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Oyo

“Pace Setter State”

Capital Ibadan
Zone South West
LGAs 32
Population 8,200,000
2026 Budget ₦892.0B

About Oyo

Oyo State is one of the most historically significant states in Nigeria, located in the South-West region. It is home to Ibadan, one of the largest cities in Africa, and was once the political and administrative centre of the old Western Region.
Historical Background
The territory that forms modern Oyo State is one of the most historically significant in West Africa, being the heartland of the Old Oyo Empire — arguably the most powerful Yoruba state in history. Oyo-Ile, also called Katunga, was the imperial capital of this empire, located i… Read full history →

Quick Facts — Oyo

Official nameOyo
Capital city Ibadan
Slogan / MottoPace Setter State
Geo-political zone South West
Local govt areas 32 LGAs →
Population (census) 8,200,000
Population density 288 / km²
Total area 28,454 km²
First governor Colonel David Jemibewon
2026 budget ₦892.0B →

Frequently Asked Questions — Oyo

The capital city of Oyo State is Ibadan. It is the seat of the Oyo State Government, the governor's office and the state legislature.
Oyo State has 32 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, Oyo State has a population of 8,200,000. The state capital Ibadan is the most populated urban centre. The population density is approximately 288 persons per km².
Oyo 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.
Oyo State was created in 1976. The first governor was Colonel David Jemibewon. Learn more on the Oyo State History page.
The Oyo State budget for 2026 is ₦892.0B. See the full breakdown on the Oyo State Budget page, including capital expenditure, IGR and sector allocations.
Oyo State covers a total land area of 28,454 km². With a population density of 288 people per km².

Government Structure

Oyo State is governed by an Executive Governor and a unicameral House of Assembly. The state also maintains strong traditional institutions, including the Alaafin of Oyo, one of the most respected monarchs in Yoruba land.

Current Officials

Segun Ogunwuyi
Chief of Staff
Peoples Democratic Party
Since 2023
Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola
Commissioner
Peoples Democratic Party
Since 2025
Abdulwaheed Soliu
Commissioner
Peoples Democratic Party
Since 2023
Akinola Ojo
Commissioner
Peoples Democratic Party
Since 2023
Ayobami Oluwaseun Ojo
Commissioner
Peoples Democratic Party
Since 2026
Biodun Aikomo
Commissioner
Peoples Democratic Party
Since 2023
Dotun Oyelade
Commissioner
Peoples Democratic Party
Since 2023
Fausat Joke Sanni
Commissioner
Peoples Democratic Party
Since 2026
Idowu Adeyemi
Commissioner
Peoples Democratic Party
Since 2025
Lateef Idowu Oyeleke
Commissioner
Peoples Democratic Party
Since 2026
Olabode Taiwo Ladipo
Commissioner
Peoples Democratic Party
Since 2026
Olasunkanmi Olaleye
Commissioner
Peoples Democratic Party
Since 2023
Oluwaserimi Adewumi Ajetunmobi
Commissioner
Peoples Democratic Party
Since 2023
Segun Olayiwola
Commissioner
Peoples Democratic Party
Since 2023
Solihu Adelabu
Commissioner
Peoples Democratic Party
Since 2026
Temilolu Seun Ashamu
Commissioner
Peoples Democratic Party
Since 2026
Wasiu Olatubosun
Commissioner
Peoples Democratic Party
Since 2023
Williams Akin-Funmilayo
Commissioner
Peoples Democratic Party
Since 2023
Abdulraheem Adebayo Lawal
Deputy Governor
Peoples Democratic Party
Since 2022
Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde
Governor
Allied Peoples Movement
Since 2019
Adenike Ayobami Fasinna
Head of Service
Peoples Democratic Party
Since 2026
Musibau Adetunji Babatunde
Secretary to the State Government
Peoples Democratic Party
Since 2026
Abdulfatai Buhari
Senator
All Progressives Congress
Since 2023
Sharafadeen Alli
Senator
All Progressives Congress
Since 2023
Yunus Akintunde
Senator
All Progressives Congress
Since 2023

Economy of Oyo

The state has a diverse economy driven by agriculture, trade, education, and public sector activities. Major agricultural products include cassava, maize, cocoa, and yam. Ibadan serves as a major commercial hub with growing sectors in retail, services, and small-scale industries.

Demographics & Geography

Population: Estimated at over 8 million. The state is predominantly Yoruba, with a rich cultural identity and significant student population due to its many higher institutions.
8,200,000
Population
28,454
Area km²
288
Per km²
32
LGAs

Culture & Tourism in Oyo

Oyo State is rich in cultural heritage, including the historic Oyo Empire legacy. Popular attractions include Agodi Gardens, Cocoa House (Nigeria’s first skyscraper), University of Ibadan Zoological Garden, and traditional festivals such as the Sango Festival.

Local Government Areas in Oyo

32 LGAs

Afijio
HQ: Jobele
145,000
Population

Agricultural LGA known for cocoa and yam farming. The Afijio people are predominantly Yoruba.

Akinyele
HQ: Moniya
280,000
Population

Peri-urban LGA north of Ibadan. Home to the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA).

