Osun State, Nigeria

Osun State

"State of the Living Spring"

At a Glance

CapitalOsogbo
Geopolitical ZoneSouth West
Date CreatedAugust 27, 1991
Created FromCarved from the eastern portion of the former Oyo State
Area9,251 km²
GovernorAdemola Adeleke (Accord) — since 2022
NicknameState of the Living Spring
No. of LGAs30

Osun State — the State of the Living Spring and Land of Virtue — is an inland state in southwestern Nigeria named after the sacred Osun River. Created on 27 August 1991 from the former Oyo State, it is home to Ile-Ife (the ancestral and spiritual capital of the Yoruba people) and the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the last surviving sacred forests of the Yoruba.

The state borders Kwara State to the north, Ekiti and Ondo to the east, Ogun State to the south, and Oyo State to the west. Explore: History | Geography | Culture | Economy | Traditional Rulers | Governors | Education | Landmarks | Notable People | 30 LGAs. Also see: South West Zone | Traditional Rulers | Nigerian Independence.

History of Osun State

Ancient Osun — Yoruba Origins and Early Kingdoms

The history of Osun State is deeply rooted in the history of the Yoruba people of southwestern Nigeria. The region contains some of the most important centres of Yoruba civilisation, including Ile-Ife, widely regarded in Yoruba tradition as the spiritual and ancestral source of Yoruba civilisation.

Long before the creation of modern Nigeria, the area that now forms Osun State contained numerous kingdoms, towns and settlements. Ile-Ife developed as a major political, spiritual and artistic centre, while Ijesa, Iwo, Ede, Ila, Ikire, Osogbo, Ejigbo and other communities developed their own traditional institutions.

Yoruba traditional political organisation was based around kingdoms headed by rulers known by different titles. In Ile-Ife, the traditional ruler is the Ooni of Ife; in Ijesaland, the Owa Obokun is the principal traditional ruler; while Osogbo is traditionally associated with the Ataoja of Osogbo.

The River Osun became one of the most important cultural features of the region. In Yoruba traditional religion, Osun is associated with a powerful female spiritual figure, and the annual Osun-Osogbo Festival remains one of the most internationally recognised Yoruba cultural festivals.

Colonial Osun — British Rule and Western Education

British colonial influence expanded across Yorubaland during the late nineteenth century. The territories that now make up Osun State were gradually incorporated into British colonial administration and later became part of the wider political structure of Southern Nigeria.

The British relied heavily on existing Yoruba traditional rulers through the policy of Indirect Rule. Traditional institutions therefore continued to play an important role in local administration, although their authority increasingly operated within the colonial system.

Christian missionaries introduced Western education and Christianity to many communities. Schools established by missions contributed significantly to the emergence of an educated population. The region subsequently became one of the important educational centres of southwestern Nigeria.

Agriculture was also important during the colonial period. Cocoa, kolanut, oil palm, food crops and other agricultural products supported local communities and regional trade. Ilesa, Ile-Ife, Ede, Iwo, Osogbo and other towns developed as important commercial centres.

Osun After Nigerian Independence

At Nigerian independence in 1960, the territory of present-day Osun State was part of the Western Region. The region became strongly associated with Yoruba political development, Western education, agriculture and commercial activity.

Following the creation of states in 1967, the area became part of Western State and subsequently Oyo State. Osun communities continued to develop culturally and economically while maintaining strong links with the wider Yoruba region.

Ile-Ife became particularly important because of its archaeological, spiritual and artistic significance. The ancient city is associated with exceptional terracotta and bronze artistic traditions and remains central to Yoruba historical identity.

Creation of Osun State — 27 August 1991

Osun State was created on 27 August 1991 by the military administration of General Ibrahim Babangida. The new state was carved out of the former Oyo State, with Osogbo designated as the capital.

The creation of Osun State gave the area a separate state administration and brought together major Yoruba cultural and historical centres including Ile-Ife, Ilesa, Osogbo, Iwo, Ede, Ila-Orangun, Ejigbo and Ikire.

Since its creation, Osun has developed as an important centre of agriculture, education, culture, tourism, commerce and mining in southwestern Nigeria.

Modern Osun — Culture, Education, Agriculture and Development

Modern Osun State is recognised for its strong Yoruba cultural identity, educational institutions, agriculture, tourism and mineral resources. Osogbo serves as the political and administrative capital, while Ile-Ife, Ilesa, Iwo, Ede, Ikirun and Ejigbo are among the major urban centres.

The state has several major tertiary institutions, including Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, Osun State University, Federal Polytechnic Ede, Federal University of Health Sciences Ila-Orangun and Redeemer's University.

