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Osun

“Land of Virtue”

Capital Osogbo
Zone South West
LGAs 31
Population 4,700,000
2026 Budget ₦723.4B

About Osun

Osun State is a culturally rich state in South-West Nigeria, widely known as the ancestral home of the Yoruba civilization. The state was created in 1991 and its capital is Osogbo, a city famous for its artistic heritage and spiritual significance.
Historical Background
The land now known as Osun State is one of the most historically significant territories in Yorubaland, and indeed in the whole of West Africa. At its centre stands Ile-Ife — universally acknowledged in Yoruba cosmology and oral tradition as the cradle of humanity and the birth… Read full history →

Quick Facts — Osun

Official nameOsun
Capital city Osogbo
Slogan / MottoLand of Virtue
Geo-political zone South West
Local govt areas 31 LGAs →
Population (census) 4,700,000
Population density 508 / km²
Total area 9,251 km²
First governor Colonel Iyiola Omisore (Military Administrator)
2026 budget ₦723.4B →

Frequently Asked Questions — Osun

The capital city of Osun State is Osogbo. It is the seat of the Osun State Government, the governor's office and the state legislature.
Osun State has 31 Local Government Areas (LGAs). Each LGA has its own elected council and chairman responsible for grassroots governance, primary education and community infrastructure.
According to the National Population Commission, Osun State has a population of 4,700,000. The state capital Osogbo is the most populated urban centre. The population density is approximately 508 persons per km².
Osun State is in the South West geopolitical zone of Nigeria. The zone includes several other states and sends representatives to the Nigeria Governors' Forum and the National Assembly.
Osun State was created in 1991. The first governor was Colonel Iyiola Omisore (Military Administrator). Learn more on the Osun State History page.
The Osun State budget for 2026 is ₦723.4B. See the full breakdown on the Osun State Budget page, including capital expenditure, IGR and sector allocations.
Osun State covers a total land area of 9,251 km². With a population density of 508 people per km².

Government Structure

Osun State is governed by an Executive Governor and a House of Assembly. The state also recognizes traditional rulers such as the Ataoja of Osogbo and the Ooni of Ife, who plays a major cultural role in Yoruba history.

Economy of Osun

The economy of Osun State is driven by agriculture, education, mining, and small-scale industries. Major agricultural products include cocoa, cassava, maize, and yam. The state also benefits from tourism and cultural festivals.

Demographics & Geography

Population: Estimated at over 5 million people. The population is predominantly Yoruba with a strong cultural identity and deep historical roots.
4,700,000
Population
9,251
Area km²
508
Per km²
31
LGAs

Culture & Tourism in Osun

Osun State is famous for the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Erin Ijesha Waterfall, Olojo Festival, and various cultural celebrations that attract tourists from around the world.

Local Government Areas in Osun

31 LGAs

Aiyedade
HQ: Ikire
182,000
Population

Known for the Aiyedade people and yam, cocoa farming. Gateway LGA between Osun and Ogun States.

Aiyedire
HQ: Ikoyi
113,000
Population

Agricultural LGA known for cocoa and palm oil farming. The Aiyedire people have strong cultural identity.

Atakumosa East
HQ: Otan Ayegbaju
102,000
Population

Known for the Atakumosa people and cocoa farming. Agricultural LGA in eastern Osun.

Atakumosa West
HQ: Iperindo
93,000
Population

Known for cocoa and kola nut farming. Agricultural LGA in eastern Osun bordering Ondo State.

Ayedaade
HQ: Gbongan
177,000
Population

Contains Gbongan, a major commercial centre. Known for yam and cocoa farming in western Osun.

Boluwaduro
HQ: Ifetedo
72,000
Population

Small LGA known for cocoa farming near the Osun-Ondo border.

Boripe
HQ: Iragbiji
128,000
Population

Known for the Boripe people and cocoa farming. Agricultural LGA in central Osun.

Ede North
HQ: Ede
150,000
Population

Northern Ede, known for the Timi of Ede palace and the Egungun masquerade cultural festival.

Ede South
HQ: Ede
163,000
Population

Contains the historic Ede city, known for the Yoruba Egungun tradition and commercial activities.

