Abeokuta is the state capital of Ogun State in South West Nigeria. The city was home to about 450,000 people in 2006, and the metro area to over 1.1 million. Some ruins remain of the 30-km wall that used to surround the city.
It has a very rich history as it's home to major areas such as Agbomeji, Ago-oko, Asero, GRA, Ibara/GRA, Iberekodo/Akomoje, Idiaba, Ikopa, Isabo, Itoko, Jemo, Kuto, Obantoko, Ojokodo, Oke Oko, Olomore, Oluwo,Onikolobo, Quarry, Totoro and many more.
Abeokuta as the name implies is coined from Yoruba phrase "Abé òkúta" which means under the rock solely because of the presence of Giant rocks, the most notable been Olumo rock which is one of the major tourists attraction in the city.
Understand
[edit]Abeokuta is one of the most progressive areas of present-day Nigeria, although it has had its fair share of trials. After having been settled by members of the Egba nation who had emigrated out of the restive Oyo Empire, then inhabited by Chief Sodeke and his people trying to flee Dahomey and Ibadan slavehunters, it saw a period of prominence as a center for palm oil cultivation. King Gezo and the Dahomey, being not just a little pinched with jealousy by this, invaded to start the Battle of Abeokuta in 1851 which the local inhabitants won.
The British also began infiltrating at this time, first missionaries, and then colonial interests. To gain protection during the Yoruba Civil Wars, the king or alake of the Egba signed an alliance with the British which consummated in British imperialism. There were a couple of uprisings over this new period, namely the Adubi War and Abeokuta Woman's Revolt, but Abeokuta rolled with the punches until Nigerian independence, then became home to a number of reputable universities and considerable industry.
Get in
[edit]Abeokuta is halfway between Lagos and Ibadan, high-speed Lagos-Ibadan Railway trains takes about one hour from both cities and there several departures every day. Additionally, there are much slower long-distance trains on the old narrow gauge route from Kano via Kaduna and Ibadan, continuing to Lagos. These long-distace trains runs a few times per week, but are subject to frequent cancellations.
Driving from Lagos takes about two hours, along highway A5.
Get around
[edit]
Map of Abeokuta
Probably your best bet is to drive or be driven.
See
[edit]
- 1 MKO Abiola international stadium. MKO Abiola Stadium is a multi-use stadium that is used mostly for football matches. It is the home stadium of Gateway F.C., and has a capacity of 10,000 people.
- 2 Funaab Zoo Park, ☏ +234 7032484259. A diminutive zoo on the Federal University of Agriculture Campus.
Olumo rock - 3 Olumo Rock, Ikija Rd. M-Sa 9AM-7PM, Su noon-4PM. This is quite the nifty attraction, and popular, too, as it's a large granite dome from which you can view the entirety of the city and its surroundings, including Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral and the mosque of Abeokuta. Small admission fee that includes a tour guide.
- 4 Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library Abeokuta, Presidential Bouleva road, Oke Mosan, ☏ +234 8097240000. M-Sa 9AM-7PM, Su 10AM-5PM. This consists of a library with documents pertaining to the president Olusegun Obasanjo, but much more also: a research library, a recreational theater, an amusement park, and a resort.
- 5 Bilikisu Sungbo Shrine. Bilikisu Sungbo Shrine is believed to be the tomb of Queen of Sheba from the bible. Legend has it that the Queen of Sheba hailed from Ethiopia where she is known as Queen Balqis. She moved from Ethiopia to Oke Eri, Ijebu area of Ogun state where she later died. It is an exciting tourist centre if one is interested in Abeokuta's history.
- 6 National Museum Abeokuta, Inside Baptist girls college, Idi-aba. M-F 8AM-4PM. National Museum Abeokuta a museum with a wide collection of artefacts, sculptors, and relics of the Egba people. These objects tell the history of the town and the people. At the museum, the gate fee is ₦100 and visitors are offered a tour. Cameras are not allowed. The museum also has a gift shop where objects such as artefacts, bangles, crafts, magazines, books and souvenirs are sold.
