Igede trace their origin to Sabon Gida Ora in Edo state.

They are said to be the descendants of Agba, a high chief in Sabon Gida Ora.

A skirmish between the Igede and the natives of Ora led to their migration from that region to present-day Benue state through Nsukka in Enugu state.

This historical event in Igede history is commonly recounted in song and drama, for instance the record and drama piece “Ego ny’Igede”.

Archive records indicate that they migrated from Ogoja province and have increasingly adopted the culture and practices of the Idoma.