Egbedore
HQ: Awo
95,000
Population

Agricultural LGA known for cocoa and palm oil farming. Gateway between Osun and Kwara States.

Ejigbo
HQ: Ejigbo
163,000
Population

Known for the Ejigbo kingdom and yam farming. Important commercial centre in central Osun State.

Ife Central
HQ: Ile-Ife
134,000
Population

Heart of Ile-Ife, the cradle of Yoruba civilization. Home to Oonis palace and Obafemi Awolowo University.

Ife East
HQ: Ile-Ife
145,000
Population

Eastern Ife, home to OAU Teaching Hospital and growing educational institutions.

Ife North
HQ: Ipetumodu
118,000
Population

Northern Ife communities known for cocoa farming and the expanding Ife-Ibadan corridor.

Ife South
HQ: Ifewara
103,000
Population

Known for granite quarrying and cocoa farming. Border LGA between Osun and Ondo States.

Ifedayo
HQ: Ila Orangun
110,000
Population

Known for the Ila Orangun kingdom and cocoa farming. Important cultural LGA in northern Osun.

Ifelodun
HQ: Ikirun
153,000
Population

Known for the Akinrun of Ikirun palace and agricultural activities in central Osun.

Ila
HQ: Ila Orangun
148,000
Population

Known for the historic Ila Orangun kingdom and cocoa, yam farming. Major cultural centre.

Ilesa East
HQ: Ilesa
178,000
Population

Eastern Ilesa, known for Yoruba Ekimogun heritage and the Wesley Guild Hospital.

Ilesa West
HQ: Ilesa
195,000
Population

Contains Ilesa city, known for the Owa Obokun palace and cocoa farming.

Irepodun
HQ: Iree
158,000
Population

Known for the Aree of Iree palace and yam farming in central Osun.

Irewole
HQ: Ikire
153,000
Population

Contains Ikire, known for the Irewole people and yam farming. Agricultural LGA in western Osun.

Isokan
HQ: Apomu
123,000
Population

Agricultural LGA known for palm oil and yam farming. Gateway between Osun and Ogun States.

Iwo
HQ: Iwo
195,000
Population

Historic Yoruba city of Iwo, known for the Oluwo palace, Islamic learning and yam farming.

Obokun
HQ: Ijebu-Jesa
128,000
Population

Known for the Obokun people and cocoa farming. Agricultural LGA in eastern Osun.

Odo-Otin
HQ: Okuku
123,000
Population

Known for the Okuku kingdom and yam farming. Agricultural LGA in central Osun.

Ola-Oluwa
HQ: Isogbo
85,000
Population

Small agricultural LGA known for yam and palm oil by the Ola-Oluwa Yoruba people.

Olorunda
HQ: Osogbo
220,000
Population

Part of Osogbo, the Osun State capital. Known for the Osun Grove, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Oriade
HQ: Ijebu-Jesa
148,000
Population

Known for the Oriade people and cocoa farming. Agricultural LGA bordering Ondo and Ekiti States.

Orolu
HQ: Ifon-Orolu
128,000
Population

Known for the Orolu people and palm oil, yam farming in western Osun.

Osogbo
HQ: Osogbo
358,000
Population

Contains Osogbo, the Osun State capital. Home to the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, textiles and state government.

History of Osun State

The land now known as Osun State is one of the most historically significant territories in Yorubaland, and indeed in the whole of West Africa. At its centre stands Ile-Ife — universally acknowledged in Yoruba cosmology and oral tradition as the cradle of humanity and the birthplace of the Yoruba pe…
Historical Kingdoms: Ile-Ife Kingdom, Oyo Empire, Ijesha Kingdom, Igbomina Kingdom, Ede Kingdom
🕐 Read Full History of Osun →

2026 Appropriation

₦723.4B
Total Budget — Osun State
📄 View Full Budget Breakdown →

Osun State Budget 2026

The 2026 budget for Osun State under Governor Ademola Adeleke totals ₦723.4B. The budget details include capital expenditure, recurrent expenditure, Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), federal allocation (FAAC) and sector allocations covering education, health, infrastructure, security and agriculture.

See full budget details, sector allocations and year-on-year comparison →

Compare State Budgets

See how Osun State compares to all 36 states and FCT Abuja.

📄 Nigeria State Budgets — All 37 States →