About Ilaje People
THE ILAJE PEOPLE OF NIGERIA
Overview and Origin
The Ilaje are a subgroup of the Yoruba ethnic group located mainly along the Atlantic coastal region of Ondo State, southwestern Nigeria. Their territory stretches across riverine communities and swampy coastline areas with settlements such as Igbokoda, Ugbonla, Aiyetoro, Zion-Pepe, and Orioke.
Historically, the Ilaje are believed to have migrated from Ile-Ife, the ancestral homeland of the Yoruba, around the 10th century before settling along the Atlantic coast. The Ilaje society traditionally consists of four main geopolitical groups: Ugbo, Mahin, Etikan, and Aheri. Their coastal environment strongly shapes their culture, economy, religion, and lifestyle.
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