By Racheal Omotayomi
October 30, 2024
This week, Ordinary People Magazine presents a comprehensive travel guide to Ibadan, the third largest city and capital of Oyo State, Nigeria. My first visit to Ibadan was during a student excursion to its prestigious university's zoological garden. Although our time there was brief—we had to return to school the same day—the experience left me eager to explore more of the city. Under the strict supervision of our lecturers, there wasn’t much room for wandering, but Ibadan immediately became a place I wanted to return to.
As luck would have it, I eventually had the opportunity to spend a year in this historic city. Now, I invite you to join me in exploring Ibadan. Discover its rich history, cultural landmarks, and vibrant local delicacies. From historical sites to modern entertainment hubs, our travel guide will introduce you to the best attractions, hotels, and exciting spots Ibadan has to offer.
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Fun Historical Facts About Ibadan
Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, Nigeria, boasts deep historical and cultural roots dating back to the 19th century. Originally established as a war camp for warriors from various Yoruba kingdoms, the city quickly grew into a bustling commercial hub.
During the colonial era, Ibadan's infrastructure expanded significantly as it became part of the British protectorate. The British reshaped the city to accommodate their trade networks, transforming it into the major commercial center we know today.
Many of Ibadan’s historical landmarks have been preserved as tourist attractions, offering a window into the city's rich past. In this tour guide, we will highlight some of these key attractions and explore the stories behind them.
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Top Attractions Spots in Ibadan
The tourist attractions in Ibadan play a crucial role in preserving and promoting the city’s rich cultural heritage. These landmarks not only draw visitors but also serve as living reminders of the traditions and history that have shaped the city over time.
National Museum Centre
Located in Aleshinloye, southwest Nigeria, the National Museum Centre showcases the rich culture and traditions of the Ibadan people. It highlights the unity within the city’s diverse cultural history. Inaugurated in 2002 by the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, the museum features a wide array of cultural exhibitions and artifacts, designed to promote tourism in Oyo State. Visitors can explore displays ranging from masquerades to pottery, musical instruments, antiques, and textiles.
Bower Tower
Another significant historical monument is Bower Tower, built by the first British resident of Ibadan. Located atop the highest hill at Oke-Are, the tower offers a stunning panoramic view of the city. However, modern buildings have encroached upon this unique vantage point, slightly diminishing its charm.
Locals regard Bower Tower as a symbol of the economic development that Ibadan has experienced, and they have preserved it as a heritage site to pass on to future generations.
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Agodi Gardens
Agodi Gardens is a charming park that dates back to the 1970s and 1980s. Its prime location, adjacent to the state government secretariat and the University Teaching Hospital, enhances its popularity.
As a favored spot for family outings, the gardens also attract tourists visiting the city. Nestled at the foot of Mokola Hill and situated within the Agodi Government Reserved Area (GRA), it serves as a central hub for exploring other top attractions in Ibadan. From here, we will delve into the best hotels the city has to offer.
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Best Hotels in Ibadan
When searching for a place to rest for the night, several criteria can influence your choice, whether it’s your budget or the hotel’s star rating. Here are our top hotel recommendations in the city.
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Premier Hotel Ibadan
Premier Hotel is situated on Mokola Hill, close to Agodi Gardens, making it an ideal choice for visitors to the city. From Agodi Gardens, you can easily navigate to the University of Ibadan and explore its zoological garden. Located in the heart of the city, the hotel is hard to miss and is well-served by local transport options.
If you’re seeking a top-notch hotel experience, Golden Tulip is an excellent choice located in Jericho, Ibadan. Their room service offers an exceptional experience, featuring smart devices and spacious accommodations that have received outstanding reviews from guests. You can also enjoy a buffet service with a wide variety of delectable options. Guests have confirmed that their lodgings deserve a 5-star rating.
You can also stay at the prestigious University of Ibadan Hotel. Established in 1948, the University of Ibadan is Nigeria's first university and is fondly referred to as UI. It stands as a testament to the city’s growth and development. Staying at UI offers a unique glimpse into the educational infrastructure that has evolved over the years.
Guests can explore the university’s zoological garden, as well as its basketball and volleyball courts. Additionally, there are excellent dining options available, perfect for enjoying a good meal after a busy day of exploration.
Cultural delicacies for Dining
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The Ibadan people are known for their rich Yoruba culture. The most popular native foods among the Yoruba are Lafun and Ewedu. Lafun is made from yam flour, while Ewedu is made from jute leaves.
Another cultural delicacy among the Ibadan people is Moin Moin and Eko. Moin Moin is a bean cake prepared in different ways, and Eko is a gelatinous form of corn pap.
Amala, a Yoruba staple, is also widely eaten in Ibadan. If you want the best Amala, you have to go to Amala Sky, the best Amala joint in Bodija Market, the largest market in Ibadan and West Africa.
These meals are served in local and continental restaurants. However, with the new urbanisation of the city, you will find other staple foods like rice, cooked in its different varieties, which are now commonly eaten by locals.
Cultural Immersion
The City of Ibadan is counted among the Yoruba ethnic groups in Nigeria. This deep root is evident in their culture as they dress and speak.
