Igbo-ora

Igbo-ora is a city and the headquarters of Ibarapa Central, south-western Nigeria, 80 kilometres (50 mi) north of Lagos. In 2006 the population of the town was approximately 72,207 people. In 2017 the population is estimated to be around 278,514 people.

Understand

The town is the location of Oyo State College of Agriculture. The college has contributed significantly to the socio-economic and demographic development of the town.

The unusually large number of twin births in the region have earned the town the nickname Twin Capital of the World. This phenomenon of a large number of twin births is not unique to Igbo-Ora; it has also been observed in the town of Kodinji in India, and Cândido Godói in Brazil. In Igbo-Ora, research has suggested that the multiple births could be related to the eating habits of the women in the region. Though no direct relation between dietary intake and twin births has been proven, a research study carried out at the University of Lagos Teaching Hospital has suggested that a chemical found in Igbo-Ora women and the peelings of a widely consumed tuber (yams) could be responsible.

A possible explanation that the large number of twins being born here could simply be a matter of genetics.

History

Obe Alade, a descendant of Alaafin of Oyo with his family migrated from Oyo town several centuries ago following a chieftaincy tussle and when he and his kinsmen lost the contest, (As usual in those days, once you lost any chieftaincy tussle, people tend to leave the town). While coming from Oyo town, Obe Alade and his kinsmen came with idols mainly Egungun and Alaale which they worshiped.

First settlement

Obe Alade and his family first settled at a forest name after them, a forest of immigrant (Awon to sako wa lati Oyo). Igbo-Asako, about three kilometers away from the present-day Igbo-Ora market.

It was at Igbo-Asako that Obe Alade became the first Baale of Igbo-Ora (Now Olu of Igbo-ora) as usual for a founder, hence the appellation “Omo Igbo-Ora Lasako”. The scarcity of drinking water and mosquitoes’ bites drove out the Igbo-Ora people From Igbo-Asako forest.

Hence the appellation “Bi o ri emo ri, ki o nso ni Igbo-Ora Lasko, abongangan ibr ju esi ode lo, yanmuyanmu ibe ju ikamudu” meaning “If you want trouble, go to Igbo-Ora in Asako where mosquitoes are as big as hunter flies and bigger than other insects”.

Second settlement

Due to unfavorable conditions, harsh weather and insect bites, they left Igbo-Asako. Igbo-Ora people now found another site called Igbo-Ayin near Ayin river and they settled there. They relied on this Ayin river for drinking water and other domestic purposes. There is a flat rock, and on that rock, they established a big market called “Apata Itaja” Market.

Third (last) settlement

The Igbo-Ora people left Igbo Ayin to find another forest which was in a marshy and swampy area (“Ira”) an unseasonal river called Igbo-Ira (Igbo inu Ira) and the present site. It is here the town derived its name when people refer to the people of the settlement as Omo Igbo-Ira later it was shortened as Igbo-Ora.

At each of the above settlements people name the town with a prefix of the forest:

1. Igbo-Asako
2. Igbo-Ayin
3. Igbo-Ora

This led to the appellation they gave to the people “Omo Igbo-Ora Lasako” in other to link them with their original settlement.

Get in

There are two ways to get into Igbo-ora town: by air and by bus. You can go by air by taking a direct flight from the Lagos Airport to Ilorin Airport which takes 45 min, you will need to use a connecting vehicle usually a shared taxi to get to Igbo-ora town.

In addition, several bus companies like God Is Good Motors (GIGM), ABC Transport, Ifesinachi and The Young Shall Grow offer daily services from almost all major cities around the country to Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo state, after which a taxi will be boarded to Igbo-ora town which is about 2-hr journey by road from Ibadan. While buses usually are quite comfortable, journey times are very long.

