Ijebu-Ode is the ancestral home of the Ijebu people and the seat of the Awujale of Ijebuland, the area's paramount traditional ruler. The town lies in Ogun State, between Lagos and the road east towards Benin City.
The Ijebu have a long reputation as traders, and the town is known across Nigeria for its colourful Ojude Oba festival and for Ijebu dishes and garri that travel well beyond the state.
Top things to do in Ijebu-Ode
-
Watch the Ojude Oba festival
Ojude Oba, meaning "the king's forecourt", is held at the Awujale's palace on the third day after Eid al-Adha. Age groups in coordinated outfits and riders on decorated horses parade to pay homage to the king, and families from across the country return home for it.
-
Visit the Awujale's palace
The palace is the centre of Ijebu tradition and the setting for Ojude Oba and other ceremonies. Its forecourt fills with crowds, drummers and dancers on festival days.
-
Taste Ijebu specialities
Ijebu cooking has dishes you rarely find elsewhere, such as ikokore, a water yam pottage cooked with fish, and ebiripo, a steamed cocoyam pudding. Ijebu garri, fine and sour, is prized across the south-west.
-
Visit the markets
Ijebu-Ode's markets sell garri, palm oil, kola nuts, fabrics and everyday goods, reflecting the trading tradition the Ijebu are known for.
Festivals and culture
Ojude Oba is the highlight of the year and one of the most photographed festivals in Nigeria. The town also celebrates Eid, Christmas and other traditional festivals, and returning families fill it with weddings and parties in December.
Food to try
Try ikokore, ebiripo, Ijebu garri soaked with cold water, groundnuts and sugar, ofada rice with ayamase sauce, and moin moin. Fresh fish from nearby rivers and lagoons often finds its way into local soups.
Best time to visit
Plan your visit around Ojude Oba, which follows Eid al-Adha, so its date moves each year. November to March is the dry season, and rain falls from about April to October.
Getting around
Taxis, tricycles and motorcycle taxis cover the town. Ijebu-Ode is roughly 110 km from Lagos, reached through Sagamu, and sits near the expressway towards Ore and Benin City.
Questions about Ijebu-Ode
When is the Ojude Oba festival?
Ojude Oba is held on the third day after Eid al-Adha, so the date changes each year with the Islamic calendar.
What food is Ijebu-Ode known for?
Ijebu-Ode is known for ikokore (water yam pottage), ebiripo (cocoyam pudding) and fine, sour Ijebu garri.
How do I find events in Ijebu-Ode and Ogun State?
Browse upcoming festivals, concerts, parties and free events in Ogun State on Shows.ng, and filter by today, this weekend or this month.
