Okpella

Okpella is a Clan situated along Benin-Abuja federal high way. Going by the last National Census figures, it is the third largest autonomous clan in Edo State after Benin City and Uromi, Edo State, Nigeria and one of the three main towns that make up Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State. Okpella is known for its natural sedimentary rock based mineral resources, which include limestone, calcium, and granite, feldspar, talc, clay, marble, etc.

During colonial rule, arising out of personality clashes between Chiefs Sado Who was the statutory ClanHead of OKPELLA clan and Afegbua, the District Head Of Kabba province, the salary due to the head of Okpella was split between them On the abolition of the District government structure.

Since the period of Chief SADO-IGBA IKOR who was succeeded by Oba Obinogbe, Okpella has been administered as one entity. However, between 1964 and 1971 when the immediate past paramount ruler Alhaji Andrew Yesufu Eshioramhe Dirisu, a Justice of the Peace; assumed the throne with the title of Okuokpellagbe of Okpella, Chief Giwa Enamudu, the village head of Komunio, headed the OTEKU sub clan, while Chief Alabi headed the OGUTE sub clan. The two sub clans make up the two ruling houses of the clan, the headship of which rotates or oscillates among them. Alhaji Dr A. Y. E. Dirisu joined his ancestors this year 2019 in February and the clan is currently observing the three months traditional mourning period before electing a new clan head. The appointment/election of the clan head is regulated by the Chieftaincy Declaration Law of Bendel State, 1981, as applicable to Edo State.*

The town plays host to the Edo Cement Company, the only cement factory in the old Midwest Region, which itself was established by the Dennis Osadebey and Hon. Musa Godfrey administration in 1964, with the late Chief Ikhumetse Olowu, as its pioneer Chairman. Okpella, in view of the abundance of other solid minerals, is home to several granite- and marble-making industries, which gives the community a vibrant industrial outlook.

The people are predominantly farmers, and are known to grow in large numbers, yams and cassava. Its Ewo market, located on the busy Benin-Abuja Road and congregates every fourth day. Okpella is a beautiful and natural town with polite happy citizens who share a communal bond prevalent in most African societies, the town also consist of Muslims and Christians who live peacefully among themselves despite their religious background.