Isanlu also called Isanluland is located in Kogi State, and serves as the administrative hub for the Yagba East Local Government Area. Additionally, it functions as the focal point for political and socio-cultural activities of the Yagba community within the Yagba Federal Constituency, encompassing Mopa, Yagba East, and Yagba West Local Government Areas. The people of Isanlu in Kogi state are also referred to as part of the Okun Tribe.

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Isanlu in Kogi State

Isanlu, a vast expanse spanning approximately 20 kilometers, traces its roots back to the 17th century. Positioned at latitude 8°10’N and longitude 5°48’E, this region is home to an estimated population of around 200,000 individuals as of 2016. The majority of its residents engage in farming and trade, with a smaller number involved in hunting during its historical period. However, Isanlu’s territory is situated within the Yagba East Local Government Area and is linked historically to both the Yagba and the Okun people.

However, The name “Isanlu in Kogi” signifies “a place that fosters prosperity for its inhabitants”. The language spoken in this community is primarily categorized within the Northeast Yoruba language group and it is referred to as “Okun,”. Also, This term conveys strength, and it is commonly used as a greeting among the people of Isanlu.

The Origin of Isanlu

The Origin of Isanlu has a historical connection to Kwara State, as one of the Okun communities. this is due to the fact that Isanlu, along with other Okun communities, was previously under the jurisdiction of Oyi Local Government in Kwara State. Oyi local government got the name from Oyi River which is a seasonal River flowing through Okunland. This is because In 1967, following the creation of six states from the northern region, Isanluland became part of Kwara State, with its headquarters in Ilorin.

However, In 1991, during the restructuring of the country under General Ibrahim Gbadamosi Babangida, Kogi State was established with its headquarters in Lokoja. Thus, Isanluland falls under the Terrority that makes up the Kogi state. Therefore, to distinguish Isanlu from Isanlu-isin and other Isanlu communities, it was renamed Isanlu-Makutu. However, in 2009, the name was further modified to Isanluland, due to the factor that Makutu is one of its constituent communities.

The political structure of Isanlu

In pre-colonial Yagba communities before 1850, there was no central authority or powerful monarchies. Instead, they operated under a gerontocracy with a council of elders making occasional decisions for the entire community. This system resembled village democracy, with the family as the smallest political unit. At the lineage level, the eldest member was the Olori Ebi. The highest political and administrative unit was the village, where leadership was shared among the council of elders, priestly class, clan heads, secret societies, and age grades.

However, Regarding modern political structure, Isanlu has three declarations, The declaration of 1972, 2000, and 2004. These declarations are the guidelines for choosing the political heads of Isanluland. To become an Oba (KING) in Isanluland, there are rules and regulations you have to follow under the declaration.

The political post of the Oba is however been rotated among Oke-Metta and Makutu which makes up Isanluland, when an Oba is from Makutu, the Balogun will be from Oke-Metta and when an Oba is from Oke-Metta- Metta the Balogun will be chosen from Makutu. The political structure of Isanlu is totally different from the political structure of the Yoruba land where there exist Otun and Osi, in the political structure of Isanluland there is nothing of such as the Agbana is the overall head, and the Balogun is the second in command.

The new set of kings includes

The political structure in Isanluland has passed through different changes and it’s still passing through changes. One of the major changes right now is that Isanlunland now has a set of new kings under the Agbana and Balogun, The Agbana and the Balogun are the first graded leaders of Isanluland that are recognized even at Lokoja, but there are also new kings who were also graded under the Agbana the overall paramount king.

Elelo of Idofin
Alafin of Ilafin
Olutade of Itedo – Makutu
Oluagba of Makutu
Aro of Itedo- Ijowa
Olofin of Ofin
Olurigirigi of Bagido
Alamuro of Itedo- Amuro
Alafin of Ijowa Isanlu
The New Kings are third-class kings and the Balogun is also third-class. it is only the Agbana that is first class, which means that all the other kings and the Balogun are under the Agbana. The new kings are assisted by the Baales of their villages.

However, the current Agabna of Isanlu is Ọbá Moses Babatunde Etombi and the Oba is also the leader of the Yagba East Local Government Traditional Council of Kogi State.

Villages in Isanlu

Isanlu is divided into two which are Makutu and Oke-Metta, from the General Hospital to Surulere and to the river is called Makutu and from Ijowa to Irunda is called Oke-Metta. Eighteen villages however make up Isanlu and these villages are also under Makutu and Oke- Metta that make up Isanlu.

The Makutu groups are ten in number which are Surulere, Ido Ojesha, Idofin, Odogbe, Ilafin, Iye, Ilotin, Makutu, Itedo Makutu, and Itedo Ilafin.
The Oke Metta groups are Itedo Irunda, Itedo Amuro, Itedo Ijowa, Offin, Bagido, Mopo , Ijowa and Irunda Ile.

Religion and Festival In Isanlu

Christianity is the dominant religion in Isanluland and Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) is known as the first and the oldest church in Isanlu in Kogi state. However, other religions exist which include Islam and traditional religions.

However, there are five major festivals in Isanlu in Kogi state, and these are:

New Yam Festival (This is celebrated every Last Month In July)
Egungun Festival
Christian festivals e.g. Christmas and Easter celebrations
Muslim festivals e.g. Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha celebrations
Isanlu Day (This is celebrated yearly in April)

Schools in Isanlu

There are several schools in Isanlu, the majority of these schools were built by missionaries, most especially the ECWA missionaries and then the communities before the individuals started building private schools. However, this is the list of popular schools in Isanlu.