See

• Ideere Hills, Igbo Ora-Eruwa Road, ☏ +234 803 536 7918. Tourist attraction in Igbo-ora. (updated Dec 2021)

Do

• The World Twins Day Festival: Igbo-ora tagged the twins’ capital of the world celebrates the Twins Day Festival annually.

Buy

• 1 Ajegunle Market. 8AM-10PM. Open air market. (updated Dec 2021)
• 2 Pako Market. 8AM-10PM. Open air market where you can get varieties. (updated Dec 2021)
• 3 Baaro Market. 9AM-8PM. In-store shopping. (updated Dec 2021)
• 4 Oja Oba Igbo Ora, Unnamed Road. 8AM-10PM. A traditional market where you can buy varieties of farm produces and other stuffs. (updated Dec 2021)
• 5 Market. 8AM-10PM. In-store shopping. (updated Dec 2021)
• 6 Oba Market. 9AM-8PM. A traditional market where you can buy varieties of things. (updated Dec 2021)
• 7 Erenta Markets, College road, ☏ +234 814 566 2007. 9AM-8PM. (updated Dec 2021)
• 8 Obecheygsmsolution, Towobowo market junction. 9AM-8PM. Electronics store in Igbo-Ora. (updated Dec 2021)
• 9 Supermarket and Store Igboora. 9AM-8PM. In-store shopping. (updated Dec 2021)

Minimarts can be found in various areas in the town as they are usually owned by the locals.

For a more cosmopolitan experience you will need to travel to Ibadan, the state capital to shop at various supermarket and stores;

Eat

For meals, there are local restaurants owned by the locals you can patronize, but be wary of food poisoning. In addition, most hotels have food services for their customers, you can order room service in your hotel. For more options and variety you can try Marthas Kitchen, Kokodome Plus, Latitude Cafe & Lounge, Ibachi, or the Wimpy Ibadan all located in the states' capital city, Ibadan.

• 1 Aláké Alasela and Sons Food. 9AM-8PM. Dine-in. Takeaway. Delivery. ₦500. (updated Dec 2021)
• 2 Iya Laje Cool Spot. 9AM-8PM. Dine-in. (updated Dec 2021)

• 3 Hosanna. Dine-in. Takeaway. (updated Dec 2021)
• 4 O2 klassic kitchen, Pako Tuntun Igboora College of Agriculture, Central. 9AM-8PM. Dine-in. Drive-through. (updated Dec 2021)

Drink

• 1 Iya Laje Cool Spot. 9AM-8PM. Dine-in. (updated Dec 2021)
• 2 Heritage Resorts, 1, Ademola Ojo Crescent, Sagaun New Area, ☏ +234 802 303 3989. Resort where you can get alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks and eat out. (updated Dec 2021)

Sleep

• 1 Royal Court Guest House, ☏ +234 805 518 8345. (updated Dec 2021)
• 2 Pinkbell Inn, Ismael, Onatola Street, ☏ +234 906 473 9040. Decent lodging. (updated Dec 2021)
• 3 De-Link Hotel, Igboora Road, Idere. The hotel is a comfortable and active place to go. Local delicacies served and good room facilities. (updated Dec 2021)
• 4 Heritage Resorts, 1, Ademola Ojo Crescent, Sagaun New Area, Igbo-Ora, ☏ +234 802 303 3989. The resort is a comfortable and active place to go and pass the night. Local delicacies served and come in recommended. (updated Dec 2021)
• 5 Portable Independent Guest House, 24 Igbo-Ora Road, 201101, Igangan, ☏ +234 803 513 3454. Indoor lodging in Igbo-Ora close to Igangan town. (updated Dec 2021)

Connect

The networks in certain parts of Igbo-ora town can be very erratic at times. On certain days you cannot make a phone call at all or you will not be able to recharge your phone for most of the day making business very difficult at times. But it's occasional and that is the reason if you want to stay for a long term, make sure that you have at least two phones or a dual SIM phone.

Go next

• Ibadan
• Oyo
• Ogbomoso