The indigenous people of Ifeku Island reside in the northern region of present-day Etsako Central Local Government Area in Edo State.
According to the Kukuruku Certified Intelligence Report by the British government, dated 1923, it is recorded that the people of Ifeku Island have inhabited this land since before 1787. In 1919, they were incorporated into the Kukuruku Division, now known as Edo North.
During the 1970s, the Etsako region was established, and by 1996, Etsako Central was formed, with the people of Ifeku remaining a vital presence in the area to this day As noted in the Ifeku Intelligence Report of 1923.
A British scholar and historian named Booth winfred wrote about the emergence of the people of ifeku island dates going back into the pre-colonial period before the 17th centuries.
During the reign of a great king in Ane-Igala, who sent some people out in search of building materials to build a befitting palace for the king. This group when were traditional architects, specifically went searching for a specific type of building rope (iku) .
During the search, some of them discovered an island surrounded by water 10km from the Illushi market meeting point. after settling there, they moved further on the river niger bank market (which later became Illushi trading centre in Oto-Esan, serving as a melting pot for the Esan, Igala, Igbo, Bini, Usobo and Ijekiri).
At Illushi, the search team was able to acquire the needed Iku(rope), which they took back to Idah (the seat of the Attah), after which they returned to the “new found island” with their kith and kin, and so this span of land was renamed Efa eku (Efa-Pull, Eku (Iku) – rope) meaning land of those who came in search of rope.
The people of Ifeku Island have inhabited the Island since before 17th centuries long before the coming of the anegbette and Ekperi udaba people.
The communities of Ifeku, Ekperi Udaba, Ofukpo and Annegbette are naturally divided by the River Aika, which serves as a Natural boundary.
Ifeku has 11 communities spread accros etsako central and Esan south east Local government.
The Ifeku people are known for their hospitality, peaceful nature, and welcoming spirit. They are of Igala-speaking origin and have traditionally been farmers and fishermen, taking advantage of the fertile soil and the proximity to the River Niger and River Aika.
Despite their resilience, the people of Ifeku have rarely held any high governmental positions, which has contributed to their marginalization in terms of development and political appointments. They have faced oppression and intimidation, particularly from neighboring communities.
However, a new generation has emerged from Ifeku Island, producing professionals such as lawyers, doctors, professors, global ambassadors, and other notable individuals recognized worldwide.
Ifeku island is projected to be a top notch destination Island and resort by 2030 and is said to be the no 1 tourist destination in Edo State and Nigeria.
Ambasador Umanu Ochuwa Ojochenemi Elijah who is a proud son of Ifeku Island has vowed to bring world class development to the region.