Ojo is a
Local Government Area
A local government area (LGA) is an administrative division of a country that a local government is responsible for. The size of an LGA varies by country but it is generally a subdivision of a State (administrative division), state, province, divi ...
and town
in
Lagos State
Lagos State ( yo, Ìpínlẹ̀ Èkó) is a States of Nigeria, state in South West (Nigeria), southwestern Nigeria. Of the 36 States of Nigeria, states, it is both the List of Nigerian states by population, most populous and List of Nigerian state ...
, Nigeria.
Lagos State University
Lagos State University, also known as LASU, is located in Ojo, with sub-campuses at Ikeja and Epe both towns in Lagos State, Nigeria. The university was established in 1983 by the enabling law of Lagos State, for the advancement of learning ...
is located there.
Ojo is located on the eastern section of the
Trans–West African Coastal Highway
The Trans–West African Coastal Highway or TAH 7 is a transnational highway project to link 12 West African coastal nations, from Mauritania in the north-west of the region to Nigeria in the east, with feeder roads already existing to two landloc ...
, about 37 km west of Lagos. It is part of the
Lagos Metropolitan Area
Lagos (Nigerian English: ; ) is the largest city in Nigeria and the second most populous city in Africa, with a population of 15.4 million as of 2015 within the city proper. Lagos was the national capital of Nigeria until December 1991 fo ...
.
![Ojo](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/96/Ojo.png)
Ojo is a primarily residential township although it contains some major markets including Alaba International Market, Alaba livestock market (Alaba Rago), the old
Lagos International Trade Fair
The Lagos International Trade Fair (LITF) is the largest international exhibition in West Africa. The Trade Fair is the premier International Trade Fair in Nigeria with the spectacular 10-day event usually starting on the first Friday of Novembe ...
complex, and Iyana-Iba market. It also houses the divisional headquarters of 81 division
Nigerian Army
The Nigerian Army (NA) is the land force of the Nigerian Armed Forces. It is governed by the Nigerian Army Council (NAC). The Chief of Army Staff is the highest ranking military officer of the Nigerian Army.
History Formation
The Nigerian ...
and Navy Town.
South of the town (across Badagry creek), the rest of the local government is sparsely populated and consists of mangrove swamps and sandy beaches. Some of these beaches are holiday spots in the festive season. Wildlife mostly consists of reptiles, rodents and birds including crocodiles, iguanas, monitor lizards and squirrels. Whales and dolphins have been known to visit the coastal areas.Some towns there are Iba, Igando, Okokomaiko, e.t.c.
History
Oral tradition holds that Ojo was founded by Esugbemi, his wife Erelu and chief priest Osu who migrated from
Ile-Ife to form a settlement named Ilufe. Esugbemi was a hunter who explored the swamp forests in the area which later became Ojo. During his expeditions he became convinced that he ought to expand the settlement. Osu consulted the Oracle which affirmed his decision at Ikemo quarters in present-day Olojo district.
The new town invited other
Awori Awori is a surname. Notable people with the surname include:
* Aggrey Awori (1939–2021), Ugandan economist and politician
*Maria Awori (born 1984), Kenyan swimmer
*Moody Awori (born 1927), Kenyan politician
See also
*Awori tribe
The Awori is ...
settlers from
Iddo and Idumota who built Irewe Osolu, south of Otto-Awori.
The western (Oto-Awori) and northern (Iba and Igbo-elerin) parts of Ojo developed independently as a result of the settlement of later Awori migrants from Ile-Ife. The migrants first settled in Obadore in Iba before expanding towards the west and southwest. Oto-Awori was ruled by a baale until a King was first nominated. This was opposed by the oracle.
This led to the formation of Oto-Awori & Otto-Iddo.
Eventually, an Oba of Oto-Awori ascended the throne in the late 18th century to rule alongside the Olojo of Ojo.
Transportation
Transportation is mainly by road. The Trans–West African Coastal Highway runs east–west through the town and divides it into North and South halves. Olojo drive, Old Ojo road, Kemberi road and Alaba road are the main roads in the southern half of the town. In the northern half Chief Esan way, Iyana-Ipaja road, Igbo-elerin road are major roads.
Ferry services and speed boats are available through Badagry creek with jetties at Muwo, Shibiri and off Olojo drive. A rail line from Lagos through Ojo is under construction and it is expected to alleviate the perpetual traffic jams within the area.
Culture
Ojo is known for the Olojo festival during which the Olojo wears the crown.
Oro festivals are held at the death of the Olojo or a Baale. Oro has drawn controversy for elements of the festival which some consider to be misogynistic.
Other festivals include
Egungun
Egungun, (''egúngún'' with Yorùbá language tone marks) in the broadest sense is any Yoruba masquerade or masked, costumed figure. More specifically, it is a Yoruba masquerade for ancestor reverence, or the ancestors themselves as a collectiv ...
, Obaluwaye,
Sango,
Ogun
Ogun or Ogoun (Yoruba: Ògún, Portuguese: Ogum, Gu; also spelled Oggun or Ogou; known as Ogún or Ogum in Latin America) is a spirit that appears in several African religions. He attempted to seize the throne after the demise of Obatala, who re ...
, Ota and
Osun
Ọṣun, is an orisha, a spirit, a deity, or a goddess that reflects one of the manifestations of the Yorùbá Supreme Being in the Ifá oral tradition and Yoruba-based religions of West Africa. She is one of the most popular and venerated ...
which are named after deities or heroes which they celebrate.
Iyemoja and Gelede and Alaalu are also celebrated in Otto-Awori district.
References
{{Divisions and LGAs of Lagos State
Local Government Areas in Lagos State
Populated coastal places in Nigeria
Local Government Areas in Yorubaland