Have you been itching to explore the beauty and wonder of Nigeria but don’t know where to start? Look no further than the picturesque South West region, home to dense rainforests, stunning beaches, and vibrant culture. You’ll find a perfect blend of nature and nurture here.

In this article, we will give a brief history of each south west state in Nigeria; we will also state the historical places, notable people, cuisine, land mass, tertiary institutions, number of local government areas, and the present Governor and Deputy Governor of each state.

South West States in Nigeria

The South West region of Nigeria is made up of 6 states: Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, and Ondo states. These states are home to the Yoruba ethnic group, one of the three largest ethnic groups in Nigeria.

The South West is a popular tourist destination, offering visitors a chance to experience Yoruba culture. You can see traditional Yoruba art, listen to juju music, watch a performance of the cultural Egungun festival, and taste popular Yoruba cuisines like amala, ewedu, and gbegiri soup.

A trip to the South West region promises an exciting journey into the heart of Yoruba land in Nigeria. Experience the unique blend of tradition and modernity in this part of the country.

Lagos State: The Commercial Hub of Nigeria

Here’s a brief history of Lagos State. Lagos State is the commercial hub of Nigeria and one of the most populous states. Originally, Lagos was a Yoruba settlement on the islands near the mouth of the Lagos Lagoon. The history of Lagos State dates back to the 15th century when the earliest settlers were the Aworis. It was initially called Oko.

In early 1472, the Portuguese explorer Ruy de Sequeira visited the area and named the settlement “Lago de Curamo” It means “lakes” in Portuguese. Another theory is that Lagos was called after Lagos, Portugal, a maritime town that was the primary hub of Portuguese expeditions down the African coast during the period and whose name is derived from the Latin term Lacobriga.

From 1404 to 1889, it was a significant slave trading center ruled by Yoruba kings known as the Oba of Lagos. Oba Akitoye succeeded to the throne of Lagos in 1841 and attempted to outlaw slave trading. Lagos merchants, led by Madam Tinubu, defied the ban, removed the king, and put his brother Oba Kosoko in his place.

While in exile, Oba Akitoye visited with the British, who had prohibited slave trading in 1807 and obtained their backing for his return to the throne. He was restored as Oba of Lagos in 1851.

The British later established a protectorate over Lagos in 1861, making it a crown colony. When the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria were created in 1914, Lagos was designated as its capital. It remained the capital after Nigeria gained independence from Britain in 1960.

Lagos State was formed on the 27th of May, 1967, according to the State Creation and Transitional Provisions Decree No. 14 of 1967, with the city of Ikeja as the capital. The Lagos symbol was the common badge for all of British West Africa, and it featured an elephant in front of a palm tree in mountainous terrain. The letter L was added to the base for Lagos. Lagos served as Nigeria’s capital from 1914 to 1991, when the Federal Capital Territory was formed in the purpose-built city of Abuja. Lagos State has a land area of 3,577 square kilometers. As a result, Lagos State accounts for 0.38% of Nigeria’s landmass.

Some interesting places to visit in Lagos State include:

The National Museum showcases the culture and history of Nigeria.
Freedom Park is a memorial and leisure park dedicated to victims of colonial rule in Nigeria.
Lekki Conservation Center, a natural resource conservation in the Lekki Peninsula.
Badagry Slave Route is a museum that commemorates the slave trade era.
Lekki Leisure
Kalakuta Museum
Tafawa Balewa Square

Popular Festivals in Lagos are:

Eyo festival
Sango Festival
Ofala Festival
Felabration
Lagos Carnival
Oro Festival

With over 21 million residents, Lagos State is the second most populous state in Nigeria. The state is home to more than 250 ethnic groups who contribute to its rich culture, arts, and cuisine. Some popular dishes are Jollof rice, Moin Moin, Suya, and Agege bread. Some popular areas in Lagos State include; Ikoyi, Lekki, Victoria Island, Lagos Island, Ikeja, and Banana Island.

Tertiary institutions in Lagos State include; Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, University of Lagos, Lagos State University, Yaba College of Technology, Federal College of Education Akoka, National Open University of Nigeria, Christopher University, and others.

Famous and prominent people from Lagos State include; Bola Ahmed Tinubu (The present President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria), Babatunde Raji Fashola, Desmond Oluwashola Elliot, Funke Akindele, Victor Osimhen, Israel Adesanya, Hakeem Olajuwon, and others.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, currently govern Lagos State, which comprises 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas.

