Auchi
Auchi is a city in Edo State, Nigeria,.[1]
Auchi | |
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![]() Aerial view of Auchi Town overhead the Arafat Mosque | |
![]() ![]() Auchi Location in Nigeria | |
Coordinates: 7°04′N 6°16′E | |
Country | Nigeria |
State | Edo State |
Population | |
• Total | 500 000 |


Auchi Sacred Kingdom (ASK), which is part of Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State, serves as the Local Government headquarters. Other towns in the Etsako West local government area include: Uzairue, South Ibie, Agbede and The Anwain Clan. During the British colonial rule, it was the headquarters of the Kukuruku Division, the administrative headquarters of five districts.[2] It is the home of Auchi Polytechnic.[3]
UFC Welterweight Champion, Kamaru Usman and former Minister of information and culture Tony Momoh, Jeffrey O, Nigerian-American executive and writer, were born in Auchi.[4]
Language
The language spoken by the Auchi people is 'Yekhè' or Etsako amongst the Afenmai language. It is an Edoid language dialect or variant.[5]
History
There are varied historical accounts relating to the origins of the Auchi people. The most popular of these legends asserts that a mass migration from Udo in present-day Benin City led by a man called Uchi accompanied by his family and followers headed north and finally settled for the relative calm of the Guinea Savannah belt known today as Etsako land. This migration is believed to have taken place in the mid-15th century, during the reign of Oba Ewuare of the Benin Kingdom. This period in the Benin empire was characterised by constant wars and incessant strife.
Geography


Auchi town is divided into five grand quarters which could also be referred to as districts; these are in turn made up of 25 villages.
The five grand quarters are:
- UTSOGUN
- AKPEKPE
- AIBOTSE
- IGBHEI
- IYEKHEI
- In recent times, 24 extra villages have been created
Religion
Auchi has been a major Islamic town. Irrespective of religion, the people live peacefully. The welcoming and hospitable nature of the Auchi people has to a very large extent contributed to the cultural and religious diversity of the town.
Population
The population grew to 42,638 by 1952, including people from many Nigerian tribes.
As of 1995, its population was 140,612. As of 2005–2006, currently, the population is about 150,000 persons. Auchi has in recent years been amongst the fastest growing cities in Nigeria.
Culture and traditions
Auchi Kingdom is headed by a monarchy and the traditional ruler is referred to as the Otaru of Auchi. The 8th of January is designated as Auchi Day. This commemorative day was previously called Uchi Day.
List of Otarus (traditional kings)

- Alhaji Aliru H. Momoh (Ikelebe III) 10th Otaru of Auchi (1996 -)[6][7]
- Alhaji Ahmed Guruza Momoh, the 9th Otaru of Auchi (1973 - 1996)[8]
- Abubakar Keremi Momoh, The 8th Otaru of Auchi (1955 - 1970)[9]
- King Momoh Jimah Momoh, the 7th Otaru of Auchi (1945 - 1955)[10]
- King Momoh Idaeo, the 6th Otaru of Auchi (1919 - 1944)[11]
- King Ikharo Ikelebe, the 5th Otaru of Auchi (1905 - 1919)[12][13]
- Odifili, the 4th Otaru of Auchi (1905)[14]
- Idaeo Ikelebe, the 3rd Otaru of Auchi (1884 - 1905)[15]
- Imoudu Iburogamhe, the 2nd Otaru of Auchi (1872-1884)
- Ikelebe the first, 1st Otaru of Auchi (1819 - 1861)
Institutions and infrastructure
Auchi is home to:
- Auchi Polytechnic
- Nigerian Army School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering
- Edo Fertilizer Milling Plant (commenced operation in June 2017)[16]
- Zenith Bank
- United Bank for African
- Guaranty Trust Bank
- Access Bank
- Eco Bank
- First Bank Nigeria
- Fidelity Bank
- Union Bank
- Skye Bank
- Unity Bank
- Uchi Microfinance Bank
Erosion
Some parts of Auchi have been seriously devastated due to soil erosion. The Federal Government of Nigeria through the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP), assisted by the World Bank, are now tackling the menace and are making fast progress.[17]
Gallery
References
- MACCAFERRI. "The NEWMAP addresses gully erosion in Auchi, Edo state". MACCAFERRI. Retrieved 20 March 2019.
- "My father had 48 wives and they always took an oath every six months – Tony Momoh". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 2020-06-02.
- webadmin1. "Home". Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi. Retrieved 2021-06-22.
- Tewari, Avinash (2021-05-17). "Where was UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman born?". www.sportskeeda.com. Retrieved 2021-06-22.
- "The Languages and Local Government Areas in Edo State – Edo Dynasty United Worldwide". Retrieved 2021-06-22.
- "Otaru of Auchi splashes N5m on Asalatu Muslim women". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. 2016-07-15. Retrieved 2021-06-22.
- "I abandoned my gold mining business when I became king — Momoh". Punch Newspapers. 2019-10-13. Retrieved 2021-06-22.
- Adeolu (2017-03-20). "MOMOH, (His Highness, Alhaji) Ahmad Guruza, Ikelebe II". Biographical Legacy and Research Foundation. Retrieved 2021-06-22.
- "114 years after, Ikharos seek court validation for rotation of Auchi stool". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. 2019-01-20. Retrieved 2021-06-22.
- "114 years after, Ikharos seek court validation for rotation of Auchi stool". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. 2019-01-20. Retrieved 2021-07-11.
- "114 years after, Ikharos seek court validation for rotation of Auchi stool". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. 2019-01-20. Retrieved 2021-07-11.
- "Nigerian Traditional States". www.worldstatesmen.org. Retrieved 2021-06-22.
- "Saliu Osifuemhe Ahmed – A Man Of Many Parts". ALEDEH. 2020-06-15. Retrieved 2021-07-11.
- Mubarak, Abdulrasheed. "All You Need To Know About Auchi Land ⋆ Tropics Nigeria". Retrieved 2021-06-22.
- "otaru". library.answerthepublic.net. Retrieved 2021-06-22.
- "Edo Fertilizer Blending Plant To Commence Operation June". Concise News. June 2017.
- Olatunji,Iretomiwa (2016-01-19). "Resettlement action plan for Auchi erosion Gully site in Etsako West, Edo State".
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External links
![]() |
Wikivoyage has a travel guide for Auchi. |
- "Nigeria - Erosion and Watershed Management Project : resettlement plan (Vol. 6) : Resettlement action plan for Auchi erosion Gully site in Etsako West, Edo State". World Bank. Retrieved 19 June 2021.
- http://www.afemaipeople.com/
- http://stanwilly.blogspot.co.uk/2012/01/etsako-people-of-nigeria-history-and.html
- http://ihuanedo.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-real-story-of-auchi-town
- http://auchipoly.edu.ng