Ibadan, Historical capital city in southwestern Nigeria
Ibadan is a city in Oyo State in southwestern Nigeria, spreading across several gentle hills. The built area combines densely populated residential districts, commercial streets, and sprawling markets connected by a network of paved and unpaved roads.
The area emerged in the first half of the 19th century as a settlement founded through military alliances of different kingdoms. Over the following decades, the place grew into an important trading post and developed into an administrative center under colonial rule.
The name comes from the Yoruba language and refers to a settlement near the edge of the savanna. Visitors today experience a busy daily life where traditional gatherings take place alongside modern educational institutions and local languages dominate public spaces.
Local minibuses and motorcycle taxis serve most routes through the city and allow travel between different neighborhoods. Main roads run through the central areas, while side streets are often unpaved and can become difficult to pass during rain.
In the western part of the city stands an old residence that serves as evidence of precolonial architecture and now functions as a museum. The complex displays traditional building techniques and preserves objects documenting the daily life of earlier generations.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
