Stand at the edge of Sungbo's Eredo, where a ditch and bank system built between 800 and 1000 AD runs through the forest southwest of town, and you get a sense of how deep Ijebu Ode's history runs. In the city itself, the rhythm is set by the Awujale's palace, the markets, and a calendar of festivals that bring horses and drumming into the streets.
Ijebu Ode suits travellers interested in Yoruba history, traditional festivals and forest landscapes rather than resort-style holidays. It is a city with a strong commercial character and a ceremonial life that is best experienced at the right time of year.
This guide covers the landmarks and events the sources describe, with practical notes on what to combine and when to go.
Top things to do in Ijebu Ode
1. Sungbo's Eredo
Sungbo's Eredo is a large defensive system of walls and ditches, built between 800 and 1000 AD, lying a few kilometres southwest of Ijebu Ode. It is on Nigeria's tentative list of potential UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is one of the largest ramparts in West Africa.
Go in the cooler hours and wear sturdy footwear, as you will be walking uneven ground. It pairs naturally with a visit to Imagbon if you are tracing the area's older history.
2. Ojude Oba Arcade
Located on Talbort - Awujale Street, this is where the Ojude Oba celebration takes place. The occasion has been held for over 150 years and gathers the sons of Ijebuland to celebrate their history and heritage.
The highlight is the age-group celebration known as 'Regberegbe', who appear in their different outfits. The wars of Ijebu are also simulated in mock battles by descendants of the warriors who fought, all in ceremonial clothing, with drumming, dancing, singing and horse-riding. The Paramount Ruler Oba Sikiru Adetona is focal to the celebration. Time your visit around the festival if you want to see the arcade at its fullest.
3. Ojude Oba festival
The Ojude Oba festival of Ijebu-Ode is usually held two days after the Ileya festival. Horses with beautiful and vintage carts are paraded on the streets in the morning hours, eventually riding to the palace of the king to celebrate.
Its main purpose is for the people of Ijebu to come together to honour their king, and it is regarded as one of the biggest festivals in West Africa. Arrive early in the morning to find a good vantage point along the parade route.
4. Agemo Festival
Agemo is the unity of Ijebus, with 16 Agemos in various parts of Ijebu. They come out every July and all meet at Ijebu-Ode before moving to Imodi Mosan, where the Agemo Festival takes place. The festival features masquerades and is a performing art of the Yoruba religion.
Women are forbidden from seeing the Agemo on their way to Ijebu-Ode. A public announcement is made on radio and television to inform everyone of the exact time Agemo will be moving, so check local broadcasts if you plan to be in town in July.
5. Omo Forest Reserve
The Omo Forest Reserve is home to over 200 types of trees, 8,000 species of plants and 125 species of birds and mammals, and is the largest forest reserve in Ogun State. A river lies within its 132,000 hectares.
Visitors can practise fishing on the river, and activities practised in the reserve include farming, elephant riding, camping, hunting, hiking and sawmilling. Allow a full day, and confirm arrangements locally before setting out.
6. Alagaba Wura
Alagaba Wura is at no 35 Isoku Street and is open from 7:30AM to 5:30PM. It is an historical landmark, very clean and serene, and the inhabitants have a very regimented lifestyle, with a call to prayer given in the morning and evening.
Visit respectfully and keep in mind the rhythm of the day when planning your timing.
7. Ogbogbo-Ijebu
Ogbogbo-Ijebu is at Idiko-ile and serves as the town hall where gatherings are held and social activities are carried out. In the days of old, the people met with their King there.
You can reach the contact number +234 8053416937 to ask about access and whether anything is scheduled during your visit.
8. Alhaji Olayinka Onakoya country home (Museum)
This country home is at 16 Ijagun Road, off Ondo/Benin Road. It is palatial and considered a museum.
Combine it with your journey along the Ondo/Benin Road corridor rather than making a separate trip.
9. Imagbon
Imagbon is one of the landmarks of Ijebu Ode, and the settlement gives its name to the Battle of Imagbon, also known as the British-Ijebu War, fought in 1892.
If you are interested in the area's military history, visit alongside Sungbo's Eredo, since both sit within the same broad stretch of country southwest of the city.
10. Ijebu Ode Grammar School
Ijebu Ode Grammar School is listed among the landmarks of the city.
It is a straightforward stop to fold into a wider walk around town rather than a destination on its own.
If you only have one day
Morning: Start early at Sungbo's Eredo, a few kilometres southwest of Ijebu Ode, while the ground is still cool. If you have time, continue to Imagbon nearby.
Afternoon: Return to the city and visit Alagaba Wura on Isoku Street, open 7:30AM to 5:30PM, then stop at Ogbogbo-Ijebu at Idiko-ile. If you are travelling the Ondo/Benin Road, add the Alhaji Olayinka Onakoya country home on Ijagun Road.
Evening: Finish at Ojude Oba Arcade on Talbort - Awujale Street, the setting for the Ojude Oba celebration, and picture the morning parades of horses and carts that ride to the palace of the king.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Ojude Oba festival held?
The Ojude Oba festival of Ijebu-Ode is usually held two days after the Ileya festival. The Ojude Oba festival of Ijebu-Isiwo is usually held three days after the Ileya.
When does the Agemo Festival take place?
The Agemos come out every July and all meet at Ijebu-Ode before moving to Imodi Mosan, where the Agemo Festival takes place.
What can you do at the Omo Forest Reserve?
Visitors can practise fishing on the river within the reserve, and activities practised there include farming, elephant riding, camping, hunting, hiking and sawmilling.
What are the opening hours of Alagaba Wura?
Alagaba Wura, at no 35 Isoku Street, is open from 7:30AM to 5:30PM.
Check the festival calendar and local announcements before you set dates, then build your itinerary around the events that fall during your stay.