Èjìgbò: Nigeria’s Francophone Town – ‘Mini France’
Wikipedia Maps.
Èjìgbò is home to an estimated 133,000 people, with a significant percentage living abroad, primarily in Ivory Coast.
Èjìgbò, Osun State vs. Èjìgbò, Lagos State
It is important to distinguish Ejigbo, Osun State, from its namesake in Lagos. While both share the same name, Ejigbo in Osun State stands out due to its strong Francophone influence, cross-border ties, and deep historical migration patterns.
A Unique Borderless ECOWAS Migration Hub
Èjìgbò serves as a vital migration hub, enabling seamless movement across West Africa. It is the only town in Nigeria that has facilitated a borderless ECOWAS migration (an economic community between West African states), with over five million Nigerians using Èjìgbò as a gateway to other West African countries.
A Town with Dual Currency
Èjìgbò is a melting pot of cultures where both the Nigerian Naira and the West African CFA Franc are widely used. This dual-currency system is a testament to its historical and economic ties with Francophone countries. Unlike most Nigerian towns, the economic and social fabric of Èjìgbò is intertwined with that of neighboring Francophone nations, making it a unique economic hub.
Economic Activities in Èjìgbò
Èjìgbò’s economy thrives on:
Food crop farming (yam, cassava, potato, etc.)
Cash crop cultivation
Poultry farming
Fisheries
Animal husbandry
Funds (remittances) sent by Èjìgbò’s diaspora in Ivory Coast play a crucial role in the town’s economy, supporting education, healthcare, and infrastructure development.
These economic activities further cement Èjìgbò’s role as an essential trade and migration hub.
Population and Cultural Heritage
Èjìgbò has a unique demographic, with strong ties to Nigeria’s Francophone neighbors, particularly Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire). The town’s predominantly Yoruba population stands out in Nigeria due to its deep-rooted connections with Francophone West Africa. Many Èjìgbò indigenes hold dual nationality in countries like Ivory Coast, Togo, and Benin Republic, making the town a rare cultural bridge between Nigeria and the wider Francophone region.
Multilingualism is a defining feature of Èjìgbò, where Yoruba, French, and Dyula (a widely spoken trade language in West Africa) are commonly used. This linguistic diversity reflects centuries of migration and trade that have shaped the town’s cultural identity. Notably, more than half of Èjìgbò’s population has lived or worked in Ivory Coast at some point, further reinforcing its transnational character.
How Did a Francophone City Emerge in an Anglophone Country?
The presence of a Francophone culture in an English-speaking country can be traced back to the migration patterns of Èjìgbò’s people. Over the decades, many Èjìgbò indigenes emigrated to Francophone countries, particularly Ivory Coast, in search of economic opportunities. Some eventually returned, bringing back with them the French language, customs, and even dual nationalities. Roughly 70% of the people within Èjìgbò speak Yoruba and French fluently.
Notable Personalities of Èjìgbò Descent
Èjìgbò has produced several notable individuals who have gained international recognition, including:
Emmanuel Adebayor – The famous Togolese footballer has Èjìgbò roots.
Èjìgbò’s Traditional Leadership
Akinjole Ogiyan Abidoye - founder of Èjìgbò.
The paramount ruler of Èjìgbò bears the title Ogiyan of Èjìgbò. The Ogiyan plays a crucial role in preserving the town's rich cultural heritage and fostering its deep connections with both Anglophone and Francophone West Africa.
The current Oginyan is HRM Oba Omowonuola Oyeyode Oyeyosin (centre).
Cultural heritage
The Orisa Ogiyan Festival is Èjìgbò’s most vibrant annual event, marking the start of the new yam harvest during the rainy season. The Ogiyan remains in seclusion for three months while the deity is offered new yams and palm oil. A key highlight is Ewo, a ritual where the town divides into two groups - Isale Osolo and Oke Mapo - engaging in symbolic whipping battles.
This tradition stems from an Ifa priest, Sawoleje, who, after being severely beaten for an affair with an Ogiyan’s wife, placed a curse on the town, requiring regular reenactments of his punishment to maintain peace and well-being. Today, the festival has evolved into a lively cultural carnival, reinforcing Ejigbo’s reputation as a town untouched by war.
