Osun State

Osun State is a region in southwestern Nigeria that spreads across thirty local government areas and shares borders with Ekiti, Ondo, Kwara, Ogun, and Oyo. The landscape alternates between dense forests in the south and open savannahs in the northern section.

The territory became its own region on August 27, 1991, when it separated from Oyo. Traditional rulers and community leaders had requested the division for years to strengthen local governance and development.

The state takes its name from the Osun River, which flows through the grove in Osogbo and is considered home to the river goddess Osun. Visitors regularly encounter religious festivals and ceremonies where traditional Yoruba rites blend with modern life.

Osogbo, the capital, links major towns through road and rail routes, while Ile-Ife hosts a large university. Travelers find lodging in the bigger settlements, with journeys between areas often taking several hours.

More than 40 percent of Nigerian cocoa exports come from this region, which also produces yams, cassava, and palm oil. Visitors often see cocoa pods laid out to dry along roadsides.

Location: Nigeria

Inception: August 27, 1991

Capital city: Osogbo

Part of: South West

Shares border with: Kwara State, Ekiti State, Ondo State, Ogun State, Oyo State

Website: https://osunstate.gov.ng

GPS coordinates: 7.50000,4.50000

Latest update: December 13, 2025 15:50