Full List Of Local Markets In Ekiti State With Their Location
Ekiti State is one of the southwestern states in Nigeria. It is known for its peaceful environment, hardworking people, and rich culture. One important part of life in Ekiti is the local markets. These markets are where people go every day or on specific market days to buy and sell goods. In Ekiti, almost every town has its own market, and each one is special in its own way.
In this blog post, we will take a look at the major local markets across different parts of Ekiti State. We will also provide their locations, what you can find there, and why they are important to the people. This post is written in easy English, so anyone can read and understand it.
Why Local Markets Are Important in Ekiti
Before we talk about the markets themselves, let’s understand why local markets are so important in Ekiti State:
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Source of Income: Many people in Ekiti are traders. They make money by selling foodstuff, clothes, and other goods in these markets.
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Cultural Heritage: Markets are also a place where people meet, greet, and celebrate festivals. Some markets have rules that are based on tradition.
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Access to Goods: Not everyone can afford big supermarkets. These markets help people buy what they need at cheaper prices.
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Support for Farmers: Most Ekiti people are farmers. Local markets help them sell their farm products like yam, cassava, maize, and vegetables.
Now, let’s look at some of the most popular and important markets in Ekiti State.
1. Oja Oba Market, Ado-Ekiti
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Address: Market Road, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State
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Location: Heart of Ado-Ekiti, near the Ewi’s Palace
About the Market:
This is one of the biggest and busiest markets in the whole state. It is located right in the capital city, Ado-Ekiti. People from all over the state and even other states come to this market to buy and sell.
What You Can Find:
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Food items like rice, beans, garri, pepper, tomatoes
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Fresh vegetables and fruits
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Clothes and shoes
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Building materials and household items
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Electronics and phone accessories
Why People Love It:
Oja Oba is centrally located and easy to reach by bus or okada. You can find almost everything here. The government is also working on turning it into a modern market with better stalls, toilets, and parking space.
2. Okesha Market, Ado-Ekiti
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Address: Ado-Iworoko-Ifaki Road, Ado-Ekiti
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Location: Along a major road, easy for travellers to access
About the Market:
This market is another popular one in Ado-Ekiti. It is a smaller market compared to Oja Oba but still very active.
What You Can Find:
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Vegetables, fruits, and foodstuff
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Clothes and school uniforms
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Pots, plates, and kitchen tools
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Local herbs and palm oil
Why People Go There:
The market is neat, and prices are friendly. It is also less crowded than Oja Oba, making shopping easier for some people.
3. Awedele Market, Ado-Ekiti
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Address: Basiri area, near Goodluck Jonathan Road, Ado-Ekiti
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Location: Close to Ado Textile and government quarters
About the Market:
Awedele Market is a neighborhood market created by the government to reduce street trading. It has stalls, water, and toilets.
What You Can Find:
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Fresh food and pepper
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Local snacks
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Clothes, slippers, and soaps
Why It’s Special:
It is a well-organized market that helps small traders sell in a safe environment.
4. Bisi Market, Ado-Ekiti
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Address: Near Oja Oba, Ado-Ekiti
About the Market:
This market is very close to Oja Oba and shares some of its traffic. It serves people living around Bisi area of Ado-Ekiti.
What You Can Find:
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Daily food items
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Clothes and second-hand items
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Fast foods and drinks
5. Ereja Market, Ikere-Ekiti
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Address: Ikere-Ekiti, Ekiti State
About the Market:
This market is the main market in Ikere town, which is one of the largest towns in Ekiti.
What You Can Find:
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Vegetables and fruits
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Yam, garri, and local rice
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Local spices and fish
Why People Love It:
The market is open daily and is easily accessible for people in and around Ikere town.
6. Afao Market, Ikere-Ekiti
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Location: Afao/Kajola area, Ikere-Ekiti
About the Market:
This market is located in a smaller community in Ikere. It serves people in the Afao area.
