Ogun

Ogun State, in south-western Nigeria, is the cradle of the Yoruba people and the birthplace of many of Nigeria's most influential figures — including the legendary Obafemi Awolowo, Wole Soyinka (Africa's first Nobel laureate in Literature), the music icon Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, and the late Head of State Murtala Mohammed. The state's capital, Abeokuta, is a dramatic city of rocky hills dominated by the 120-m Olumo Rock — a natural fortress that sheltered the Egba people during the Yoruba wars of the 19th century. Ogun State is the gateway between Lagos and the north, with a dense network of industrial cities (Ota, Sagamu, Ijebu-Ode) that make it one of Nigeria's most economically active states. The state is also a major agricultural producer of cocoa, cassava, and kola nut.

The dry season (November–March) is best. The Lisabi Festival (Abeokuta, March) celebrates Egba history. The Ogun State Festival of Arts and Culture (various dates) showcases Yoruba traditions. The rainy season (April–October) brings heavy downpours.

The Lagos–Ibadan expressway (A1) crosses the state — Ota, Sagamu, and Abeokuta are the main nodes. Abeokuta is connected to Lagos by the Lagos–Abeokuta Expressway (1.5 hrs). The Lagos–Ibadan railway passes through the state. Buses and shared taxis connect all towns. Within cities, keke and taxis are standard.

• Abeokuta — the state capital, with Olumo Rock, the Ake Palace, the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, and the Itoku Market
• Ijebu-Ode — the historic capital of the Ijebu Kingdom, with the Ijebu-Ode Palace and the Ijebu Museum
• Sagamu — an industrial city on the Lagos–Ibadan corridor, known for the Sagamu Cement Factory and the Remo culture
• Ota — a fast-growing industrial town, home to the Ota Ogun community and many manufacturing plants
• Ijebu Igbo — a town in the Ijebu North area, the centre of Ijebu commerce and agriculture
• Ilaro — the headquarters of Yewa South LGA, a border town with the Benin Republic
• Ayetoro — a town in the Yewa area, known for its agricultural production and the Ayetoro Palace
• Ifo — a town on the Lagos–Abeokuta railway, a growing commuter and industrial area
• Odogbolu — a town in the Ijebu East area, a traditional Ijebu settlement
• Ikenne — the home of Obafemi Awolowo, with his mausoleum and the Awolowo family compound
• Iperu — a town in the Remo area, with the Iperu Palace and the Iperu Remo Central Mosque
• Owode — a town in the Obafemi Owode LGA, an agricultural and trading centre

Ogun State is the home of Ila Alasepo (okro soup with assorted meat) and Efo Riro (vegetable soup). Abeokuta-style Amala with Ewedu and Gbegiri is a classic. Fresh coconut and palm wine from the surrounding countryside.

The Lisabi Festival celebrates the Egba hero Lisabi with parades and masquerades. The Ojude Oba Festival (Ijebu-Ode) is a spectacular Yoruba festival where the Ijebu people pay homage to the Awujale (king) with horsemen and traditional regalia. The Olumo Rock Festival (Abeokuta) celebrates the city's iconic landmark.

• Climb Olumo Rock in Abeokuta — the iconic 120-m monolith with panoramic city views and Egba history
• Ojude Oba Festival — one of Nigeria's most colourful Yoruba festivals in Ijebu-Ode
• Visit Obafemi Awolowo's mausoleum in Ikenne — the final resting place of Nigeria's legendary statesman
• Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library — the former president's museum and library complex in Abeokuta