Ojo is a Local Government Area and town [2] in Lagos State, Nigeria. Lagos State University is located there. Ojo is located on the eastern section of the Trans–West African Coastal Highway, about 37 km west of Lagos. It is part of the Lagos Metropolitan Area.

Ojo
LGA and town
Ojo shown within the State of Lagos
Ojo
Coordinates: 6°28′N 3°11′E
Country	Nigeria
State	Lagos State
Founded by	Esugbemi (from Awori subgroup of the Yoruba[1])
Government
• Olojo	Adeniyi Rufai
• Local government Chairman	Olushola Rosulu Idowu
Area H
• Total	70 sq mi (182 km2)
Population  (2006 census)
• Total	609,173
• Estimate  (2016)	838,900
• Density	8,700/sq mi (3,300/km2)
Time zone	UTC+1 (WAT)

Ojo is a primarily residential township although it contains some major markets including Alaba International Market, Alaba livestock market (Alaba Rago), the old Lagos International Trade Fair complex, and Iyana-Iba market. It also houses the divisional headquarters of 81 division Nigerian Army and Navy Town. South of the town (across Badagry creek), the rest of the local government is sparsely populated and consists of mangrove swamps and sandy beaches. Some of these beaches are holiday spots in the festive season. Wildlife mostly consists of reptiles, rodents and birds including crocodiles, iguanas, monitor lizards and squirrels. Whales and dolphins have been known to visit the coastal areas.Some towns there are Iba, Igando, Okokomaiko, e.t.c.

History

Oral tradition holds that Ojo was founded by Esugbemi, his wife Erelu and chief priest Osu who migrated from Ile-Ife to form a settlement named Ilufe. Esugbemi was a hunter who explored the swamp forests in the area which later became Ojo. During his expeditions he became convinced that he ought to expand the settlement. Osu consulted the Oracle which affirmed his decision at Ikemo quarters in present-day Olojo district.[3] The new town invited other Awori settlers from Iddo and Idumota who built Irewe Osolu, south of Otto-Awori.

The western (Oto-Awori) and northern (Iba and Igbo-elerin) parts of Ojo developed independently as a result of the settlement of later Awori migrants from Ile-Ife. The migrants first settled in Obadore in Iba before expanding towards the west and southwest. Oto-Awori was ruled by a baale until a King was first nominated. This was opposed by the oracle. This led to the formation of Oto-Awori & Otto-Iddo.[4] Eventually, an Oba of Oto-Awori ascended the throne in the late 18th century to rule alongside the Olojo of Ojo.

Transportation

Transportation is mainly by road. The Trans–West African Coastal Highway runs east–west through the town and divides it into North and South halves. Olojo drive, Old Ojo road, Kemberi road and Alaba road are the main roads in the southern half of the town. In the northern half Chief Esan way, Iyana-Ipaja road, Igbo-elerin road are major roads.

Ferry services and speed boats are available through Badagry creek with jetties at Muwo, Shibiri and off Olojo drive. A rail line from Lagos through Ojo is under construction and it is expected to alleviate the perpetual traffic jams within the area.[5]

Culture

Ojo is known for the Olojo festival during which the Olojo wears the crown. Oro festivals are held at the death of the Olojo or a Baale. Oro has drawn controversy for elements of the festival which some consider to be misogynistic.[6] Other festivals include Egungun, Obaluwaye, Sango, Ogun, Ota and Osun which are named after deities or heroes which they celebrate. Iyemoja and Gelede and Alaalu are also celebrated in Otto-Awori district.

References