Oyo State: The Pacesetter State

Here’s a brief history of Oyo State. Oyo State has a rich and interesting history. As the pacesetter state, Oyo state was formed on the 3rd of February, 1976; it was formed from Western State and included Ọsun State, which was later split off in 1991 by the regime General Murtala Mohammed. Oyo State has a land area of 28,454 square kilometers. It is bordered on the south by Ogun State, on the north by Kwara State, on the West by the Republic of Benin, and on the East by Osun State. Oyo state is made up of 33 local government areas with a population of over 7 million people. The state capital is Ibadan, the largest city in West Africa. Oyo State is also the sixth most populous in Nigeria.

Some of the popular historical sites in Oyo state include:

Ibadan: Oldest Nigerian city, home to the first university in Nigeria (UI)
Oyo-Ile: Ancient capital of Oyo Empire,
Iwo Road: Former slave port,
Mapo Hall: First hall in Nigeria,
Cocoa House: The first skyscraper built in Africa
Agodi Gardens,
University of Ibadan Zoological Garden,
Ado Awaye Mountains and Suspended Lakes.
Liberty Stadium: The first stadium built in Africa

Famous people that came from Oyo State include; Wale Oke, Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, Afeez Oyetoro, Matthew Ashimolowo, Olaniyi Afonja, Abass Akande Obesere, and others. There are over 40 tertiary institutions in Oyo State; they include; the University of Ibadan, The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, College of Banking and Finance, Ajayi Crowther University, The Ibarapa Polytechnic, and others.

Oyo state is also known for cultural festivals like Oke Ibadan, New yam festival, and Sango Festival. The staple foods are amala, ewedu soup, and gbegiri stew. Some popular areas in Oyo include; Akanran, Ado-Awaye, Eruwa, Ago-Amodu, and Fiditi. The current Governor of Oyo State is Seyi Makinde, with his Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal.

The state has a diverse landscape ranging from rainforests to savannahs. Oyo state is a historic place that showcases Yoruba traditions combined with modern-day living. Exploring the pacesetter state will give you insight into the rich culture and history of the Yoruba people.

Ogun State: The Gateway to Nigeria

Here’s a brief history of Ogun State. Ogun State has a rich history as the Gateway to Nigeria. Located in the southwest region, it got its name from the Ogun River, which flows from north to south across the state. Ogun State was created on February 3, 1976, by the regime of General Murtala Muhammed. The state is bordered to the south by Lagos State, to the north by Oyo and Osun states, to the East by Ondo State, and to the west by the Republic of Benin. Ogun state’s capital city is Abeokuta.

The state is made up of six ethnic groups, including Egba, Ijebu, Remo, Egbado, Awori, and Egun. The Egba and Ijebu people dominate the state. The capital is Abeokuta, which means “under the rock,” named for its location beneath the Olumo Rock.

Ogun state is the home of many historic sites from the colonial and pre-colonial eras. The Olumo Rock in Abeokuta served as a fortress for the Egba people in the 19th century. Other popular destinations include the Birikisu Sungbo Shrine, Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Itoku Market, Lisabi Sacred Forest, and Hi-Impact Planet Amusement Park. Popular towns in Ogun State include; Ago-Iwoye, Ifo, Sango Ota, Ayetoro, Shagamu, and Agbara.

The people of Ogun state are famous for making ‘Adire,’ also known as batik. Famous persons from the state include Obafemi Awolowo, MKO Abiola, Mike Adenuga, Olusegun Obasanjo, Wole Soyinka, Fela Kuti, Tunde Bakare, Anthony Joshua, and others. Ogun’s culture is also on display in traditional festivals like Ojude Oba, Agemo Festival, Ogun Festival, Egungun Festival, and the Ake Festival. Music, dance, and masquerades feature prominently.

Popular Ogun State foods include Ila Alasepo (okra soup), Ewa Aganyin (bean porridge), Amala and Ewedu soup, Fufu, Pounded yam, Ikokore, Ofada Rice, and Garri.

Ogun State has one Federal University: the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta; one Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, .one state government college of education, Tai Solarin College of Education (TASCE) (formerly known as Ogun State College of Education, one state government polytechnic, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), formerly known as Ogun State Polytechnic, Ojere, Abeokuta, and two state government universities: Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) Ijebu Ode, and Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye (formerly known as Ogun State University).

