The advent of Esan Association and its formation was due to a painful incidence that brought a few Esan people in the Washington DC area to handle a personal death situation. In 1987 a few Esan in the Washington DC area heard that during a party in Maryland, an Esan – Theo collapsed and died in the party. The Esan we knew were not more than 15 people. However, we were able to rally among ourselves to decide how to handle this tragedy. Bendel State Student Union which was the only forum International Students used to gather and interact in the 80s was very pivotal in the effort to handle the painful situation.

To our surprise, the enthusiasm to handle the problem was very good. Within 20 days we were able to contribute more than $16,000.00 to ship the body to his parents in Warri. But after all the arrangements were made, the parents changed their mind and requested that he should be buried in the US. The balance of the money after the burial, was offered to Theo’s parents. They refused and it remained in Bendel State Students Union’s account. After the funeral, we met and decided to form the Esan Association in July, 1987 at 5600 Georgia Avenue Washington DC.   This Association was the first Ethnic group to be formed in the US. At the time of formation, the monthly due was $5.00. It was a very happy occasion and we all loved it. For most of us and me in particular, my Esan Language began to improve. In a very short time, we grow to be more than 30 members. We were really thrilled and looked forward to every meeting. Some of the founding members were Felix Obamogie, Paul Esene, Austin Olumese, Godwin Oboh, Peter Okogie, Wilson Ebo “Alias Akaso”, Osajele Ehikhamenor, Vincent Ebhojaiye, Tony Odiana, Patience Mbulu and myself.

At no time did we ever imagine that we would be this many. I know we built the foundation of the Association, but at no time did we ever imagine that it would explode into this many. Right now, every Edo state people are talking about the strength and happiness of the Esan Domain. Since you have strengthened the foundation of the Association, let’s keep up.

Courtesy of Jay Omoighe
An Esan Man