The Egba are a Yoruba subgroup whose capital is Abeokuta, the city of Ogun State famous for Olumo Rock. Their story links refugees, a legendary founder, a pioneering newspaper and some of Nigeria’s most famous names. This guide explains Egba history, landmarks and culture.
Who Are the Egba?
The Egba are made up of three main divisions: Egba Alake, Egba Oke-Ona and Egba Gbagura. Their ruler is the Alake of Egbaland. See the wider picture in Yoruba subgroups and Yoruba kings and Obas.
How Abeokuta Was Founded
After the collapse of Old Oyo and the wars of the early nineteenth century, many Egba towns were destroyed. Around 1830, refugees led by the war leader Sodeke settled at a rocky site and named it Abẹ́òkúta, “under the rock”. Read the background in the Yoruba wars and the Oyo Empire.
Olumo Rock
Olumo Rock is Abeokuta’s best-known landmark, a large granite outcrop that sheltered the early Egba settlers. Today visitors climb it for views over the city; see the best places to visit in Yorubaland.
Missionaries, Print and the Egba United Government
Abeokuta became an early centre for Christian missions and Western education, and a Yoruba-language newspaper, Iwe Irohin, was published there from 1859. The Egba later governed themselves under the Egba United Government until 1914, when Nigeria’s regions were joined together.
Famous People From Abeokuta
- Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti: see her biography.
- Wole Soyinka: see his biography.
- Fela Kuti: see his life and music.
- MKO Abiola and Olusegun Obasanjo: prominent political figures from Abeokuta; see the MKO documentary.
Learn More
Abeokuta is the capital of Ogun State; see Yoruba states and their capitals. For general reading, see Wikipedia’s Abeokuta page.
Egba FAQs
What does Abeokuta mean?
It means “under the rock”, after Olumo Rock.
Who founded Abeokuta?
Sodeke led Egba refugees to found the city around 1830.
Who is the ruler of the Egba?
The Alake of Egbaland.