The current Governor of Ogun State is Prince Dapo Abiodun, and the Deputy Governor is Noimot Salako-Oyedele. Ogun has 20 Local Government Areas with an estimated population of over 7 million people, according to the last census. Ogun State has a total size of 16,980 square kilometers. It is located at 7°00′ north latitude and 3°35′ east longitude.

Ogun State has a rich and diverse history as the Gateway into Nigeria from the West. Exploring the many historical sites, enjoying cultural festivals, and sampling traditional cuisine are the best ways to discover this southwest state.

Osun State: The Land of Virtue

Here’s a brief history of Osun State. Osun State was created on August 27, 1991, from parts of the old Oyo State. The state is bordered by Ekiti and Ondo states to the East, Kwara State to the north, Ogun State to the south, and Oyo State to the west. Osun State has a land area of 9,251 square kilometers. It is located at latitude 7°30′ North and longitude 4°30′ East.

The state derives its name from the Osun River, which runs through the state’s capital city, Osogbo. Osun State is known as the Land of Virtue, and the people are referred to as the Virtuous People. The Yoruba people, primarily of the Ibolo, If, Igbomina, Ijesha, and Oyo subgroups, inhabit Osun State. Osun State is also known for having the country’s second-highest literacy rate.

Osun State has a rich history. The state is home to many ancient towns, some of which date back to the 9th century. The ancient Oyo Empire covered parts of the state, with the Alaafin of Oyo residing in Oyo-Ile. Osun State is also home to many historical sites, like the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which contains shrines and art dedicated to the goddess Osun. Other historical sites include the Ife National Museum, which houses many artifacts from the ancient Ife Kingdom, the palace of the Ooni of Ife, and the Oke-Itase sacred hill in Ile-Ife.

The state also has a vibrant cultural heritage, with annual festivals like the Osun-Osogbo Festival, Iwude Festival, and Egungun Festival, which showcase colorful masquerades and traditional dances. Tertiary Institutions in Osun State include; Osun State University, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Ile-Ife, College of Education Ile-Ife, Adeleke University, Federal Polytechnic Ede, Seventh Day Adventist School of Nursing, Ile-Ife, Federal Science and Technical College, Ilesha and others.

Popular Osun state delicacies are Dòdò Ìkirè, Iyan And Egusi Soup, Eko and others. Major Towns and cities in Osun state are Ejigbo, Ilesha, Osogbo, Ile-Ife, Ede, Modakeke, and others. Notable people from osun state include; Pastor Enoch Adeboye, David Adeleke (Davido), Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Gboyega Isiaka Oyetola, Adebisi Balogun, Solomon Babalola, Toyin Adegbola, and others.

Osun State has 30 Local Government Areas, with Osogbo as its capital. The state has a population of over 4 million people. The major ethnic groups are the Yoruba, Igbomina, Ibolo, and Ijesha. The state is currently governed by Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke, with Kola Adewusi as deputy governor.

Ondo State: The Sunshine State

Here’s a brief history of Ondo State. Ondo State, fondly called the “Sunshine State,” has a rich and vibrant history. Originally part of the old Western Region, Ondo State was created on February 3, 1976, when the former Western State was split into Ondo, Oyo, and Ogun states. It is bordered on the north by the states of Kwara and Kogi, on the East by Edo, on the southeast by Delta, on the west by Osun and Ogun, and on the south by the Atlantic Ocean’s Bight of Benin. The State capital is Akure.

Ondo State is home to many prominent Yoruba towns and cities, like Owo, Ikare, Ondo, Akure, Idanre, and Okitipupa. Tracing its history to the Yoruba people of Ife, the state’s culture, religion, art, and architecture reflect a long tradition of skilled craftsmanship. Ondo State had a land mass of 14,788.723 square kilometers.

Some of the popular cultural festivals in Ondo State include the Igogo Festival in Owo, Ogun Festival in Ikare, and Orosun Festival in Ondo Town. Ondo State is also known for traditional Yoruba fabrics like Aso Oke and has a distinct style of talking drums. Ondo state indigene favorite delicacy is Gbanunu soup, Pupuru, and Iyan.

Tertiary institutions in Ondo State include; Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba, Ondo State University of Medical Sciences, Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin, Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Adeyemi College of Education Ondo, Ondo State, Ondo City Polytechnic and others.