Traditional Attire
The Ibadan people are part of the Yoruba tribe in the southwest of Nigeria. The fashion culture of the Yoruba is characterised by distinctive clothing styles for both genders. Women typically wear a four-piece ensemble comprising the Iro (wrapper), Buba (blouse), Gele (headgear), and Ipele (shawl). Men don a similar four-piece outfit, which includes the Agbada (robe), Buba (blouse), Sokoto (trousers), and Fila (cap). Both styles are often made from handwoven Aso Oke, a cotton fabric that symbolizes affluence and class. This traditional attire is popular across Yorubaland and is typically worn on special occasions such as weddings, festivals, and coronations.
Another traditional attire of the Yoruba people is Adire, created from cotton fabrics using a tie-and-dye method to produce various unique designs. Adire is versatile and suitable for everyday wear.
Today, if you stroll through the streets of Ibadan, you'll still see locals dressed in Iro and Buba for their daily activities. With modernization, these traditional garments have been adapted into contemporary styles while retaining their cultural significance.
What Language is Spoken in Ibadan?
Fluency in the Yoruba language can make your visit to Ibadan truly memorable. Communication will be seamless, as Yoruba is the universal language spoken by local taxi drivers and market women throughout the city. Only a small minority engages in conversations in English. By mastering a few basic greetings and phrases, you can easily win the hearts of the locals, even if you don’t speak Yoruba or come from the tribe.
Entertainment and Leisure
The city of Ibadan boasts a variety of modern establishments for entertainment and leisure, including arcade game centres, movie cinemas, and resorts, to name just a few.
KAP Film Village and Resorts
KAP FilmVillage is built by a Nigerian Nollywood Actor, Kunle Afoloyan. Kap Film Village is the best place for a weekend getaway. You get to explore hiking on one of the hills of the city, horseback riding, and some other entertainment activities loaded up on your itinerary. It is located in Igbojaye, Oyo state.
The Ventura Mall
The Ventura Mall is a budget-friendly entertainment spot to have a swell time. The Mall has different sections, that include a movie cinema, a game arcade center, a restaurant, and a train ride for children. It is located along sango-UI road.
Shopping and Food Markets in Ibadan
One of the fun places to visit in Ibadan is the local markets. You can find a market at almost every bend of the city. Two popular large markets you should visit in the city are:
Dugbe Market
Dugbe Market is one of the busiest markets in Ibadan, renowned for its thrift clothing. The market is bustling with traders offering a diverse range of goods, from household items to electronics and food products.
Bodija Market
Bodija Market, the largest market in Ibadan, is celebrated for its extensive variety of foodstuffs, including grains, fresh produce, meat, and seafood. Catering to both wholesalers and retailers, it offers a vibrant glimpse into the bustling Nigerian market experience.
Practical Travel Guide for Visiting the City of Ibadan
Planning your trip enhances your vacation experience by helping you avoid potential pitfalls that could ruin your enjoyment. Here are some travel tips for exploring the city of Ibadan.
Best time to visit Ibadan
The best time to visit Ibadan is during the dry season, which typically runs from November to March. This period sees minimal to no rainfall, making the weather pleasantly cool for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The roads are also clear, allowing for easy access to the city's attractions.
How to get to Ibadan
To enter the city of Ibadan, you can choose from several transportation options based on your location:
Buses: Central parks across Nigeria offer interstate buses that can take you directly to Ibadan.
Train: Ibadan has a train station located in Moniya. You can check online for train schedules and boarding terminals. A train ride offers a delightful experience.
Airlines: The Ibadan Airport (IBA) facilitates domestic arrivals and departures to other cities in Nigeria, with frequent flights to Lagos and Abuja.
If you're wondering how to get around the city, Ibadan is known for its signature local taxis, which are Micra models in a distinctive brown and yellow colour.
Motorcycles are also popular among locals as a means of transportation, and you can easily find them throughout the city.
Lastly, tricycles, locally known as Keke Napep, are widely used as a convenient mode of transport in Ibadan.
Safety considerations
The city of Ibadan is generally safe and peaceful, but here are a few tips to keep in mind while traveling:
Stay in a popular, secure area: If you’re visiting for the first time, choose accommodations in well-known and safe neighbourhoods.
Avoid walking alone at night: The locals tend to retire early, so it’s best to avoid walking alone after dark.
Stay vigilant in local markets: When visiting local markets, keep your valuables secure in your bag. The bustling environment can make it difficult to spot a pickpocket amidst the crowd.
In conclusion, Ibadan beautifully merges its rich history with modern influences. From landmarks like Bower Tower and the University of Ibadan to vibrant festivals and local delicacies, the city has become a remarkable destination.
If you’re passionate about Yoruba culture, Ibadan is a must-visit. Its historical sites, enhanced by modernization, offer top attractions for everyone.
Join us as we guide you through Ibadan’s historical places, cultural heritage, and must-see spots, from Agodi Gardens to local markets and the best hotels. Let us help you craft the perfect itinerary for your visit to this vibrant southwestern gem of Nigeria.
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