The sub-prefectures of the department are Bako, Bougousso, Dioulatièdougou, Odienné, and Tiémé.

Using current boundaries as a reference, from 1969 to 2005 the department occupied the territory of Denguélé District.

The territory of Odienné Department was co-extensive with that of Denguélé Region from 1997 to 2005.

[4] In 2011, districts were introduced as new first-level subdivisions of Ivory Coast.

At this time, Odienné Department became part of Kabadougou Region in Denguélé District.