Osun is also one of Nigeria's important cocoa-producing areas. Other agricultural products include cassava, yam, maize, plantain, oil palm, cashew, citrus and vegetables.

Gold mining has become increasingly prominent in the state, particularly in areas of Osun West and Osun East. The state also contains deposits of granite, clay, kaolin and other solid minerals.

Geography of Osun State

Topography

Osun State lies within the southwestern part of Nigeria and has a landscape consisting of rolling plains, hills, valleys, forested areas and cultivated agricultural land. The state is generally more elevated in parts of the Ijesa and Ife areas, while extensive lowlands and plains occur elsewhere.

Important physical features include the hills around Ilesa, Ife, Ikire and Atakunmosa, as well as the forested landscapes around several southern and eastern communities.

Rivers & Waterways

The River Osun is the most culturally significant river in the state and gives Osun State its name. Other important rivers and streams include the Ogun, Oba, Erinle, Opa and Awon river systems and numerous tributaries.

The Osun River flows through Osogbo and is closely associated with the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove and annual Osun cultural celebrations.

Forests & Vegetation

Osun contains a mixture of tropical rainforest and derived savanna vegetation. Forest resources occur particularly in the southern and eastern areas, while large portions of the state have been converted to farms, settlements and plantations.

Major agricultural crops include cocoa, oil palm, cassava, yam, maize, plantain, cashew and citrus.

Climate

Climate type: Tropical wet and dry / tropical rainforest transition

Osun experiences a tropical climate with a distinct wet season and dry season. Rainfall generally begins around March or April and continues into October or early November, while the dry season occurs mainly from November to March.

Temperatures remain generally warm throughout the year. The Harmattan period can bring relatively dry and dusty conditions during the latter part of the year.

Bordering States

Osun State shares boundaries with: Kwara, Ekiti, Ondo, Ogun, Oyo.

Culture & People of Osun State

Ethnic Groups

The population of Osun State is predominantly Yoruba. Major cultural groups include the Osun, Ife, Ijesa, Oyo and Igbomina peoples, together with communities that have developed their own local identities and dialectical variations.

Languages

Yoruba is the dominant indigenous language. Different communities speak distinct varieties and accents, including Ife, Ijesa, Igbomina and other Yoruba speech forms. English is the official language used in government, formal education and business.

Festivals & Celebrations

Major cultural festivals include the internationally recognised Osun-Osogbo Festival, Olojo Festival in Ile-Ife, Moremi Festival, Ijesa cultural festivals, Egungun festivals, Oro ceremonies and numerous traditional royal festivals.

The Osun-Osogbo Festival is particularly significant because it is connected with the Osun Sacred Grove, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Traditional Food

Traditional Osun cuisine includes pounded yam, amala, eba, iyan, efo riro, egusi soup, okro soup, gbegiri, beans, plantain, yam, cassava and rice. Local dishes vary between communities, while palm wine and other traditional drinks have cultural significance.

Traditional Attire

Traditional Yoruba clothing is widely worn during festivals and ceremonies. Men commonly wear agbada, buba and sokoto with caps, while women wear iro and buba, gele and wrappers. Aso-oke is particularly important during weddings, coronations and other major celebrations.

Music & Dance

Traditional music features bata, talking drums, omele, sekere and other Yoruba percussion instruments. Praise poetry, oral history, drumming, dance and ceremonial performances remain important parts of Osun cultural life.

Arts & Crafts

Osun is internationally recognised for Yoruba visual arts, particularly the ancient artistic traditions associated with Ile-Ife. Contemporary crafts include weaving, pottery, wood carving, beadwork, blacksmithing, basketry, textile production and traditional sculpture.

Traditional Rulers of Osun State

Ife Kingdom

Ooni of Ife: Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II (since 2015)

LGA: Ife Central

Ile-Ife is one of the most important historical and spiritual centres of Yoruba civilisation. The Ooni of Ife is regarded as the traditional ruler of the ancient Ife kingdom. Ile-Ife is internationally recognised for its archaeological heritage and ancient terracotta and metal artwork.

Ijesa Kingdom

Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland: Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran (since 1982)

LGA: Ilesa East

Ijesaland is one of the major traditional regions of Yorubaland. Ilesa serves as the historic centre of the Ijesa people and the Owa Obokun is the principal traditional ruler. Ijesa history is strongly connected with agriculture, trade and the nineteenth-century Yoruba wars.

