Total population | |
---|---|
1,280,000[1] | |
Regions with significant populations | |
Benin | 1,090,000[1] |
Togo | 190,000[1] |
Languages | |
Adja, French | |
Religion | |
West African Vodun, Christianity | |
Related ethnic groups | |
Other Gbe peoples, primarily Ewe and Fon |
The Aja or Adja are an ethnic group native to south-western Benin and south-eastern Togo.[2] According to oral tradition, the Aja migrated to southern Benin in the 12th or 13th century from Tado on the Mono River, and c. 1600, three brothers, Kokpon, Do-Aklin, and Te-Agbanlin, split the ruling of the region then occupied by the Aja amongst themselves: Kokpon took the capital city of Great Ardra, reigning over the Allada kingdom; Do-Aklin founded Abomey, which would become capital of the Kingdom of Dahomey; and Te-Agbanlin founded Little Ardra, also known as Ajatche, later called Porto Novo (literally, "New Port") by Portuguese traders and the current capital city of Benin.