- 7 Ake Palace (Alake of Egbaland Palace), Ake Rd. This is the home of the Alake of Egbaland Palace. The palace gate has an inscription: "Aafin Alake Ti Ile Egba," meaning "the palace of Alake of Egbaland." The palace also houses the oldest Bible in Nigeria - a copy of the St James Version of the Bible which was presented by Queen Victoria to Chief Akinrinlewo Sodeke in 1848.
Do
[edit]Explore the rock dome at Olumo Rock, where the Egba peoples used to take shelter in the crooks and crannies to hide from slavehunters and other hostile people.
- 1 Oyan River Dam. The Oyan River Dam falls about 20 km in the north of Abeokuta. The dam is being considered to be used for irrigation and hydroelectric power supply although it was initially built to supply water to Abeokuta and Lagos. Visitors can try having a picnic while enjoying the scenery. Visitors can also try out activities like fishing, and canoeing with locals.
- Centenary Hall, Ake. M-Sa 8AM-6PM. The Centenary hall according to history was built by the Egba people in 1950. It was built to celebrate their one hundred years of peaceful existence at Abeokuta after the numerous inter-tribal wars. The Centenary hall is a must-see as it is a place with a historical heritage that reflects the culture of the locals.
- 2 Capricorn Cinema, Cultural Centre Abeokuta South, Kuto 110101, Abeokuta. 10AM-10PM. Capricorn Cinema located in Abeokuta Ogun state. A very nice place to watch your movie both local and international.
Buy
[edit]- 1 Ace supermarket, Olusegun Obasanjo Rd, Ita Eko. M-Sa 8AM-9PM, Su noon-9PM. In-store pickup. In-store shopping. Delivery.
- 2 Faithdaniels Boutique, Shop 63, Opposite kuto garage, Kuto market Rd, Kuto, ☏ +234-809-910-5470. A clothing store. In-store shopping. Delivery. M-Sa 8AM-8PM.
- 3 Brands by ola, Shop B004, Providence mall, M.K.O Abiola Way, ☏ +234-812-908-3701. M-Sa 7AM-7PM. A clothing store. In-store shopping.
- 4 Rojabs Babies & Children store (Gift shop), Lalubu st, Oke-ilewo, Ibara. M-Sa 8AM-7PM. In-store shopping. In-store pick up. Delivery.
- 5 Mtn dealer shop, Lalubu st, Oke-ilewo, Ibara. M-Sa 8:30AM-5PM.
Eat
[edit]- 1 Royal Mandarin Kuto Abeokuta, 2 Gen.gausau Crescent, opposite Legislative quarters, Ibara housing estate, Abeokuta Ogun south LGA (next to the Park Inn by Radisson), ☏ +234-816-505-9765. Daily 9AM-10PM. Some quality African/Nigerian food.
- 2 Sweet Sensation Abeokuta, Oke-ilewo Rd,Behind Opic Building,ibara, ☏ +234-805-209-0024. Daily 9AM-10PM. Buffet. Dine-in. Takeaway. Delivery.
- 3 WorkCity Restaurant, Ibara, ☏ +234-809-063-9973. Daily 7AM-10PM. Dine-in. Takeaway. Delivery.
- 4 Mr Bigg's, Plot 2, Obafemi Awolowo way, Ibara, ☏ +234-704-305-0439. Daily 6:45AM-9PM. Dine-in. Takeaway. Delivery.
- 5 Big Treat Restaurant, Opic Roundabout,ibara. Daily 9AM-9PM. Dine-in. Takeaway. Delivery.
- 6 Pizza & Pastries, Ita-Eko. Daily 8AM-9PM. Dine-in. Takeaway. No contact delivery.
- 7 Spices, Ibara housing estate. M-F 7:30AM-10PM. Dine-in. Takeaway. Delivery.
- 8 Tantalizer (very close to Lafenwa market. One of the major landmark in the area is Lafenwa garage, police station and Mobil filling station), ☏ +234 8093713163. 7:30AM-7PM. Restaurant, event hall, bakery and pastries, indoor games, kiddies outdoor games and facilities, smoothies, barbeque, Asun and Suya.
