Omuo

Omuo is in Ekiti State. Omuo-Ekiti is an ancient town in the eastern part of Ekiti State in western Nigeria, and the seat of the Ekiti-East local government.

Understand

Being inside Yorubaland, its population and that of Ekiti State are mainly the Yoruba. It is located on the border of the state of Ondo. Omuo-Ekiti is the headquarters of Ekiti East Local Government.

The traditional ruler of Omuo kingdom is the "Olomuo", who is Oba Noah Omonigbehin, Okinbaloye II, as of 2022. His supporting high chiefs include the Olisa of Ilisa, Chief Olatunbosun Orojo. Ilisa is the royal center of Omuo-Ekiti which comprises Oke-Iloro, Egunje, Omodowa, Apoge, Adumari, and more villages. Other high chiefs in Omuo Ekiti include Odofin of Iludofin, Ajero of Ijero and Alawe of Iworo. Other chiefs administer Ekurugbe, Ahan, Oya, Oruju, Edugbe and Araromi.

Omuo-Ekiti is about 75 km away from Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti state capital. The town is located in the Yoruba cultural region, and has many Christian residents as well as Jehovah's Witnesses and Muslims. Islam was brought to Omuo Ekiti by Balogun Usthman (a.k.a. Dodo-Ndawa), the warlord that defended Omuo-Ekiti from slavers during the early days of the settlement. In 2001, the town's population was over 6000.

Climate

Omuo experiences a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons.The wet season brings heavy rainfall and higher humidity levels, while the dry season offers clear skies and sunny weather.

See

Omuo has a rich cultural heritage with many festivals. The Ayan festival in Iludofin draws in many residents to celebrate. Omuo is a secular town, but it celebrates Islamic festivals such as Eid al-Adha, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid Kabir, Christian festivals such as Christmas and Easter, and New Year's Day. Omuo Ekiti celebrates its yam festival on the seventh of July every year.

Omuo is home to various schools, including the Polytechnic Omuo, the Omuo Comprehensive High School, the Omuo Ore Secondary School, the Amunnu Comprehensive High School, the Omuo Community Grammar School, and other government and private-owned primary and secondary schools.

Buy

Omuo is one of the chief commercial towns in Ekiti state, with several industries and markets, including Oja-Obadore Market and Omuo Community Market Kota.

Stay safe

In general, Ekiti State has become a much safer place to visit than before, except for occasional clashes and violence, the state of security in the city has relatively improved with the state spending huge budgets on security with police patrol cars, CCTV cameras (though this isn't always the case). But beware of deals or businesses that sound too good to be true (especially e-mails soliciting your help), and do not openly flaunt your possessions, especially in public places.

While it is rare for a tourist to be a victim of a violent crime, it is still wise to stay safe and be alert, especially during late night outings. Stick to crowded streets and make sure to go out in groups as against going out alone.

The people are generally nice and friendly people, most of whom will readily offer directions to you if you are lost.

Go next

• Ibadan
• Ilorin
• Lagos
• Ibadan
• Offa
• Omu-aran
• Esie