Ondo is one of the oldest towns in Ondo State and gave the state its name. It is the seat of the Osemawe of Ondo, the town's traditional ruler, and the centre of the Ondo kingdom.
The town lies in rolling, forested farmland where cocoa has been grown for generations. It is a quieter place than the state capital, Akure, with a strong sense of tradition and a busy market life.
Top things to do in Ondo
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Visit the Osemawe's palace
The palace of the Osemawe is the heart of Ondo's traditional life, where chiefs gather and many of the town's ceremonies take place.
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See a traditional festival
Ondo keeps a calendar of traditional festivals, including Oramfe, which honours one of the town's deities. Festival days bring drumming, dancing and processions through the town.
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Drive through cocoa country
The roads around Ondo pass cocoa farms and forest, especially green in the rainy season. During the harvest, you may see cocoa beans drying in front of homes.
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Day trip to Idanre Hills
Idanre Hills, between Ondo and Akure, is a short drive away. Hundreds of steps lead up to the old hilltop town, with views across granite peaks.
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Shop the local markets
Ondo's markets sell yams, cassava products, palm oil, kola nuts, vegetables and fabrics from across the region.
Upcoming events in Ondo
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Festivals and culture
Traditional festivals such as Oramfe are central to Ondo's identity, alongside ceremonies at the Osemawe's palace. Christmas and the end of the year bring returning families, weddings, church events and parties.
Food to try
Try pounded yam with egusi or ila (okra) soup, amala, ofada rice, roasted plantain and fresh palm wine. Snails and bushmeat dishes are also popular in the region.
Best time to visit
November to March is dry and best for travel and hill walks. The rainy season runs from about April to October, when the countryside is greenest.
Getting around
Taxis, tricycles and motorcycle taxis cover the town. Ondo is roughly 50 km from Akure by road, and the Lagos-Ore-Benin highway runs to the south.
Questions about Ondo
Is Ondo town the capital of Ondo State?
No. Akure is the capital of Ondo State. Ondo town is a historic royal town that gave the state its name.
What is near Ondo town?
Idanre Hills and Akure are both a short drive away, and the town is surrounded by cocoa-growing farmland.
How do I find events in Ondo State?
Browse upcoming concerts, festivals, parties and free events in Ondo State on Shows.ng, and filter by today, this weekend or this month.