- Dalish Restaurant, Mancot bus station, Alabata road (Location in B. G multipurpose centre), ☏ +234 811 2340631. 8:30AM-10:30PM. Delivery, Take away, Dine-in, Good for kids, Causal, cosy.
- Surulere Restaurant, Oloronbo Ijeun Tuntun, behind M.K.O Abiola international stadium, ☏ +234 803 3797582. 8AM-6PM. Delivery, Take away, Dine-in, Good for kids, Casual. ₦2000.
- Lola's Kitchen, Oke-Ilewo in Abeokuta area of Ogun State, ☏ +234 907 900 9200.
- College of Noodles, Isolu Bus Stop, Alabata Road, Isolu, ☏ +234 909 627 4051. Daily. College of Noodles is a mini restaurant in Abeokuta that serves quality savoring meals
- Dishes Eatery, 1 Elite Road, Elite Junction, Idi-Aba, ☏ +234 803 350 4202, +234 902 566 6556, dishesconfectioneries@gmail.com. M-Sa (9AM-6PM). Dishes Eatery is a friendly environment where you can relax and enjoy pleasant continental dishes, fruit juice, snacks, confectioneries and good drinks
- FT Tasties, FT Tasties, ☏ +234 816 527 3283. FT Tasties is a top-notch restaurant with varieties of foods, offering both Dine-in and Take away services
- G-Place, 23 Ilupeju Junction, FUNAAB Road Camp, ☏ +234 902 446 8147, +234 812 567 0271, gplacerestaurantng@gmail.com. Daily 9AM-7PM. G-Place is an African and continental fast food restaurant
- Hannah Kitchen, 20 Olusegun Osobo Road, Oke - Ilewo Road, Ita Eko, ☏ +234 803 427 9512, +234 703 664 2551, hannahkitchen@gmail.com. Offering African dishes, continental dishes, catering services and meal planning for events.
- Ladun Food Restaurant, Old Owode Road Onikolobo, ☏ +234 803 862 3392. Ladun Food Restaurant is a restaurant situated in a cozy environment and a nice place to drink and eat delicious cuisines.
- Mama Dee Delicacies, Golf Club Drive, Kobape Road, Behind Governor‘s Office, ☏ +234 701 011 1131. Daily 8AM-7PM. Offers both continental and local dishes.
- Novara Foods, Ore Ofe House, Beside Fish Cold Room, Alogi Obantoko, ☏ +234 810 516 0224, +234 706 773 1333. M-Sa 8AM-7PM. Novara Foods prepares different varieties of sumptuous local dishes including soups and other delicacies.
- Sans Buka, 4, Opposite Glory Shopping Mall, Harmony Estate, Funaab Gate, Oluwo Keesi, ☏ +234 905 508 4099. Daily 8AM-9PM. A restaurant serving local and international dishes with an open lounge area for relaxation
- Sumptuous Food Canteen, 47 Osoba Road, Oke - Ilewo Road, Opposite Jide Jones, ☏ +234 708 931 7118. M-Sa 9AM-9PM. Sumptuous Food Canteen is a restaurant that serves freshly-prepared mouth-watering continental dishes amongst other varieties.
- Tatos Relaxation Centre, Olabisi Onabanjo Way, Olokuta Kemta, Idi-Aba, ☏ +234 905 459 9090. Daily 9AM-8PM. Offering a wide range of continental dishes with meat options and drinks
- The Mayfair Executive Restaurant, 4 General Gusau Crescent, GRA Ibara, ☏ +234 810 433 6415. Daily. Offering the best of Nigerian local and continental dishes while enjoying a wide varieties of sports.
- Wokcity Restaurant, 15 Lalubu Street Oke-Ilewo, ☏ +234 809 555 2489. A professionally managed natural food service outlet for delicious healthy African dishes at the right prices.
- The Spicy Cafeteria, Old Intel Road, Ita Eko, Okes Sokori, Oke Lewo, ☏ +234 813 944 7395. M-Sa 9AM-8PM. The Spicy Cafeteria is a restaurant that serves home-style local and continental foods
Drink
[edit]- 1 Goldzek, Ibara housing estate Rd, G.R.A., ☏ +234-803-115-6531. Daily 2-11PM. Dine-in. Takeaway.
