Ijebu Ode is a city in Ogun State, South West Nigeria, sitting close to the A121 highway about 110 km by road northeast of Lagos. It is the historic and cultural headquarters of Ijebuland, home to Sungbo's Eredo, one of the largest ramparts in West Africa, and the seat of the Awujale. The climate is warm and tropical, and the town is the trade centre of a farming region growing yam, cassava, grain, tobacco and cotton.
For a visitor, the town is made up of three parts — Iwade, Ijasi and Porogun — with Italupe a ward within Iwade. Around the city sit smaller towns and villages known as Egure, including Ososa, Isonyin, Imagbon, Ijebu-Isiwo and Ibefun, among others. This guide covers which of these areas to base yourself in, what each suits, and how the accommodation tiers differ, so you can choose a location before comparing live prices.
Best areas to stay in Ijebu Ode
1. Central Ijebu Ode (Iwade, Ijasi and Porogun)
The city itself is divided into three parts — Iwade, Ijasi and Porogun — and this is where the town's life is concentrated: the palace of the Awujale, the streets used for the Ojude Oba festival parades, and the trade activity of a farming region. Basing yourself here puts you within the town rather than at its edge, which suits first-time visitors who want to be close to the centre and to the events that draw people to Ijebu Ode.
Accommodation in and around the town includes hotels with lounges and gardens as well as simpler, budget-friendly places. The practical point is that the town is compact and the main roads connect you easily to the landmarks, including Sungbo's Eredo and Imagbon.
2. Italupe (ward in Iwade)
Italupe is a neighbourhood within Ijebu Ode and a ward in Iwade, one of the three parts of the town. It is a residential setting rather than a separate settlement, so it suits travellers who prefer to stay in a quieter part of town while remaining inside Ijebu Ode itself.
Because it sits within Iwade, you are still connected to the town centre and its sights. Expect the same mix of town accommodation as the rest of Ijebu Ode rather than a distinct resort strip.
3. Imodi Junction
Imodi Junction is a named location on the town's road network and is associated with Imodi Mosan, where the Agemo Festival takes place after the Agemos meet at Ijebu Ode each July. Staying here suits visitors who want to be on a main junction with easy road access, and it is also where budget-friendly accommodation can be found, costing less than other hotels nearby.
The practical point is that the junction connects you to the town and to the festival route; if you are in Ijebu Ode during Agemo, note that women are forbidden from seeing the Agemo on their way to Ijebu Ode, and a public announcement is made on radio and television to inform everyone of the exact time the Agemo will be moving.
4. Gateway Stadium Road area
This area takes its name from the stadium road and is served by accommodation that can be booked remotely before your visit, which suits travellers arranging a stay in advance from outside Ijebu Ode. It is a practical base on the town's road network rather than a tourist quarter.
From here you are within reach of the town centre and the landmarks, including Ijebu Ode Grammar School, Sungbo's Eredo and Imagbon. The main consideration is that you will rely on road transport to move between the area and the sights.
5. Conference Avenue area
Conference Avenue is a named street in Ijebu Ode where accommodation with a lounge and garden is found. This suits visitors who want a quieter, more contained place to return to at the end of the day while still being in town.
As with the rest of Ijebu Ode, you are connected by road to the centre and to the surrounding Egure settlements. Plan on using transport for the landmarks rather than walking to all of them.
6. Surrounding Egure settlements (Ososa, Isonyin, Imagbon, Ijebu-Isiwo, Ibefun and others)
Adjacent to Ijebu Ode are several smaller towns and villages referred to as Egure, including Odo-Agamegi, Ogbo, Ososa, Imomo, Imawen, Odo Ogbun, Apa (Mesan), Okelamuren, Abapawa, Erunwon, Apunren, Isonyin, Imoru, Oke-Eri, Imagbon, Ijebu-Isiwo, Okorogbin, Okemoyin, Odo-lewu, Odo-sengolu, Odo-Arawa, Idowa, Iworo, Ala, Atiba and Ibefun. These suit travellers who prefer a small-settlement setting or who have reason to be near a particular town, such as Imagbon, which is one of the landmarks associated with the area.
The practical point is distance: these are separate settlements from Ijebu Ode, so you will need road transport for the town centre, the palace and the festivals. Note also that Ijebu-Isiwo holds its own Ojude Oba festival three days after the Ileya, while Ijebu Ode's is held two days after.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: Budget-friendly accommodation exists in Ijebu Ode, with at least one option noted as costing less than other hotels nearby. Expect simple rooms and basic facilities; book early if your dates coincide with a festival.
- Mid-range: The town's standard hotels sit at this level, with check-in typically from 2PM and check-out at noon. Some can be booked remotely before your visit, which is useful if you are arranging the trip from outside Ogun State.
- Splurge: The upper end of what Ijebu Ode offers includes hotels equipped with a lounge and garden, at a higher rate than the town's budget options. This is the top tier available locally rather than a large international resort category.
Best area for a first visit
Central Ijebu Ode — the Iwade, Ijasi and Porogun parts of town — is the best base for a first visit. It puts you in the historic and cultural headquarters of Ijebuland, close to the palace of the Awujale and the streets where the Ojude Oba festival is celebrated. From here you can reach the landmarks, including Sungbo's Eredo and Imagbon, and choose between the town's budget, mid-range and higher-end accommodation.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to book if I want to see a festival?
The Ojude Oba festival in Ijebu Ode is held two days after the Ileya festival, and the Agemo masquerades come out every July, meeting at Ijebu Ode before moving to Imodi Mosan. Accommodation is limited, so arrange your stay well ahead if your visit coincides with either.
Can I book accommodation before arriving in Ijebu Ode?
Yes. At least one hotel in the town allows remote booking before your visit, which is useful given that Ijebu Ode is about 110 km by road northeast of Lagos.
Should I stay in the town or in one of the surrounding settlements?
Stay in the town if you want to be close to the palace, the town centre and the festival routes. The surrounding Egure settlements such as Ososa, Isonyin, Imagbon and Ijebu-Isiwo are separate places and require road transport to reach Ijebu Ode's sights.
What check-in and check-out times should I expect?
Check-in is typically from 2PM and check-out at noon at the town's hotels. Confirm the times with your chosen property when you book.
Compare live prices for your dates with the booking tools on this page before you decide where to base yourself in Ijebu Ode.