Abeokuta

Abeokuta is the state capital of Ogun State in South West Nigeria. The city was home to about 450,000 people in 2006, and the metro area to over 1.1 million. Some ruins remain of the 30-km wall that used to surround the city.

It has a very rich history as it's home to major areas such as Agbomeji, Ago-oko, Asero, GRA, Ibara/GRA, Iberekodo/Akomoje, Idiaba, Ikopa, Isabo, Itoko, Jemo, Kuto, Obantoko, Ojokodo, Oke Oko, Olomore, Oluwo,Onikolobo, Quarry, Totoro and many more.

Abeokuta as the name implies is coined from Yoruba phrase "AbΓ© Γ²kΓΊta"οΏΌ which means under the rock solely because of the presence of Giant rocks, the most notable been Olumo rock which is one of the major tourists attraction in the city.

Understand

Abeokuta is one of the most progressive areas of present-day Nigeria, although it has had its fair share of trials. After having been settled by members of the Egba nation who had emigrated out of the restive Oyo Empire, then inhabited by Chief Sodeke and his people trying to flee Dahomey and Ibadan slavehunters, it saw a period of prominence as a center for palm oil cultivation. King Gezo and the Dahomey, being not just a little pinched with jealousy by this, invaded to start the Battle of Abeokuta in 1851 which the local inhabitants won.

The British also began infiltrating at this time, first missionaries, and then colonial interests. To gain protection during the Yoruba Civil Wars, the king or alake of the Egba signed an alliance with the British which consummated in British imperialism. There were a couple of uprisings over this new period, namely the Adubi War and Abeokuta Woman's Revolt, but Abeokuta rolled with the punches until Nigerian independence, then became home to a number of reputable universities and considerable industry.

Get in

Abeokuta is halfway between Lagos and Ibadan, high-speed Lagos-Ibadan Railway trains takes about one hour from both cities and there several departures every day. Additionally, there are much slower long-distance trains on the old narrow gauge route from Kano via Kaduna and Ibadan, continuing to Lagos. These long-distace trains runs a few times per week, but are subject to frequent cancellations.

Driving from Lagos takes about two hours, along highway A5.

  • 🌍 Abeokuta railway station (Wole Soyinka railway station) (5 km southeast of city centre). The new high-speed intercity trains calls here. (updated Jan 2022)
  • 🌍 Old Abeokuta railway station. The old, centrally located railway station. Only the slower long-distance trains calls here. (updated Jan 2022)

Get around

Probably your best bet is to drive or be driven.

See
  • 🌍 MKO Abiola international stadium. MKO Abiola Stadium is a multi-use stadium that is used mostly for football matches. It is the home stadium of Gateway F.C., and has a capacity of 10,000 people. (updated Jan 2022)
  • 🌍 Funaab Zoo Park, ☏ +234 7032484259. A diminutive zoo on the Federal University of Agriculture Campus. (updated Aug 2020)
  • 🌍 Olumo Rock, Ikija Rd. M-Sa 9AM-7PM, Su noon-4PM. This is quite the nifty attraction, and popular, too, as it's a large granite dome from which you can view the entirety of the city and its surroundings, including Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral and the mosque of Abeokuta. Small admission fee that includes a tour guide. (updated Aug 2020)
  • 🌍 Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library Abeokuta, Presidential Bouleva road, Oke Mosan, ☏ +234 8097240000. M-Sa 9AM-7PM, Su 10AM-5PM. This consists of a library with documents pertaining to the president Olusegun Obasanjo, but much more also: a research library, a recreational theater, an amusement park, and a resort. (updated Aug 2020)
  • 🌍 Bilikisu Sungbo Shrine. Bilikisu Sungbo Shrine is believed to be the tomb of Queen of Sheba from the bible. Legend has it that the Queen of Sheba hailed from Ethiopia where she is known as Queen Balqis. She moved from Ethiopia to Oke Eri, Ijebu area of Ogun state where she later died. It is an exciting tourist centre if one is interested in Abeokuta's history. (updated Jan 2023)
  • 🌍 National Museum Abeokuta, Inside Baptist girls college, Idi-aba. M-F 8AM-4PM. National Museum Abeokuta a museum with a wide collection of artefacts, sculptors, and relics of the Egba people. These objects tell the history of the town and the people. At the museum, the gate fee is ₦100 and visitors are offered a tour. Cameras are not allowed. The museum also has a gift shop where objects such as artefacts, bangles, crafts, magazines, books and souvenirs are sold. (updated Jan 2023)
  • 🌍 Ake Palace (Alake of Egbaland Palace), Ake Rd. This is the home of the Alake of Egbaland Palace. The palace gate has an inscription: "Aafin Alake Ti Ile Egba," meaning "the palace of Alake of Egbaland." The palace also houses the oldest Bible in Nigeria - a copy of the St James Version of the Bible which was presented by Queen Victoria to Chief Akinrinlewo Sodeke in 1848. (updated Jan 2023)