Ondo State has produced many notable Nigerians, Rotimi Adelola, Mo Abudu, Yemi Alade, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, Gani Adams Michael Adekunle Ajasin, and musician King Sunny Ade. The state is a major producer of cocoa, palm oil, cashews, and timber. Tourism also contributes to Ondo’s economy, with destinations like Idanre Hills, Owo Museum, and Igbo Olodumare. Ondo State’s governor is Akeredolu Oluwarotimi Odunayo.The deputy governor is Lucky Aiyedatiwa. Ondo state consists of 18 local government areas.

From its cultural heritage to natural beauty, Ondo State has a lot to offer visitors. Explore the Sunshine State and experience the warmth of its people.

Ekiti State: The Land of Honor and Integrity

Here’s a brief history of Ekiti State. Ekiti State, located in the Southwestern region of Nigeria, has a rich history that spans over five centuries. Originally inhabited by the Ekiti subgroup of the Yoruba ethnic group, Ekiti State was created on October 1, 1996, when it was carved out of Ondo State; its capital city is Ado-Ekiti. Kwara State borders Ekiti State on the north, Kogi State on the northeast, Ondo State on the south and southeast, and Osun State on the west. Ekiti has an estimated population of 3.3 million; it has a land area of 6,353.2 square kilometers. It is located at latitude 7°40′ North and longitude 5°5′ East.

Ekiti State derives its name from “Ekiti,” a term that refers to a hilly and rugged landscape. This rugged terrain made Ekiti communities difficult to penetrate during wars and contributed to the State’s motto, “Land of Honor and Integrity.” The brave and indomitable people of Ekiti always stand up for their rights and values.

Ekiti State has a long-standing tradition of democracy, dating back to the 15th century. The State has produced several important Yoruba monarchs like the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Ogoga of Ikere, Elekole of Ikole, Oloye of Oye, and Arinjale of Ise.

Traditional arts and festivals also abound in Ekiti State. Some of the popular ones are Egungun Festival, Udiroko Festival, Okorobo Festival, and yam festival. The State is also home to popular tourist destinations like Ikogosi Warm Springs, Ipole-Iloro Waterfalls, Olosunta Hills, and Arinta Waterfalls.

The public universities in Ekiti State are Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science, and Technology Ikere-Ekiti. Other tertiary institutions in Ekiti state include; The Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, Crown Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, and the College of Health Technology, Ijero-Ekiti.

The favorite delicacy in Ekiti is pounded yam with vegetable soup. Notable people from Ekiti State include; Sam Aluko, Odunlade Adekola, Niyi Adebayo, Sade Adu, Robert Adeyinka Adebayo, Femi Falana, and others.

Ekiti State has 16 local government areas; the current Governor of Ekiti State is Biodun Oyebanji, and the deputy governor is Monisade Afuye. With its rich cultural heritage and history of courage, honor, and integrity, Ekiti State remains an exciting place to visit in Nigeria.

Map of Nigeria Showing the States in South-Western Nigeria

To truly experience the culture and natural beauty of South West Nigeria, visiting each state is a must. The six states, Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, and Ondo, each have unique attractions that showcase the diversity of the region. Here’s a map of Nigeria showing the southwest states of Nigeria.

The South West region has adventures for all interests. Delve into the culture, natural wonders, history, or nightlife. Experience the heartbeat of Nigeria in these diverse and vibrant states. A perfect blend of ancient traditions and modern progression awaits you.

What languages are spoken in most south west states in Nigeria?

The main languages in South Western Nigeria are Yoruba, English, and Pidgin English. Yoruba is the dominant ethnic group, so many people speak Yoruba as their first language. English is also widely spoken, and Pidgin English is a popular Creole language. Learning a few basic greetings in Yoruba is a great way to show respect for the local culture.

What is the weather like?

South Western Nigeria has a tropical monsoon climate with dry and rainy seasons. The dry season runs from December to March, and the rainy season is from April to July and September to November. Average daytime highs are in the upper 70s Fahrenheit, with hot and humid weather most of the year. Be prepared for occasional heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, especially in the rainy season.

Conclusion

And there you have it, an overview of the fascinating South West region of Nigeria. From the bustling city life of Lagos to the natural beauty of Osun, there’s something for everyone in these diverse states. The culture, food, music, beaches, and historical sites will give you an experience like no other. Now that you know what’s in store, it’s time for you to start planning your own adventure to this unique part of Nigeria.

Keyword: South West States in Nigeria

Meta description: In this article, we will give a brief history of each south west state in Nigeria; we will also state the historical places, notable people, cuisine, land mass, tertiary institutions, number of local government areas, and the present Governor and Deputy Governor of each state.