Ile Ife

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Ile Ife, Religious center in southwestern Nigeria

Ile Ife stands at the intersection of roads from Ibadan, Ilesha, and Ondo, forming a central hub in Osun state with 501,000 inhabitants.

The city emerged as an artistic center between 700 and 900 AD, with its artisans creating exceptional bronze, stone, and terracotta sculptures by the 12th century.

The Ooni, residing in the central palace, serves as the spiritual leader of the Yoruba people and maintains the sacred staff of Oranmiyan.

The Natural History Museum and Obafemi Awolowo University, established in 1962, position Ile Ife as an educational center in West Africa.

According to Yoruba tradition, deities Oduduwa and Obatala created the first humans in Ile Ife, marking it as the origin point of civilization.

Location: Osun State

Elevation above the sea: 280 m

GPS coordinates: 7.48282,4.56045

Latest update: May 26, 2025 21:53

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