Osogbo Kingdom

Ataoja of Osogbo: Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Larooye II (since 2010)

LGA: Osogbo

The Ataoja is the traditional ruler of Osogbo. The kingdom is strongly associated with the Osun River, Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove and the internationally recognised Osun-Osogbo Festival.

Iwo Kingdom

Oluwo of Iwo: Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi Telu I (since 2015)

LGA: Iwo

Iwo is one of the historic Yoruba kingdoms in Osun State. The Oluwo remains the traditional ruler and custodian of Iwo's cultural heritage.

Ede Kingdom

Timi of Ede: Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal Laminisa I (since 2007)

LGA: Ede South

Ede is an historic Yoruba kingdom located along the Osun River. The Timi of Ede is the traditional ruler and the town has historically served as a commercial and agricultural centre.

Ila-Orangun Kingdom

Orangun of Ila: Oba Wahab Kayode Oyedotun Bibire I

LGA: Ila

Ila-Orangun is one of the historic Igbomina-Yoruba centres in northern Osun. The Orangun remains the traditional ruler of the kingdom.

Economy of Osun State

Osun State has a diversified economy built around agriculture, commerce, education, tourism, mining, manufacturing, construction and services. Agriculture remains one of the most important sources of employment, especially in rural communities.

The state's major urban centres support large commercial markets and service industries, while Ile-Ife and Osogbo are important education and cultural centres.

Agriculture

Important agricultural products include cocoa, cassava, yam, maize, plantain, oil palm, cashew, citrus, vegetables, kolanut, rice and livestock. Cocoa is especially important in the southern and eastern parts of the state.

Natural Resources

Osun has significant solid mineral resources including gold, granite, clay, kaolin, feldspar, tantalite, columbite, cassiterite, quartzite and other associated minerals. Gold is particularly important in several parts of the state.

Industries

Industrial activity includes agro-processing, cocoa processing, palm-oil processing, cassava processing, food production, furniture, construction materials, quarrying, textile activities and small-scale manufacturing.

Commerce & Trade

Osogbo, Ile-Ife, Ilesa, Iwo, Ede, Ikirun, Ejigbo and Ila-Orangun are among the major commercial centres. Agricultural products, manufactured goods, building materials, food products and consumer goods are traded throughout the state.

Government of Osun State

Since its creation, Osun State has been governed by the following:

# Name Party Period Note
1 Ademola Adeleke Accord 2022 — Present
2 Leo Segun Ajiborisha 1991 — 1992 Military Administrator and first administrator of the newly created Osun State.
3 Anthony Udofia 1992 — 1993 Military Administrator of Osun State.
4 Anthony O. I. Udofia 1993 — 1993 Military administration period during the transition years of the early 1990s.
5 Isiaq Adeleke NRC 1992 — 1993 First elected civilian Governor of Osun State during the Third Republic.
6 Anthony Udofia 1993 — 1994 Military Administrator following the return to military rule.
7 Anthony O. I. Udofia 1994 — 1996 Military administration period.
8 Anthony O. I. Udofia 1996 — 1998 Military administration during the final years of the Abacha government.
9 Theophilus Bamigboye 1998 — 1999 Military Administrator during the transition to democratic rule.
10 Adebisi Akande AD 1999 — 2003 First civilian Governor of Osun State in the Fourth Republic.
11 Olagunsoye Oyinlola PDP 2003 — 2010 Governor of Osun State from 2003 until 2010.
12 Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola ACN/APC 2010 — 2018 Governor of Osun State for two terms, serving from 2010 to 2018.
13 Gboyega Oyetola APC 2018 — 2022 Governor of Osun State from 2018 to 2022.
14 Ademola Adeleke PDP 2022 — 2026 Governor of Osun State from November 2022. He was re-elected in the August 2026 governorship election and is the governor-elect for the next term.

Full governors history →

Education & Institutions in Osun State

  • Obafemi Awolowo University Federal — Est. 1961 — Ife Central LGA
  • Osun State University State — Est. 2006 — Osogbo LGA
  • Federal Polytechnic Ede Federal — Est. 1992 — Ede South LGA
  • Redeemer's University Private — Est. 2005 — Irewole LGA
  • Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun Federal — Est. 2021 — Ila LGA
  • Osun State Polytechnic, Iree State — Est. 1992 — Boripe LGA

Landmarks & Tourist Attractions in Osun State

Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove

Osogbo LGA

The Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove is one of Nigeria's most important cultural and religious heritage sites. Located along the Osun River in Osogbo, the grove contains shrines, sculptures, sacred forests and artistic works dedicated to Osun and other Yoruba spiritual traditions.

It was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005 and is the centre of the annual Osun-Osogbo Festival.

