Esan West is a Local Government Area in Edo State, Nigeria, with its headquarters in the town of Ekpoma. The area has a population of over 290,000 people, including more than 90,000 adult males and 80,000 adult females, according to the 2016 census. Esan West is politically divided into 10 wards and covers a land mass of 502 km² (194 sq mi), making it one of the prominent regions in Edo State.

The people of Esan West are predominantly of the Esan tribe, and many are academic and non-academic staff of Ambrose Alli University, owners of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), subsistence farmers, and others engaged in civil service, trading, transportation, and students of Ambrose Alli University. The primary language spoken is Esan, which is consistent with the general Esan language spoken across Esanland.

Esan West is home to the prestigious Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, which was founded in 1981 by Professor Ambrose Folorunsho Alli, a former governor of Bendel State (now Edo and Delta States). The university has since become a center for academic excellence, attracting students from across the country and beyond.

Ekpoma's traditional leadership is headed by the Onojie, the king of the town, whose position is hereditary, passed down from father to son. The Onojie,s palace is situated in a community named Eguare. The village council, known as Iko-Edion, is led by the Odionwele, the eldest member of the community, who presides over matters involving the elders. The Edion (elders) are responsible for resolving disputes and administering justice in the community. Communication from the Onojie is conveyed through the Okhaimon to the Odionwele, who then convenes a meeting of elders to discuss and address community matters.