Ikare

Ikare has an estimated population of 1.1 million and an area of 540 km². Ikare is about 100 km from Akure, the Ondo State capital. The city was the divisional headquarters of the old Akoko Division, comprising Oka-Akoko, Isua-Akoko, Okeagbe-Akoko, etc. The city is the headquarters of Akoko North-East Local Government.

Although Ikare is basically a Yoruba ethnic city, is also a place of convergence in Ondo State for many ethnic groups in Nigeria such as Igbo, Hausa, Fulani, and Ijaw. It lies in the Yoruba Hills, at the intersection of roads from Owo, Okene, Kabba, and Ado-Ekiti. The city has a substantial Christian, Jehovah Witness and Muslim population with several Churches, worshiping halls and Mosques. The architectural style of the city incorporates both Portuguese and Arabic styles. The Portuguese style was introduced in the 16th century when Portugal began to export slaves from the region. Arabic influences were incorporated in the 19th century with the diffusion of Islamic culture Southward across the Sahara. Population as of 2006 was over 700,000.

The city is a trading area for farmers of kolanut, cocoa, and coffee.

The traditional food if Ikare people is “Yam putting” called ‘inyon’ in the local dialect and ‘melon seed soup’  also called ‘egusi soup’  garnished with bush meat.

Ikare has a smooth road network and low population density. This makes it rare for the city to ever have a traffic jam or delay. Motorbikes and buses are used as the major means of transportation in Ikare. The average cost of transportation for a single trip within Ikare is about ₦200.

Kamp Ikare is a beach resort on a stretch of Lagos coast near Ikare village and it’s only accessible by boat. The resort is a main communal beach house, 6 duplex cabins positioned around a swimming pool and just meters from the sea. Kamp Ikare is beach resort that offers home-away-from-home facilities and services that combines the rustic environment around it with a Miami-style lounge area creating the most simple, no fuss environment for your relaxation.

New yam festival: New yam festival is the chief festival in Ikare and is celebrated annually on June 20th. During the festival, Ikare sons and daughters both home and abroad will come together to celebrate what is usually termed the starting point of a new year for Ikare land. The festival also features Masquerade parade, such as Oke, Seeru, GanGan among others.

Aringiya Festival: This is also the Maiden Festival where all virgins will paint themselves with Osun (Camwood) and go around the town nude, before converging at a designated point.

Ijeroba festival like other festivals the Ijeroba festival is of great importance and it is widely celebrated by the Ikare Akoko people. The festival is presided over by the traditionally recognized Oba of Ikare that is, the Owa Ale of Ikare. The festival is the period of the year during which the Owa Ale of Ikare and his people remember their arrival from Ile Ife and subsequent settlement at Ikare. The Ijeroba festival is usually performed by the Owa Ale, Olona, Olotun, Ologbosere, High Chief Olona and Yeye Awo. The festival is always celebrated at a specific period of the year usually communicated to the people. The ascension of Owa Ale to the Owa Ale hill marks the beginning of the festival.

Aringiya traditional festival: is one of the foremost traditional festivals celebrated in Ikare-Akoko. It is celebrated annually in May. During the celebration, indigenes within and outside the country converge to appease the gods. They also use the occasion to pray for the progress and development of the town and its people. Aringiya traditional festival is a maiden celebration that depicts the customs of the people and dignity for womanhood. Every girl who is eighteen years is dressed up in beads during the celebration. The festival is of a great sociological importance to the people of Ikare because the cultural practice does not only encourage young ladies to preserve their purity and virginity, but it equally serves as a moral tool against sexual abuse and the spread of sexual epidemics.

Otolo Restaurant located after military checkpoint, before Male Hostel, along, Ikare Road. It opens daily 9:30AM-8PM.

Chicken Republic at Ikare-Akoko. It opens daily 7AM-10PM. ☏ +234 807 149 3412

• 🌍 Crisolo Gardens, Along Akungba Road, Akungba Akoko. Daily 3-11PM. (updated Jun 2021)
• 🌍 Pulse Suite, Club & Bar, Army Check Point, km 1 Ikare Akungba Rd. Igbede, Ikare, ☏ +234 703 155 6034. Daily 3PM-7AM. (updated Jun 2021)

• 🌍 Niiman Hotel and Suites, Ishakunme, Klm 1 Akungba/Owo Road, ☏ +234 813 541 2803. Check-in: 1PM, check-out: noon. A 3-star hotel. It has restaurant, bar, a shared lounge, free parking space and swimming pool. (updated Jun 2021)
• 🌍 Bolinton Hotel, Nite Club and Event Centre, Beside Boye Hotel, Ikare. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. A 2-star hotel. It has restaurant, bar, event hall, car parking space et. (updated Jun 2021)
• 🌍 Rockyson International Hotel Annex, CJB14 Lokoja Road, Ikare Akoko. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. A 2-star hotel. (updated Jun 2021)

Generally, Ikare 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 in the late 2010s. 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 to avoid being attacked.

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 of Ikare are nice, peaceful and friendly people, most of them are readily offer directions to you if you are lost.

From Ikare, you can go some other cities and states. Some of the cities and states include:

• Arigidi
• Ugbe
• Ogbagi
• Oka
• Akungba
• Supare
• Owo
• Okene
• Kabba
• Ado Ekiti