13 Interesting Facts About the People of Egun (Gu) Ethnic Group in Nigeria

May 4, 2023

In this article, you will get to see lots of interesting facts about the Egun people. Here, you will get to learn about their name, language, location and so much more. We hope you enjoy reading this and check out more.

Interesting Facts About the People of the Egun Ethnic Group in Nigeria

The following are some of the interesting facts about the Egun people:

1. Location

The Egun people can be found mainly in two countries, Nigeria and the Republic of Benin. In Nigeria, they are in two states Lagos and Ogun state. Although, they have a higher concentration in Lagos state. In the Republic of Benin, they are in the Ouémé department, in the southeast of Benin.

2. Language

In this case, the language is not the same as the tribe name. Although their name may be Egun, they speak the Gun language. The language is seen as very similar to Yoruba. Also, the language is being passed on from generation to generation, we have over 1.2 million native speakers.

3. Population-based fact: Interesting Facts About the People of the Egun Ethnic Group in Nigeria

The Egun people actually account for a very high amount of people in Lagos state, with 15% of people in Lagos likely being Egun. In addition, they account for 6% of the Republic of Benin.

4. Related Groups

These ethnic groups are related based on possible language, meals, marriage, or any other way. We have the Yoruba, Fon, Ewe, Adja, and Pha Phlera

5. Name Fact

Another fact is, they have other names such as Gun, Ogun, and Ogu. However, many call them either Gun or Egun. More about the Egun people in Nigeria.

6. Their Livelihood is Among the Interesting Facts About the People of the Egun (Gu) Ethnic Group in Nigeria

Owing to the fact they live near a lot of water, their main source of livelihood is fishery and salt production. Also, some involve themselves in farming, coconut processing, and trade.

7. Food

The food they eat is mainly gotten from the crops and fish around them, they could also trade with nearby groups for other necessary resources to make better meals. The crops they have around include cocoa, oil palm, and groundnuts. And, the fishes found are Sea bass, stone bass, bream, and many others.

8. Use of Water

This ethnic group has an abundance of water, basically water on all sides. However, the main uses of water still stand true for them. They use it for cooking, washing clothes, bathing, and other things. In addition, they also go fishing in this water.

9. Their Religion is on the List of Interesting Facts About the People of Egun Ethnic Group in Nigeria

The Egun people have three main religions. These religions are Christianity, Islam, and Vodun(Popularly known as Voodoo). The Egun people have a strong belief in their traditions.

10. Ethnic Religion

They worship a deity known as Zangbeto, who is in charge of law and order, punishing the guilty. The people believe so much in him that they formed groups that go into the night searching for criminals to punish. Definitely, their actions bring about huge benefits to the public.

11. Relationship with Yoruba

The Ogu people share similarities with the Yorubas owing to the fact that during the 17-18th the Dahomey Empire was under the Oyo empire rule, thus this strengthened relationship between both groups.

12. Clothing: Interesting Facts About the People of Egun (Gu) Ethnic Group in Nigeria

The Egun people treat clothing very specially. Even going as far as basing a man’s personality on the clothes he wears. Also, their clothes are mostly hand-woven.

13. Religion Fact

Another thing is, in their religion, they have a priestess called the queen mother. She is able to lead all forms of ceremonies. In addition, people see her as one of the most important people in the village.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we hope this article has opened your eyes to the Egun people. And, you now understand some of their way of life and tradition. So, surely by now, you will be able to note the difference between the Eguns and Yorubas.

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