The founder of Ikao came from Ile Ife as a hunter. He first settled near Otuo. He had three sons namely Urhuere,Utho and Ishiegbe. They had three chieftaincy titles namely- Ghuvie,Olotu and Odie.

The sub clans in Ikao are Urhuere,Utho and Ishiegbe. The clan head title is Ovie. Ikao was originally part of Okpuje. They left Okpuje because of disagreement on chieftaincy matters.