THE CREATION OF ISOKO DIVISION IN OCTOBER, 1963
After the Amalgamation of Northern and Southern Nigeria in 1914, the British created provinces throughout the colony of Nigeria. Most of Urhoboland, Ijaws of present day Delta State, Itsekiris and Isokos were grouped into Warri Province with headquarters in Warri. Divisions (similar to present day local government areas) were created in each of the provinces. Isoko and Urhobo were in Warri Division with headquarters also in Warri that also served as Provincial headquarters.
In 1932 Sobo Division was created from Warri Division consisting of Isoko and Urhoboland. Ughelli was now made the headquarters of the Sobo Division which was later changed to Urhobo Division.

As from the late 1930s down to the 50s, there was tension between Isokos and Urhobos over the choice of the name “Urhobo Division.” Isokos agitated that the name of the division should read “ISOKO-URHOBO DIVISION” or “URHOBO-ISOKO DIVISION” so that their identity can be acknowledged and preserved. The Urhobos on the other hand, were opposed to the proposal insisting that Isoko was a sub-group of the Urhobo tribe just like the Jesses, Okpes or Ughienvwes and there was no need for the division to bear the compound name of Isoko-Urhobo or Urhobo-Isoko as proposed. Attempts by the colonialists to mediate and resolve the issue were unsuccessful as both sides stuck to their positions.
Isokos continued to protest the use of the name Urhobo Division and were very surprised that the British refused to act on what they felt was an issue that ought not to be contested.
By the end of 1949 the Chief Commissioner granted approval in principle to an Urhobo/Isoko Federal Council that would serve as Superior Native Authority to an Isoko District Council which would sit in Oleh and an Urhobo District Council that would sit in Ughelli. However, the name Urhobo Division remained and the agitation continued until Nigeria got independence.
During the politics of the Western Region, Isoko Constituency was known as Urhobo East or Eastern Urhobo. It was not until October 1963 after Midwestern State was created from the Old Western Region that Isoko Division was created with headquarters at Oleh.
Following the Local Government Reforms carried out in 1976 by the Obasanjo administration, Isoko Division became known and addressed as Isoko Local Government Area with headquarters still at Oleh.
In 1991 Isoko Local Government that was now in Delta State was split to Isoko North and Isoko South Local Government Areas.
By Jerry Uzezi Edo Esq