Oyo State

Oyo State is a state in South West Nigeria with the city of Ibadan as its capital.

Cities

• 1 Ibadan
• 2 Eruwa
• 3 Fiditi
• 4 Igangan
• 5 Igbeti
• 6 Igboho
• 7 Igbo-ora
• 8 Iseyin
• 9 Ogbomosho
• 10 Okeho
• 11 Oyo
• 12 Saki Town
• 13 Sepeteri

Other destinations

• 1 Old Oyo National Park

Understand

Oyo state was formed in 1976 from Western State and included Ọsun State, which was later split off in 1991. Oyo State is homogenous, mainly inhabited by the Yoruba ethnic group who are primarily agrarian but have a predilection for living in high-density urban centers. The indigenes mainly comprise the Oyos, the Oke-Oguns, the Ibadan,s and the Ibarapas, all belonging to the Yoruba family and indigenous city in Africa. Ibadan had been the center of administration of the old Western Region since the days of British colonial rule.

Climate

The weather in Oyo, Nigeria, is mostly cloudy with intermittent rain. The temperature is around 26°C (79°F) but feels warmer due to the humidity, with a "feels like" temperature of 29°C (84°F). The humidity is quite high, around 83%, and the wind is coming from the southwest at about 11 km/h.

Get in

By plane

Ibadan has an airport, which is served by domestic carriers only. There are flights from Abuja, Lagos and Ilorin. Arik Air and Overland Airways are the two airlines that operate in Ibadan Airport.

• 1 Ibadan Airport.  

The fastest way to get into Oyo state is by getting in through the popular Ibadan Airport, and you can majorly get into Oyo state via the Ibadan airport, traveling by plane is the fastest way to get into Oyo State.

By train

A new higher-speed railway line connecting Oyo State to Lagos via Abeokuta opened in January 2021. It has been said that the line will be extended to Kano. The new railway station is located in Moniya, far north of the city center, meaning you will have to use a connecting bus or taxi.

• 2 Ibadan railway station (18 km north of city centre). NR will offer a daily return passenger service on the line, which will depart Ibadan at 8AM, and Lagos at 4PM. Tickets will cost ₦3000-6000. Economy- 2600. (updated Jan 2021)

It is also a way of getting into Oyo State, Trains are usually also comfortable especially depending on if you are on first class, as you can easily have access to a bed, a room, toilet and bathroom, and other luxuries to make your journey smooth.

• Motor (Bus), Everywhere around the nation. 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 Oyo state, after which a taxi will be boarded to any area you will love to visit in Oyo State. (updated Dec 2021)

Asides from the buses listed above, there are also buses available at all bus stations within the country that plys Oyo State, all you need to do is get to the park, get on your preferred bus and journey to Oyo State

Get around

When getting around Oyo State, be sure or instead try to be accompanied by a person who is familiar with the routes. The means of transportation within Oyo State is mostly by taxi (popular cabs in the state) and motorcycles popularly known as okada.

If you are not on a tight budget, you should hire a taxi, usually available in crowded places like the local markets and car parks. The price varies from driver to driver, but it should be around ₦250-500 per hour, you will be expected to haggle. Talk to the drivers and find one you think will be able to communicate best with as they will be able to tell you things about the places you pass.

Motorcycle riders offer more of a drop-off service, and it is not the best option for someone touring the town with the expectation for the rider to talk about various location history. The service charge is around ₦50-100 per trip (drop-off).

Predominant in some big areas in Oyo State, the less stressful and most expensive method is by the usage of car-hailing transportation systems, popular ones are Bolt or Uber, all you have to do is to place your order and book a ride from the comfort of your home and an assigned driver will make his to your location to pick you up and drop you at your preferred location in Oyo State.

See

The National Museum of Unity in Ibadan is better than most of the regional museums in Nigeria. It has a large collection of art, drums, and Egungun costumes.

Agodi Gardens in Ibadan has a tropical garden that includes a swimming pool with inflatable balloons. There is a mini zoological park. and a garden and lawn for picnickers.

The Trans-Amusement Park in the Bodija district of Ibadan is an amusement and theme park.

Eat

There are several local restaurants in the state, where you can easily buy the popular Nigerian meal Amala also known as 'Abula' with your preferred choice of soup.

Stay safe

Oyo State is a relatively safe area of Nigeria, so most visits pass without any trouble.