Obi Local Government of Benue State is predominantly inhabited by Igede people of Ito descent. It hosts residents from across the country and made up of twelve (12) council wards.
Obi local government was created on the 1st October 1996. It was carved from the former Oju local government and derives its name from River Obi, which runs through the length and breadth of the local government area.
Since its existence, it has continued to maintain an atmosphere of peace and tranquilly. It is no wonder then that it is popularly referred to by many people as “Home of Hospitality”.
Obi local government and its Oju counterpart can boast of the renowned agricultural resources and the popular Igede–Agba, a yam festival which is celebrated on every first Ihigile market in the month of September annually.
The occasion is usually marked with colorful celebrations and it attracts indigenous, national and international tourists. The council intends to create more tourists centers in the local government, in addition to the existing ones.
The Obi local government share boundary with Ado Local Government Area, Otukpo Local Government Area and Oju Local Government Area.
The main agricultural produce include: Maize, Cassava, Groundnut, and Yams
The mineral resources in Obi local government include: Banxite, Limestone, Crude oil, Tin Ore, and Copper.
The people of Obi local government area speak Igede language with their formal territory Oju. The major town of Obi includes: Adum East, Itogo, Okpokwu, and Ikwokwu.
The people of Obi have twelve council wards. They include:
- Obarike-Ito council ward
- Orihi council ward
- Okwutungbe council ward
- Ogore council ward
- Okpokwu council ward
- Odiapa council ward
- Obeko council ward
- Itogo council ward
- Irabi council ward
- Ikwokwu council ward
- Akum West council ward, and
- Adiko council ward