Atiba
HQ: Oyo
210,000
Population

Contains part of Oyo town, seat of the Alaafin of Oyo, spiritual head of the Yoruba race.

Atisbo
HQ: Saki
128,000
Population

Agricultural LGA known for yam and cotton farming. Gateway between Oyo and Kwara States.

Egbeda
HQ: Egbeda
328,000
Population

Peri-urban Ibadan LGA with growing residential estates and commercial activities.

Ibadan North
HQ: Ibadan
360,000
Population

Northern Ibadan covering Sango, Ojoo and UI areas. Home to University of Ibadan.

Ibadan North East
HQ: Ibadan
295,000
Population

Northeast Ibadan, home to Agodi Gardens and the Government House area.

Ibadan North West
HQ: Ibadan
270,000
Population

Northwest Ibadan, known for Dugbe Market and the commercial heartland of Ibadan.

Ibadan South East
HQ: Ibadan
312,000
Population

Southeast Ibadan, known for Oje and Adeoyo areas. Important residential and commercial zone.

Ibadan South West
HQ: Ibadan
320,000
Population

Southwest Ibadan, home to Secretariat and major government offices of Oyo State.

Ibarapa Central
HQ: Igbo-Ora
150,000
Population

Known for Igbo-Ora, the Twin Capital of Nigeria with the highest rate of twin births in the world.

Ibarapa East
HQ: Lanlate
118,000
Population

Agricultural LGA known for yam and cassava farming. The Ibarapa people have strong cultural heritage.

Ibarapa North
HQ: Ayete
108,000
Population

Known for yam and cocoa farming. Small LGA in western Oyo bordering Ogun State.

Ido
HQ: Ido
148,000
Population

Peri-urban LGA south of Ibadan, known for growing real estate.

Irepo
HQ: Kisi
127,000
Population

Border LGA with Benin Republic, known for cross-border trade, yam and cassava farming.

Iseyin
HQ: Iseyin
220,000
Population

Known for hand-woven aso-oke (traditional Yoruba cloth). Major centre of aso-oke textile production.

Itesiwaju
HQ: Otu
118,000
Population

Agricultural LGA known for yam and groundnut farming. Communities border Kwara State.

Iwajowa
HQ: Iwere-Ile
98,000
Population

Small LGA known for yam and cotton farming. The Iwajowa people have strong commercial traditions.

Kajola
HQ: Okeho
155,000
Population

Known for the Okeho kingdom and yam farming. Agricultural LGA in western Oyo.

Lagelu
HQ: Iyana-Offa
197,000
Population

Peri-urban LGA on the Ibadan-Lagos highway. Known for growing commercial and residential activities.

Ogbomosho North
HQ: Ogbomosho
228,000
Population

Northern Ogbomosho, known for the Soun palace and Baptist Medical Centre. Major Yoruba city.

Ogbomosho South
HQ: Ogbomosho
198,000
Population

Southern Ogbomosho, known for yam farming and the Ogbomosho cultural heritage.

Ogo Oluwa
HQ: Ajaawa
98,000
Population

Agricultural LGA known for yam and cassava farming. Small LGA in eastern Oyo.

Oluyole
HQ: Ibadan
225,000
Population

Southern Ibadan peri-urban LGA with growing industrial and residential activities.

Ona-Ara
HQ: Akanran
195,000
Population

Agricultural and peri-urban LGA south of Ibadan, known for cassava and palm oil farming.

Orelope
HQ: Igboho
98,000
Population

Known for the Olugbon of Orile Igbon palace. Agricultural LGA in northern Oyo.

Ori-Ire
HQ: Ikoyi-Ile
115,000
Population

Agricultural LGA known for yam and cocoa farming in eastern Oyo.

Oyo East
HQ: Oyo
198,000
Population

Eastern part of Oyo town. Known for the historic Alaafin palace and Oyo empire heritage.

Oyo West
HQ: Oyo
210,000
Population

Western Oyo town with commercial activities. The Alaafin of Oyo is paramount ruler of Yoruba.

Saki East
HQ: Saki
130,000
Population

Known for the Saki kingdom and yam, cotton farming. Agricultural LGA in northern Oyo.

Saki West
HQ: Saki
162,000
Population

Contains Saki city, known for its weekly market and cotton farming. Gateway to Benin Republic.

Surulere
HQ: Iresaadu
128,000
Population

Agricultural LGA known for yam and cassava. Not to be confused with Surulere in Lagos.

History of Oyo State

The territory that forms modern Oyo State is one of the most historically significant in West Africa, being the heartland of the Old Oyo Empire — arguably the most powerful Yoruba state in history. Oyo-Ile, also called Katunga, was the imperial capital of this empire, located in the savanna country …
Historical Kingdoms: Old Oyo Empire (Oyo-Ile), Ibadan Republic, Ogbomosho, Iseyin, Ibarapa chieftaincies
🕐 Read Full History of Oyo →

2026 Appropriation

₦892.0B
Total Budget — Oyo State
📄 View Full Budget Breakdown →

Oyo State Budget 2026

The 2026 budget for Oyo State under Governor Seyi Makinde totals ₦892.0B. 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 Oyo State compares to all 36 states and FCT Abuja.

📄 Nigeria State Budgets — All 37 States →