Osogbo Travel Guide | Where to go and where to stay in Osogbo
City & Town

Osogbo travel guide

Osogbo travel guide and tourist information:
Osogbo with a population of more than 900,000, is the capital of Osun State and most of the population are members of the Yoruba ethnic group.

The city was founded around early 18th century by hunters from a nearby village which was suffering from famine. The hunters decided to move a few of their family members to the lower terraces of a nearby river, the river Osun.

One of the hunters, Larooye, became the first Ataoja or King of Osogbo, as one of the initial builders of the then small settlement, most of the initial population were concentrated around the palace of the Ataoja.

Osogbo is the venue of the famous Osun-Osogbo festival that comes up annually along the River Osun. The festival is centred around the sacred grove of the river goddess Osun, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Osogbo, sometimes called “Ilu Aro” (home of dyeing), is a major dyeing center. The city is also a home to world reknown artists like Suzanne Wenger, Nike Art, Jimoh Ibrahim, Twins Seven Seven etc.

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Osogbo Arts and Metal Works
This is one of the top holiday destinations in Oshogbo is where metals are artistically crafted and shaped to make valuable items. Osogbo residents are known to be very artistic and the city has produced very many internationally recognised artists; among them are Nike Arts, Twin Seven Seven, Jimoh Braimoh and others.


Osun Cultural Festival
This is an annual event that takes place around August and September, and it attracts visitor from all over the globe. It provides an opportunity to visit the great Osun Grove, a sacred forest along the banks of the Osun river just outside the city of Osogbo.


Ataoja Royal Palace
The palace is located in the heart of the city and its an ideal place for tourists to learn more about the city. It has a museum where all the historical facts about the establishment of the city are carefully preserved.


Museum of Arts
Osogbo city has one of the best museum of arts in Nigeria as a result of its position in the Yoruba cultural heritage. The city is culturally and historically enriched with many artifacts relatively important to the establishment of the city and of the Yoruba race entirely.


African Heritage Gallery
Owned by Jimoh Buraimoh, one of Osogbo’s famous artists who was the original innovator of bead painting – a technique derived from the traditional decoration of Yoruba crowns, which he applied to abstract painting with results which now command high price in galleries of London and New York.


Okonfo Rao Kawawa
Also known as jungle communication centre, the centre was established to support the communication and the naturality on spiritual level through prayers, drumming and dancing. Its an idea place for visitors interested in body, soul and spirit re-energizing.


Suzanne Wenger’s House and Centre
Suzanne Wenger an Australian artist turned Yoruba priestess who died in 2009 at the age of 94 years, is one of the people that designed some of the art edifice found in Osun groove. Her four storey building house covered with relief interwoven human and animal form in the new sacred art style. The private residence has a room downstairs of artworks for sale by some of Osogbo’s leading artists past and present.


Nike Centre for Arts & Culture
The centre had the first of many international exhibitions in the 70s. It has had exhibitions and workshops in Nigeria, Europe, North America etc. The centre currently enrols students, who are at present making a living selling their works.


Genesis Gallery, Osogbo
The gallery owned by Yinka Fabayo specializes mainly in traditional and neo-traditional pieces of woodworks, wood carving and painting.

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Tantalizers outlets
This is a top brand fast-food outlet that are all over the country. Their outlets serves continental and local delicacies, and often have separate sections for them. Address: Almost everywhere in the city Tel: +234 N/A


Mr Bigg’s
This is another popular fast food chain with outlets across the state as well as the country serving pastries, snacks, burgers and hot meals to families, teenagers, and corporate customers for nearly twenty five years. Address: Check out their website for outlet details.

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Orisunmibare Market
Located close to Dugbe, Orisunmibare is a popular market in Osogbo where all sorts of goods ranging from food stuff, kitchen utensils, beverages, cereals, refreshments and convenient essentials such as groceries, toiletries etc. are sold in large quantity. The market is not an opened market, shops are arranged in linear form and this makes it easier for the shoppers to walk around and do their shopping.Address: Along Idi-Seke Road, Orisunmibare, Osogbo.


Idi-Seke Market
Reasonably-priced and stocking a wide range of cloths including imported ones, you can find just about any kind of Nigerian traditional attire you need here. Shops are arranged in a linear form along the main road that goes to the royal palace. Address: Royal Palace Road, Osogbo Tel: +234 N/A


Oke-Fia Market
Oke-Fia Market is located along Ilobu-Osogbo road and it is popular for farm produces such as vegetables, yam, beans, and many other food stuff. Address: Ilobu-Osogbo Road, Oke Fia, Osogbos. Tel: +234 N/A Open: Daily 7am-7pm

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MicCom Golf Hotels & Resort
This is a private 18 hole golf course with excellent accommodation and superb facilities such as swimming pool, helipad, tennis court e.t.c. Address: Ibokun Road, Ada. Tel: +234 8033884506


Leisure Spring Hotels
A modestly and tastefully established to fill the yawning gap in the hospitality industry in Osun State. The hotel is equipped with modern facilities in its alluring and friendly vicinity. Address: Km 5, Iwo/Ibadan Express Way, Osogbo. Tel: +234 35 206711, 0807524443, 08061256468


Royal Spring Holiday Inn
Located in historic towns of Osogbo and Ijabe, the hotel is a perfect destination for travellers looking for relaxation, comfort or adventure. Osogbo Address: Biket Junction, Ikirun Road, Osogbo. Tel: +234-8052478860
Ijabe Address: Along Offa Road, Ijabe. Tel: +234-7052748052. Read more


Ripples Motel and Nite Club
Established in 2002 with 35 exclusively furnished rooms and suites, Ripples motel is a good place for comfort relaxation and pleasure when visiting Oshogbo. Address: Located at Oroki GRA, Osogbo. Tel: N/A


Gazal Holiday Inn
The hotel has more than 50 rooms spanning across three separate buildings, a multi-purpose hall, swimming pool e.t.c Address: Plot 16, Dada Estate, Iwo Road, Osogbo. Tel: +234 35 21 4861, 70 65 266620


Hotel Heritage International
Located on an expansive acre of land along Gbongan/Ife road and very close to the old Governor’s Office, the hotel offers unique experience to Africa arts lovers with its built-in gallery. Address: Osogbo-Gbongan Road, Osogbo. Tel: +234 8067979333


Palmcrest Hotels & Suites
The Hotels has 6 comfortable Suites, 4 Executive Double Room, 13 Standard Double Rooms, 14 Double Rooms, 2 Standard Rooms and a Studio Room. Address: Km 3, Osogbo-Gbongan Road , Osogbo. Tel: +234-8131578602, 7066038902


Royal Palace Hotel
Located about 15 minutes drive from Osogbo – the state capital, the hotel offers visitors privacy and superb comfort. Address: Osogbo-Ilobu Road, Ilobu. Tel: +234-8036755966

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