Do

Explore the rock dome at Olumo Rock, where the Egba peoples used to take shelter in the crooks and crannies to hide from slavehunters and other hostile people.

  • 🌍 Oyan River Dam. The Oyan River Dam falls about 20 km in the north of Abeokuta. The dam is being considered to be used for irrigation and hydroelectric power supply although it was initially built to supply water to Abeokuta and Lagos. Visitors can try having a picnic while enjoying the scenery. Visitors can also try out activities like fishing, and canoeing with locals. (updated Jun 2021)
  • Centenary Hall, Ake. M-Sa 8AM-6PM. The Centenary hall according to history was built by the Egba people in 1950. It was built to celebrate their one hundred years of peaceful existence at Abeokuta after the numerous inter-tribal wars. The Centenary hall is a must-see as it is a place with a historical heritage that reflects the culture of the locals. (updated Jun 2021)
  • 🌍 Capricorn Cinema, Cultural Centre Abeokuta South, Kuto 110101, Abeokuta. 10AM-10PM. Capricorn Cinema located in Abeokuta Ogun state. A very nice place to watch your movie both local and international. (updated Jan 2022)

Buy
  • 🌍 Ace supermarket, Olusegun Obasanjo Rd, Ita Eko. M-Sa 8AM-9PM, Su noon-9PM. In-store pickup. In-store shopping. Delivery. (updated Jun 2021)
  • 🌍 Faithdaniels Boutique, Shop 63, Opposite kuto garage, Kuto market Rd, Kuto, ☏ +234-809-910-5470. A clothing store. In-store shopping. Delivery. M-Sa 8AM-8PM. (updated Jun 2021)
  • 🌍 Brands by ola, Shop B004, Providence mall, M.K.O Abiola Way, ☏ +234-812-908-3701. M-Sa 7AM-7PM. A clothing store. In-store shopping. (updated Jun 2021)
  • 🌍 Rojabs Babies & Children store (Gift shop), Lalubu st, Oke-ilewo, Ibara. M-Sa 8AM-7PM. In-store shopping. In-store pick up. Delivery. (updated Jun 2021)
  • 🌍 Mtn dealer shop, Lalubu st, Oke-ilewo, Ibara. M-Sa 8:30AM-5PM. (updated Jun 2021)

