• Land Area: Approximately 6,353 km²

• Estimated Population (2023 projection): ~3.4 million

• Major Occupations: Farming, Teaching, Civil Service, Trade

• Notable Feature: Home to many tertiary institutions; one of the most educationally advanced states in Nigeria.
   

Full List of Local Government Areas in Ekiti State

Below is a tabular summary of all 16 LGAs in Ekiti State:

Detailed Overview of Each LGA in Ekiti State

1. Ado-Ekiti LGA

• Headquarters: Ado-Ekiti

• Overview: The capital of Ekiti State and the largest urban center. A hub for politics, commerce, and education.

• Attractions: Ekiti State University, Government House, major shopping centers.

• Economy: Civil service, education, small-scale enterprises, and hospitality.

2. Efon LGA

• Headquarters: Efon-Alaaye

• Overview: Located in the western part of the state with hilly terrain.

• Culture: Rich in cultural festivals and Christian missionary heritage.

• Economy: Farming (cocoa, kola nuts), local crafts.

3. Ekiti East LGA

• Headquarters: Omuo-Ekiti

• Major Towns: Omuo, Isinbode, Ilasa, Araromi

• Special Features: Borders Kogi State.

• Economy: Agriculture-driven, especially yam, cassava, and palm oil production.

4. Ekiti South-West LGA

• Headquarters: Ilawe-Ekiti

• Major Towns: Erijiyan, Ipole

• Overview: A scenic area with rolling hills and waterfalls.

• Economy: Cocoa, plantain farming, and artisan trades.

5. Ekiti West LGA

• Headquarters: Aramoko-Ekiti

• Overview: Known for its deep-rooted traditions and educational development.

• Landmarks: Aramoko highlands, cultural heritage sites.

6. Emure LGA

• Headquarters: Emure-Ekiti

• Overview: A serene town in southern Ekiti with strong monarchical heritage.

• Economy: Cassava and maize cultivation, small-scale trading.

7. Gbonyin LGA (Now Agbado-Ode LGA)

• Headquarters: Ode-Ekiti

• Major Towns: Agbado, Aisegba, Ijan

• Economy: Predominantly agrarian with growing youth enterprise.

8. Ido/Osi LGA

• Headquarters: Ido-Ekiti

• Major Towns: Ilogbo, Ifaki (shares border)

• Education: Hosts Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti (satellite campuses).

• Economy: Strong education base, mechanized farming.

9. Ijero LGA

• Headquarters: Ijero-Ekiti

• Natural Resources: Clay, feldspar, and granite.

• Special Features: One of the oldest settlements in Ekiti.

• Economy: Mining, pottery, and agriculture.

10. Ikere LGA

• Headquarters: Ikere-Ekiti

• Population: One of the most populous LGAs.

• Economy: Commercial hub; known for palm oil and foodstuffs.

• Education: Hosts Bamidele Olumilua University of Education.

11. Ikole LGA

• Headquarters: Ikole-Ekiti

• Major Towns: Odo Oro, Ijesa Isu, Oke Ayedun

• Attractions: Ero Dam (major water supply project).

• Economy: Irrigation farming, fishing, rice cultivation.

12. Ilejemeje LGA

• Headquarters: Iye-Ekiti

• Population: Least populated LGA.

• Towns: Iye, Ijesamodu, Ipere

• Economy: Agricultural, known for peaceful communities.

13. Irepodun/Ifelodun LGA

• Headquarters: Igede-Ekiti

• Notable Places: Awo-Ekiti, Iyin-Ekiti (home of prominent Nigerians).

• Economy: Farming, stone quarrying, and craft industries.

14. Ise/Orun LGA

• Headquarters: Ise-Ekiti

• Major Towns: Ise, Orun, Obada

• Overview: A historic royal kingdom.

• Economy: Palm oil and rubber plantation activities.

15. Moba LGA

• Headquarters: Otun-Ekiti

• Towns: Osan, Isan (home of former Governor Fayemi)

• Notable: Royal historical seat of Ekiti origin myths.

• Economy: Mixed farming and trading.

16. Oye LGA

• Headquarters: Oye-Ekiti

• Education: Home to the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE).

• Economic Strengths: Education, hospitality, retail services.
   

Importance of Local Governments in Ekiti State

Each LGA plays a vital role in:

• Bringing governance closer to the people
• Providing primary healthcare and basic education
• Maintaining local roads, sanitation, and markets
• Driving grassroots development
• Serving as a platform for political participation and civic engagement

FAQs About LGAs in Ekiti State

Q1: How many LGAs are there in Ekiti State?
A: There are 16 Local Government Areas in Ekiti State.

Q2: What is the most populous LGA in Ekiti State?
A: Ado-Ekiti, the capital city, is the most populous and urbanized LGA.

Q3: Which LGA has the smallest population?
A: Ilejemeje LGA is the least populated in the state.

Q4: Which LGA is best known for educational institutions?
A: Ado-Ekiti, Oye, and Ido/Osi LGAs are known for hosting tertiary institutions like Ekiti State University, FUOYE, and Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti.

Q5: Are there rural LGAs in Ekiti State?
A: Yes, several LGAs such as Ilejemeje, Emure, and Gbonyin are predominantly rural with farming as the primary occupation.
 

Conclusion

Ekiti State’s 16 Local Government Areas serve as the structural pillars of governance, economic development, and civic representation. From bustling urban centers like Ado-Ekiti to serene agrarian towns like Emure, each LGA holds its own significance in shaping the identity and progress of the state.

Whether you're conducting academic research, planning business expansion, exploring tourism opportunities, or seeking to understand local governance in Nigeria, a clear grasp of the LGAs in Ekiti State provides valuable insight into one of Nigeria’s most educated and culturally rich regions.