- 2 Halmod Bar, Quarry Rd, Surulere. Takeaway.
- 3 Rock Zone, Surulere Rd, Ita Eko. Daily 8PM-10AM. Bars & grill. Dine-in. Takeaway.
- 4 Buzz Sports Bar, Adigbe, ☏ +234-813-859-2311. Takeaway. Dine-in.
- 5 3ad Bar & Lounge, Post office Rd, behind Skating Ground, public car park, Ibara. Takeaway. Dine-in.
- 6 Vybe Lounge, The underground, H3 events center, opposite immigration (Located in H3 Events center, Oke Mosan), ☏ +234 9097620000. 2–11PM. Sport, bar games, live performance, Karaoke, live music, great cocktails, happy hour drinks, spirits, dancing, beer, free WiFi, toilets, etc.
- *BarCode lounge* 1, Folarin street, off quarry road. Dine in, night club (updated Mar, 2022)
- Chaise Lounge, Mercy Road. Dine in (updated mar, 2022)
- Orange lounge and bar. Obada road. Dine in, take away. Opens 9am on Friday (updated Mar, 2022)
- Tezars lounge. Jaguna, Leme, Moshood Abiola way. Dine in (updated Mar, 2022)
- Quench club and Pool. Night club, poolside, quarry imperial hotel. Opens Friday noon. Dine in, take away (updated Mar, 2022)
- Bside lounge, quarry road. It's a fast rising nightlife hangout in abeokuta. Dine in, take away. (Updated Mar, 2022)
Sleep
[edit]- 1 Green Legacy Resort, 110001 Presidential Bouleva Rd, ☏ +234 392 92975. Next to the presidential library, has lots of amenities, e.g. pool, hot tub, gym, restaurant/bar, wifi, theater/zoo/amusement park next door. Something like a Nigerian Great Wolf Lodge?
- 2 Park Inn by Radisson Abeokuta, IBB, Kuto, ☏ +234 813 986 0020. Basically all the things you can typically expect from a Radission, with a nice spread for breakfast and a large pool. ₦26,249.
- 3 Jimson international hotel & suites, 1 Jimson cottage, Alagada Estate, off Adigbe, Abeokuta, ☏ +234 708 306 1470. Free breakfast, free parking, pool, pet-friendly, air conditioning. ₦6,538.
- 4 Celia's suites, 1 wole Soyinka Rd,ibara, ☏ +234 809-991-3500. Free parking, free breakfast, free wifi, airport shuttle.
- 5 Camas hotel & Suites, Block VI, Plot 24&25, Goshen Estate, Asero, ☏ +234 915-155-0000. Gym, pool, food service, room service.
- 6 IBD Hotels, Sam Ewang Housing Estate, 5, Junction, Abiola Way (along M.K.O. Abiola way), ☏ +234 906 666 8505, info@ibdhotels.com. Check-in: Tonight, check-out: Tomorrow. First class service in hospitality and comfort. ₦31,625.
- 7 Conference Hotel, Presidential Boulevard, 1 Golf Resort Drive, Oke Mosan, ☏ +234 703 178 6648. Conference Hotel is a 5-star luxury hotel with a restaurant serving local and international cuisines, free private parking, a fitness centre and a dedicated bar. ₦55,000.
- 8 Providence Hotel and Suites, MKO Abiola Way, by NNPC Mega Station, ☏ +234 803 611 6762, divine.providence@yahoo.com. ₦25,500.
- 9 House 56 Hotel and Suites, 2, Opeyemi Kujore Close Laderin Estate, ☏ +234 803 568 9534.
- 10 Laroy Suites, M.K.O. Abiola Way, 111101, Abeokuta, ☏ +234 813 155 3330. A very nice place to be.
Connect
[edit]Radio
[edit]- OGBC II 90.5 FM
- Paramount 94.5 FM
- Rockcity FM 101.9
- Sweet 107.1 FM
- Family FM 88.5
- Funaab 89.5 FM
- Cowrie 97.5FM
- Smash 88.1FM
- FRESH 107.9 FM
- Rootsfm 97.1
- Splash FM 106.7
- EgbaAlake Radio (Online)