Ile-Ife Ancient City

Ife Central LGA

Ile-Ife is one of the most historically significant cities in Yoruba civilisation. Archaeological discoveries from the city include famous naturalistic terracotta and metal sculptures associated with ancient Ife artistic traditions.

Oduduwa Shrine

Ife Central LGA

The Oduduwa Shrine at Ile-Ife is associated with Yoruba traditions concerning Oduduwa, a foundational ancestral figure in Yoruba history and mythology.

Moremi Statue of Liberty

Ife Central LGA

The Moremi Statue commemorates Moremi Ajasoro, a legendary heroine associated with Ile-Ife. The monument is one of the recognisable cultural landmarks in the city.

Oranmiyan Staff

Ife Central LGA

The Oranmiyan Staff is a famous historical monument in Ile-Ife associated with Oranmiyan, one of the major figures in Yoruba historical traditions.

National Museum Ile-Ife

Ife Central LGA

The National Museum in Ile-Ife preserves archaeological and cultural materials associated with the history and civilisation of the Yoruba people and the ancient Ife kingdom.

Nelson Mandela Freedom Park

Osogbo LGA

Nelson Mandela Freedom Park is a major public recreational and civic space in Osogbo used for public activities, cultural events and leisure.

Ataoja Palace

Osogbo LGA

The Ataoja Palace is the traditional palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo and an important centre of Osogbo's traditional authority and cultural heritage.

All landmarks →

Notable People from Osun State

  • Wole Soyinka (1934) — Nigerian playwright, poet, novelist, essayist and Nobel Prize winner in Literature. He was born in Abeokuta but has strong cultural and academic associations with Ile-Ife and Obafemi Awolowo University.
  • Sikiru Ayinde Barrister (1948–2010) — Pioneer Nigerian Fuji musician and one of the most influential figures in the development of Fuji music.

Politics & Government

  • Obafemi Awolowo (1909–1987) — Prominent Nigerian nationalist, political leader, lawyer and first Premier of the Western Region. Closely associated with Yoruba political history and Western education.
  • Ladoke Akintola (1910–1966) — Prominent Nigerian politician and Premier of the Western Region.
  • Ademola Adeleke (1960) — Governor of Osun State and prominent Nigerian politician.
  • Isiaka Adeleke (1955–2017) — First elected Governor of Osun State and former Senator representing Osun West.
  • Rauf Aregbesola (1956) — Former Governor of Osun State and former Minister of Interior of Nigeria.
  • Olagunsoye Oyinlola (1951) — Former Governor of Osun State and former Military Administrator of Lagos State.
  • Gboyega Oyetola (1954) — Former Governor of Osun State and former Chief of Staff to the Governor of Lagos State.

Science & Technology

  • Adeyemi Bero (1927–2018) — Nigerian geologist and academic associated with geological research and mineral exploration.

Full notable people list →

Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Osun State

Osun State has 30 Local Government Areas:

