Complete List Of Local Markets In Oyo State
Oyo State, nestled in the southwestern part of Nigeria, is a bustling center of culture, commerce, and community. Its markets are much more than places to buy and sell goods—they are vibrant hubs where tradition, trade, and social life converge. Whether you're a resident, a traveler, or planning to start a business, understanding these markets and their locations will help you navigate the state’s economic heartbeat.
In this blog post, we'll explore the most popular local markets across Oyo State, including their names, addresses, what they offer, and why each one is special. The language used here is clear and simple, making the guide easy to understand for everyone.
1. Gbagi International Market (Bola‑Ige Market), Ibadan
Address: Along Ibadan–Ife Expressway, near Mallam Adebayo’s junction
Gbagi International Market, also known as Bola‑Ige Market, is one of the state's largest markets. It boasts hundreds of locked shops and open stalls organized in neat sections. This market is most famous for:
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High-quality fabrics like Ankara, lace, Aso-Oke
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Shoes, bags, hats, and fashion accessories
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Tailoring materials for weddings, church events, or traditional ceremonies
Its organized layout and range of fabrics make it the favorite go-to place for fashion designers, event planners, and style lovers from all over southwestern Nigeria.
2. Oja-Oba (King's Market) / Orita Merin Market, Ibadan
Address: Near the Olubadan’s Palace, Central Ibadan
Oja-Oba, often called Orita Merin, is one of the largest food markets in Ibadan and all of Nigeria. It’s a lively space where farmers and traders bring loads of produce daily. Expect to find:
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Fresh fruits like plantain, oranges
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Vegetables including tomatoes, peppers
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Staple foods like yams, potatoes
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Dried foods such as garri, beans
The market is a busy scene with rows of open stalls and farmers arriving early in the morning to display their goods. It's a real taste of local community life.
3. Bodija Market, Ibadan
Address: Secretariat–UI Road, Ibadan North LGA
Opened in 1987 to help reduce overcrowding at Orita Merin, Bodija Market is now the busiest foodstuff market in Ibadan. What you’ll find here includes:
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Vegetables, onions, spices
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Meats (beef, mutton, chicken), and a secondary abattoir nearby
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Fish, including frozen and smoked varieties
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Cooking oils, grains, and local delicacies
The market is open every day—even on Sundays—offering a nonstop, diverse shopping experience.
4. Dugbe Market, Ibadan
Address: Dugbe Central Business District, under Cocoa House
Dugbe Market sits at the core of Ibadan's business area, directly under the famous Cocoa House. This market blends traditional stalls with modern retail shops, offering:
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Ready-made clothes and textiles
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Electronic gadgets, home appliances
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Furniture and household items
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Stationery, bags, and toys
It's a fantastic place to shop and see the blend of old and new business styles.
5. Ogunpa Market, Ibadan
Address: Dugbe–Alawo axis, Ibadan North
Ogunpa Market lies along one of Ibadan’s busiest streets. It is known for:
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Hardware and construction supplies—pipes, cement, roofing materials
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Electronics and home tools
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Clothes, shoes, accessories
It's a popular spot for contractors and DIY enthusiasts who need hard-to-find building materials and gadgets.
6. Agbeni Market, Ibadan
Address: Ologede Street, near Methodist Cathedral
Agbeni is mainly a wholesale market catering to food and household basics, offering:
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Sweets, biscuits, drinks, and packaged foods in bulk
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Spices, seasonings, drinks, bottled water
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Stationery and baking ingredients
With its proximity to Dugbe, Agbeni is easy to access for small business owners who want to buy large quantities at low cost.
7. Aleshinloye Market, Ibadan
Address: Aleshinloye Area, Ibadan
Aleshinloye Market is known for:
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Hard-wearing kitchenware and plastic utensils
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Jewelry, beads, bangles
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Footwear and clothing
This market was badly affected by a fire in 2014 but has since been rebuilt with stronger infrastructure. It remains a trusted place for household essentials.
8. Oje Market, Ibadan
Address: Near Olubadan’s Palace, Ibadan Central
Oje Market is one of Ibadan's oldest markets, well over a century old. It specializes in:
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Traditional Yoruba fabrics including Aso-Oke and Sanyan
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Beads, trinkets used in cultural rites
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Local herbs and items for spiritual or traditional use
It draws spiritual leaders, cultural figures, and anyone looking for authentic Yoruba materials.
9. Sango Market, Saki
Address: Sango Road, Saki, Oke-Ogun region
Located in the second-largest city in Oke-Ogun, Sango Market is lively and serves a wide local population including students from nearby educational institutions. You’ll find:
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Clothing, bed linens, and accessories
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Local food staples, snacks, and drinks
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Shoes, bags, and household wares
This market is known for its variety, although some parts may need better organization and cleanliness.
10. Oja Ọba, Adábo, Iseyin
Address: Central market area, Iseyin Town, Oke-Ogun
Oja Ọba, or King’s Market in Iseyin, is a traditional yet bustling place offering:
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Aso-Oke woven fabrics unique to Iseyin
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Agricultural produce like yams, cassava, maize
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Daily goods and clothing
The market reflects the local identity of Iseyin while linking the town to broader trade routes.
The Cultural and Economic Role of Markets in Oyo State
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Job creation: Markets provide work for millions—traders, porters, drivers, cooks
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Food supply chains: Markets like Bodija and Oja-Oba are key food hubs
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Cultural heritage: So much local culture is alive in markets like Oje and Gbagi
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Wholesale trade: Gbagi and Agbeni help small businesses get supplies at lower costs
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Rural–urban link: Markets like Sango and Iseyin connect rural areas to urban centers
Visiting Tips for Market Shoppers
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Go early: The freshest items and best deals are in the morning
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Bring small bills or coins: Many traders can’t break large denominations
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Be friendly: Respect and a smile go a long way when bargaining
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Carry your own bag or basket: Markets don't always provide them
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Dress simply: Casual attire helps blend in and stay safe
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Watch your items: Use a money belt or handbag for security
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Label your goods: Fruit, vegetables, and meats can get mixed easily
One-Day Market Tour of Ibadan
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Morning: Start at Oja-Oba for fresh produce
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Late Morning: Move on to Bodija for meats and fish
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Afternoon: Visit Gbagi if you're into fashion and fabrics
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Late Afternoon: Check out Agbeni for bulk packaged goods
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Evening: Relax at Dugbe Market—shop for home items and gadgets
This itinerary offers a complete market experience and a glimpse into Ibadan’s culture and economy.
Final Words
Markets in Oyo State do more than supply goods—they shape daily life. From row-after-row of vegetables to elegant Aso-Oke fabrics, these places are vibrant and full of energy. They build communities, support families, and keep traditions alive.
As you explore markets like Gbagi, Oja-Oba, Bodija, Dugbe, and others, you’re not just shopping—you’re taking part in a grand, ongoing story of trade, tradition, and togetherness.