What You Can Find:
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Farm produce
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Local soup ingredients
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Clothing and household items
7. Ogbontioro Market, Emure-Ekiti
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Address: Emure-Ekiti
About the Market:
This is the main market in Emure town. It is very popular and held every four to five days.
What You Can Find:
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Palm oil, yam, cassava
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Fish, spices, and pepper
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Clothing materials
Cultural Note:
Women must cover their heads when they enter the market. This is part of their tradition. Anyone who breaks this rule may be fined.
8. Oja Obadore, Omuo-Ekiti
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Location: Omuo, Ekiti East LGA
About the Market:
This market serves the students of the Federal Polytechnic and local residents.
What You Can Find:
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Provisions
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Cooked food
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Drinks, snacks, and stationery
9. Community Market, Omuo-Ekiti
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Location: Inside Omuo town
What You Can Find:
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Fresh vegetables
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Soap and cleaning items
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Local soup ingredients
10. Shasha Market, Oke-Opa (Ado-Ikere Border)
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Location: Along the Ado-Ikere Road
About the Market:
This market is located between Ado-Ekiti and Ikere. Many traders bring goods from neighboring states.
What You Can Find:
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Tomatoes, onions, and pepper
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Palm oil and cooking ingredients
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Livestock like goats and chickens
Why People Love It:
It is known for fresh and cheap foodstuff. Traders come here to buy in bulk and resell.
11. Mini Market, Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti
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Location: Inside the school campus
What You Can Find:
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Snacks, noodles, and fast food
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Cold drinks and recharge cards
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Basic hostel supplies
Other Markets in Ekiti State (By Local Government Areas)
Ekiti State has 16 local government areas (LGAs), and most LGAs have two or more markets. Here are some examples:
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Ijero-Ekiti: Ijero Market, Ayetoro Market
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Ise/Orun LGA: Ise Market, Orun Market
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Efon LGA: Efon-Alaye Market
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Ido/Osi LGA: Ido-Ekiti Modern Market
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Ekiti West LGA: Aramoko Market, Ijero Garage Market
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Moba LGA: Otun Market, Osun-Ekiti Market
Each of these markets plays an important role in their community.
💧 Problems Facing Local Markets in Ekiti
Even though the markets are doing well, there are still some problems:
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Poor Sanitation: Some markets do not have toilets or waste bins. This causes bad smells and dirty surroundings.
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No Water Supply: Many traders complain that there is no clean water to use during the day.
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Lack of Shade: During the dry season, many traders stay under the hot sun because there are no shades or shelters.
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Traffic Congestion: Big markets like Oja Oba often cause traffic jams due to poor planning.
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Security Issues: Petty theft and pickpocketing happen in crowded markets.
📝 Summary Table of Major Markets
| Market Name | Town | What You Can Buy |
|---|---|---|
| Oja Oba Market | Ado-Ekiti | Food, clothes, electronics |
| Okesha Market | Ado-Ekiti | Veggies, tools, household items |
| Awedele Market | Ado-Ekiti | Provisions, clothes |
| Bisi Market | Ado-Ekiti | General goods |
| Ereja Market | Ikere-Ekiti | Foodstuff, clothes |
| Afao Market | Ikere-Ekiti | Local food, supplies |
| Ogbontioro Market | Emure-Ekiti | Food, clothes, traditional goods |
| Oja Obadore | Omuo-Ekiti | Provisions, fresh food |
| Community Market | Omuo-Ekiti | Food, household goods |
| Shasha Market | Ado/Ikere Road | Foodstuff, livestock |
| Mini Market | Federal Polytechnic | Snacks, drinks, school items |
Final Words
Markets in Ekiti State are more than just trading places. They are part of the people’s lifestyle. From big towns like Ado-Ekiti to smaller villages like Afao, markets help connect people, feed families, and grow local businesses. If the government and community work together to improve facilities, markets in Ekiti can become even better and safer for everyone.
If you are planning to visit Ekiti State, be sure to stop by one of these local markets. You will enjoy the friendly environment, local foods, and vibrant culture.
