SUMMARY

The Ilaje are an ethnic group which resides in the south west regions of Nigeria, and also a local government area of Nigeria. The Ilaje have a history of conflict, forcing them to flee their settlements. This exiling of ethnic Ilaje would prove to be troublesome, as upon their return, hostilities that had lain dormant resurfaced. The Ilajes are a sub-clan of the Yoruba ethnicity, the second largest ethnicity in Nigeria.

The Ilaje share their homelands with a number of other ethnicities, which has proven to be troublesome since the land in the Nigerian delta region is rich in oil. It has led to a situation where each ethnic group is very protective of its land, or what they claim to be their land, resulting in disputes over certain pieces of land. Fuelled by rumours of oil-riches these disputes may well escalate and spiral out of control.

There is little written on the Ilaje, it is therefore difficult to elaborate as to its leadership, history, tactics or any other group-specific characteristics.

Ilaje have been involved in the non-state category of UCDP organised violence.