Eat
  • 🌍 Royal Mandarin Kuto Abeokuta, 2 Gen.gausau Crescent, opposite Legislative quarters, Ibara housing estate, Abeokuta Ogun south LGA (next to the Park Inn by Radisson), ☏ +234-816-505-9765. Daily 9AM-10PM. Some quality African/Nigerian food. (updated Aug 2020)
  • 🌍 Sweet Sensation Abeokuta, Oke-ilewo Rd,Behind Opic Building,ibara, ☏ +234-805-209-0024. Daily 9AM-10PM. Buffet. Dine-in. Takeaway. Delivery. (updated Aug 2020)
  • 🌍 WorkCity Restaurant, Ibara, ☏ +234-809-063-9973. Daily 7AM-10PM. Dine-in. Takeaway. Delivery. (updated Jun 2021)
  • 🌍 Mr Bigg's, Plot 2, Obafemi Awolowo way, Ibara, ☏ +234-704-305-0439. Daily 6:45AM-9PM. Dine-in. Takeaway. Delivery. (updated Jun 2021)
  • 🌍 Big Treat Restaurant, Opic Roundabout,ibara. Daily 9AM-9PM. Dine-in. Takeaway. Delivery. (updated Jun 2021)
  • 🌍 Pizza & Pastries, Ita-Eko. Daily 8AM-9PM. Dine-in. Takeaway. No contact delivery. (updated Jun 2021)
  • 🌍 Spices, Ibara housing estate. M-F 7:30AM-10PM. Dine-in. Takeaway. Delivery. (updated Jun 2021)
  • 🌍 Tantalizer (very close to Lafenwa market. One of the major landmark in the area is Lafenwa garage, police station and Mobil filling station), ☏ +234 8093713163. 7:30AM-7PM. Restaurant, event hall, bakery and pastries, indoor games, kiddies outdoor games and facilities, smoothies, barbeque, Asun and Suya. (updated Dec 2021)
  • Dalish Restaurant, Mancot bus station, Alabata road (Location in B. G multipurpose centre), ☏ +234 811 2340631. 8:30AM-10:30PM. Delivery, Take away, Dine-in, Good for kids, Causal, cosy. (updated Mar 2022)
  • Surulere Restaurant, Oloronbo Ijeun Tuntun, behind M.K.O Abiola international stadium, ☏ +234 803 3797582. 8AM-6PM. Delivery, Take away, Dine-in, Good for kids, Casual. ₦2000. (updated Mar 2022)
  • Lola's Kitchen, Oke-Ilewo in Abeokuta area of Ogun State, ☏ +234 907 900 9200. (updated Jan 2022)

Drink
  • 🌍 Goldzek, Ibara housing estate Rd, G.R.A., ☏ +234-803-115-6531. Daily 2-11PM. Dine-in. Takeaway. (updated Jun 2021)
  • 🌍 Halmod Bar, Quarry Rd, Surulere. Takeaway. (updated Jun 2021)
  • 🌍 Rock Zone, Surulere Rd, Ita Eko. Daily 8PM-10AM. Bars & grill. Dine-in. Takeaway. (updated Jun 2021)
  • 🌍 Buzz Sports Bar, Adigbe, ☏ +234-813-859-2311. Takeaway. Dine-in. (updated Jun 2021)
  • 🌍 3ad Bar & Lounge, Post office Rd, behind Skating Ground, public car park, Ibara. Takeaway. Dine-in. (updated Jun 2021)
  • 🌍 Vybe Lounge, The underground, H3 events center, opposite immigration (Located in H3 Events center, Oke Mosan), ☏ +234 9097620000. 2–11PM. Sport, bar games, live performance, Karaoke, live music, great cocktails, happy hour drinks, spirits, dancing, beer, free WiFi, toilets, etc. (updated Jan 2023)
  • *BarCode lounge* 1, Folarin street, off quarry road. Dine in, night club (updated Mar, 2022)
  • Chaise Lounge, Mercy Road. Dine in (updated mar, 2022)
  • Orange lounge and bar. Obada road. Dine in, take away. Opens 9am on Friday (updated Mar, 2022)
  • οΏΌTezars lounge. Jaguna, Leme, Moshood Abiola way. Dine in (updated Mar, 2022)
  • Quench club and Pool. Night club, poolside, quarry imperial hotel. Opens Friday noon. Dine in, take away (updated Mar, 2022)
  • οΏΌBside lounge, quarry road. It's a fast rising nightlife hangout in abeokuta. Dine in, take away. (Updated Mar, 2022)

Sleep

Connect

Radio
  • OGBC II 90.5 FM
  • Paramount 94.5 FM
  • Rockcity FM 101.9
  • Sweet 107.1 FM
  • Family FM 88.5
  • Funaab 89.5 FM
  • Cowrie 97.5FM
  • Smash 88.1FM
  • FRESH 107.9 FM
  • Rootsfm 97.1
  • Splash FM 106.7

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