  1. Aiyedaade — HQ: Gbongan (1,108 km²) Aiyedaade is one of the largest LGAs by land area in Osun State.
  2. Aiyedire — HQ: Ile-Ogbo (261 km²) Aiyedire is located in the southern part of Osun State.
  3. Atakunmosa East — HQ: Iperindo (237 km²) Atakunmosa East is one of the mineral-rich and agriculturally important LGAs in eastern Osun.
  4. Atakunmosa West — HQ: Osu (575 km²) Atakunmosa West is known for its forest resources, hills and mineral deposits.
  5. Boluwaduro — HQ: Otan-Ayegbaju (143 km²) Boluwaduro is one of the smaller northern LGAs by land area.
  6. Boripe — HQ: Iragbiji (131 km²) Boripe is home to Iree and is an important agricultural and educational area.
  7. Ede North — HQ: Oja-Timi (114 km²) Ede North forms part of the wider Ede urban area.
  8. Ede South — HQ: Ede (218 km²) Ede South contains the core historic Ede urban area.
  9. Egbedore — HQ: Awo (269 km²) Egbedore is located northwest of Osogbo and contains important agricultural communities.
  10. Ejigbo — HQ: Ejigbo (371 km²) Ejigbo is one of the larger commercial towns in western Osun.
  11. Ife Central — HQ: Ile-Ife (110 km²) Ife Central contains the historic core of Ile-Ife and several major cultural institutions.
  12. Ife East — HQ: Oke-Ogbo (171 km²) Ife East contains Modakeke and important parts of the greater Ile-Ife urban area.
  13. Ife North — HQ: Ipetumodu (886 km²) Ife North is one of the largest LGAs in Osun State by land area.
  14. Ife South — HQ: Ifetedo (727 km²) Ife South is a predominantly agricultural LGA south of Ile-Ife.
  15. Ifedayo — HQ: Oke-Ila Orangun (128 km²) Ifedayo is one of the smaller LGAs in northern Osun.
  16. Ifelodun — HQ: Ikirun (114 km²) Ifelodun is centred around Ikirun, an important commercial town in northern Osun.
  17. Ila — HQ: Ila-Orangun (302 km²) Ila is a historic northern Osun kingdom and an important cultural centre.
  18. Ilesa East — HQ: Ilesa (70 km²) Ilesa East contains the core urban area of historic Ilesa.
  19. Ilesa West — HQ: Ilesa (63 km²) Ilesa West forms part of the greater Ilesa urban area.
  20. Irepodun — HQ: Ilobu (64 km²) Irepodun is one of the most densely settled LGAs around the Osogbo metropolitan area.
  21. Irewole — HQ: Ikire (269 km²) Irewole is an important southern Osun commercial and agricultural LGA.
  22. Isokan — HQ: Apomu (179 km²) Isokan is an agricultural LGA in southern Osun.
  23. Iwo — HQ: Iwo (213 km²) Iwo is one of the largest urban centres in Osun State.
  24. Obokun — HQ: Ibokun (525 km²) Obokun is an important agricultural and mineral-bearing LGA in Ijesaland.
  25. Odo-Otin — HQ: Okuku (293 km²) Odo-Otin is a major agricultural LGA in northern Osun.
  26. Ola-Oluwa — HQ: Bode-Osi (326 km²) Ola-Oluwa is predominantly rural and agricultural.
  27. Olorunda — HQ: Igbona (97 km²) Olorunda surrounds important parts of the Osogbo metropolitan area.
  28. Oriade — HQ: Ile-Ogbo (464 km²) Oriade contains Erin-Ijesa Waterfalls and several major tourism and cultural landscapes.
  29. Orolu — HQ: Ifon-Osun (79 km²) Orolu is one of the smaller LGAs by land area.
  30. Osogbo — HQ: Osogbo (42 km²) Osogbo is the capital of Osun State and one of its principal commercial and cultural centres.

Detailed LGA information →

Did You Know? — Osun State Facts

  • Osun State was created on 27 August 1991 from the former Oyo State.
  • Osogbo is the capital of Osun State.
  • Osun State has 30 constitutionally recognised Local Government Areas.
  • Osun State is located in Nigeria's South West geopolitical zone.
  • The state is predominantly inhabited by Yoruba people.
  • The name Osun comes from the River Osun, one of the most culturally important rivers in Yorubaland.
  • The Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Ile-Ife is regarded as one of the most important historical and spiritual centres of Yoruba civilisation.

Frequently Asked Questions about Osun State

When was Osun State created?

Osun State was created on 27 August 1991 by the military administration of General Ibrahim Babangida. The state was carved out of the former Oyo State.

What is the capital of Osun State?

Osogbo is the capital of Osun State. It is also one of the state's most important commercial, cultural and administrative centres.

How many LGAs are in Osun State?

Osun State has 30 Local Government Areas. They are Aiyedaade, Aiyedire, Atakunmosa East, Atakunmosa West, Boluwaduro, Boripe, Ede North, Ede South, Egbedore, Ejigbo, Ife Central, Ife East, Ife North, Ife South, Ifedayo, Ifelodun, Ila, Ilesa East, Ilesa West, Irepodun, Irewole, Isokan, Iwo, Obokun, Odo-Otin, Ola-Oluwa, Olorunda, Oriade, Orolu and Osogbo.

What is Osun State known for?

Osun State is known for Yoruba culture, Ile-Ife, the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, the Osun-Osogbo Festival, agriculture, cocoa production, gold mining, education, traditional kingdoms and tourism.

Who is the current Governor of Osun State?

Ademola Adeleke is the Governor of Osun State. He assumed office in November 2022 and won the 2026 governorship election for another term.

What ethnic group is dominant in Osun State?

The Yoruba ethnic group is dominant in Osun State. Major cultural groups include the Osun, Ife, Ijesa, Oyo and Igbomina peoples.

What language is spoken in Osun State?

Yoruba is the dominant indigenous language spoken across Osun State. Different communities have distinctive accents and dialects. English is the official language used in government and formal education.

What is the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove?

The Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove is a sacred forest and cultural heritage site along the Osun River in Osogbo. It contains shrines, sculptures and artistic works associated with Osun and Yoruba traditional religion and is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.