Etsakọ people are one of the major ethnic groups in Edo State, Nigeria. They presently occupy three local government areas of Edo State; these are Etsako East, Etsako West and Etsako Central, with Agenebode, Auchi, and Fugar, as their administrative headquarters. In some quarters the people of Owan are also referred to as Etsako. The Etsakos,Owans, and Akoko-Edo people are often referred to as the Afenmai. This is due to their close linguistic and historical relationship. Local tradition of origin often trace their migration from Benin, which many oral traditionalists attribute probably to the 14th century. It is believed their ancestors must have settled in South Ibie before groups started moving to populate the other area they occupy. It is one of the three major ethnic groups in today's Edo State, and the most populous ethnic group in Edo North. The loyalty of an Etsako man firstly is to his home/homestead, Village, Clan, and ethnic group. Also strong affinity between the Etsako people and their neighbors can be deduced in some customary rites, borrowed words, and even migration pattern. A good example is the "Ajinebode" myth of the Idah Igala who believe that the early founder or ruler of Idah was "Ajinebode". This coincidence is worthy of further Historical elucidation since the mighty River Niger divides Idah in present-day Kogi State and Agenebode in Edo State.
Religion
The Etsako people practice Animism, Christianity and Islam. Oghena, Osinegba, and Oshio are the words for God in different communities of Etsako people.
Music
Etsakor People are widely known for their Etsakor Music, with artists like Hon. Vincent Ugabi, Sir Alh. Waziri Oshoma, Late Gen.Bolivia Osigbeme, Late Madam Agbaobesi, Benji Igbadumhe, Renosi Momoh, Agbi Dance Groups of Weppa Wanno and Omoake Oshiomha a.k.a., Ekpe Young, etc., that entertain a large number of Nigerians both in Edo & Delta states to Lagos, Kaduna, Kano and to the northern states of Nigeria and Abuja in general. Etsakor Music can be arguably described as the biggest influence the Etsakor people have over their neighbors, as some of these neighbors adopt Etsakor Music as their known and acceptably traditional music. Etsakor people are predominantly into farming with very fertile land that produce groundnut, yam, maize, Rice in large wide range, and cassava. Mineral resources such as Coal, Limestone, Potassium, and Precious Stones of large commercial quantity are found in Etsakor land, and with beautiful landscape and vegetation that can give tourism a whole new dimension. Compared to other parts of Edo state, Security in Etsakoland is better, and the people greatly host visitors.
