Okpella
Okpella is a kingdom situated along Benin-Abuja federal high way road. It is a town in 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 mineral resources, which include limestone, calcium, and granite.
During colonial rule, arising out of personality clashes between Chiefs Sado and Afegbua, the salary due to the head of Okpella was split between them.
Since the period of Oba Obinogbe, Okpella has been administered as one entity. The present paramount ruler is Alhaji Andrew Yesufu Eshioramhe Dirisu, a Justice of the Peace; he assumed the throne of his ancestors in 1971, with the title of Okuokpellagbe of Okpella. The appointment 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 Ikhumitse 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 concist of Muslims and nominal christians.
Villages
- Afokpella
- Awuyemi
- Iddo
- Imiegele
- Imekuri
- Okugbe
- Oku