List of All Tribes in Kwara State Nigeria

*Disclaimer: Due to insufficient data on various Nigerian tribes, we cannot ascertain the completeness or correctness of this information. If you believe that your tribe has been misrepresented or left off this list, please write the editor at idonsabi@gmail.com. Kindly include the name of your tribe and any other information that might be relevant to our research. You can also leave a comment on this article to voice your opinion. 

Kwara State is known as ‘The State of Harmony’ on account of the peaceful relations that exist among its multicultural and diverse population of about 2.5 million people. The original name for Kwara State was West Central State but it was eventually changed to Kwara State.

The name “Kwara” is derived from the Nupe word for the river Niger. The river Niger flows through Jebba, Edu and Patigi LGAs of the state from Niger State to Kogi State.

Let’s begin…

Oworo Tribe

The oworo people are a tribe that is believed to be a break out from the Yoruba tribe. History has it that the oworo people migrated from Ile-Ife and settled in present-day Oworo land. They live in a mountainous region that is at the western bank of the river Niger.

The people of Oworo speak a Yoruba dialect and can communicate in Yoruba easily. Farming, as well as trading, are the major occupations of this people

Nupe Tribe 

The Nupe tribe is a popular and influential tribe in the middle belt region. More often than not, the people of Nupe are mistaken for Yorubas. This predominantly Muslim tribe has a lot in common with the Yorubas and Hausas.

The Nupe people farm and trade for a living.

Yoruba Tribe 

The Yoruba tribe in Kwara state is one of the major tribes in this state. This group of people are just like the Yorubas in other states. As a result of the large population of Yorubas living in Kwara state, this state is regarded as a Yoruba state. As a matter of fact, the Yorubas in Kwara make up to about 75% of the total population of the state. They are in control of the economy and the political seats of Kwara state.

Due to the fact that the Yorubas in Kwara were conquered by the Fulanis in pre-colonial days, these people are predominantly Muslims. Farming and trading are the major occupations of thus people. Meals are made from yam flour (elubo) and vegetable (efo)

Ogori Tribe 

The Ogori tribes are located in the southwestern area of Nigeria. Although little is known concerning the specific lifestyle and culture of the Ogori.

Like most other peoples in this part of Nigeria, the Ogori tribe are subsistence farmers, growing millet, maize, guinea corn, and beans. They also rear animals such as goats, sheep, chickens, dogs, and horses. Goats, sheep, and chickens are eaten, along with monkey and iguana, which is a delicacy.

Òkó is believed to be the local language of the Ogori tribe.

It is believed that nearly all are ethnic religionists, still practising their tribal religion.

Fulani Tribe

They constitute the major ethnic group found in the Ilorin capital of Kwara state. Although it is true that almost all of them speak Yoruba and not Fulfulde, we cannot deny their Fulani ethnicity.

This is not to say all the indigenous people of Ilorin are Fulanis but that most of them are ethnically of Fulani descent. It is also believed that there are also some (of the Afonja stock) that are of Oyo-Yoruba descent. Other than this, there are true Fulanis who can speak Fulani that are present in Ilorin.

They occupy Kwara Central alongside ethnic Yorubas. They are known to be farmers most especially livestock as they are known for,

Did we do justice to these tribes? Do you have more information about the tribes here in Kwara state and would like to share them with us? We will be delighted to hear from you. Drop your contributions or ideas via the comment section.