Full List Of Major Local Markets In Ondo State
Ondo State is located in the southwestern part of Nigeria. It is known for its hardworking people, large farmland, and cultural heritage. One of the things that stand out in Ondo is the presence of many busy and colorful markets. These markets are where people from different places gather to buy and sell different items like food, clothes, electronics, and household goods. Whether you are a visitor, a student, or a resident, this guide will help you discover the top markets in Ondo State and what each of them is famous for.
Let’s explore the best local markets in Ondo State, Nigeria.
1. Oja Oba, Akure
Oja Oba is one of the biggest and oldest markets in Akure, the state capital. The name “Oja Oba” means “The King’s Market” in Yoruba. It is located very close to the Deji’s Palace and is the heart of commerce in the city.
What You’ll Find:
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Fresh fruits and vegetables
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Grains and foodstuff
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Household items
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Second-hand clothes (okrika)
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Local herbs and traditional items
Special Features:
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Very active every day, especially Mondays and Fridays
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Friendly traders and fair prices
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A great place to learn about the culture and food of Ondo people
2. Shasha Market, Akure
Shasha Market is one of the largest food markets in Ondo State. Located in Akure, this market is the main hub for farm produce from nearby villages and towns.
What You’ll Find:
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Fresh tomatoes, peppers, onions
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Plantain, yams, and cassava
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Palm oil and vegetable oil
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Live chickens and other meat
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Spices and condiments
Special Features:
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Supplies many other markets across the state
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Traders come from different ethnic groups, including Yoruba, Hausa, and Igbo
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Great place to buy food in bulk
3. Oja Oke, Owo
Oja Oke is located in Owo, a historic town in Ondo State. This market is famous for its wide range of traditional goods and farm produce.
What You’ll Find:
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Yams, maize, beans, and rice
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Traditional Yoruba attire and fabrics
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Clay pots, woven baskets, and handmade goods
Special Features:
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Strong community presence
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A mix of ancient traditions and modern trading
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Good prices for bulk buyers
4. Ore International Market
Ore town is a major transport hub that connects Ondo State with other parts of Nigeria. The Ore International Market is located in this town and is one of the most visited in the state.
What You’ll Find:
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Fresh and dry fish
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Imported goods
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Textiles and ready-made clothes
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Motor parts and electronics
Special Features:
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Serves as a stop for travelers from Lagos, Benin, and the East
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Goods are sold at wholesale prices
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Always busy, especially on market days
5. Isinkan Market, Akure
Isinkan Market is located in the Isinkan area of Akure. This market is popular among locals for its affordability and variety of items.
What You’ll Find:
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Vegetables, pepper, and condiments
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Used clothes and shoes
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Hair products and cosmetics
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Kitchen items and utensils
Special Features:
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Less crowded compared to Oja Oba
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Easier for quick shopping trips
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Clean and well-organized stalls
6. Oja Unity, Akure
Also known as Unity Market, this market is located along the popular Oba Adesida Road in Akure. It is a relatively modern market and has become a favorite shopping spot for many residents.
What You’ll Find:
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Fresh produce
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Rice, beans, and other staples
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Children’s clothes and toys
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Mobile phones and accessories
Special Features:
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Organized layout
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More modern stalls with shade and roofing
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Clean environment and safe parking
7. Oka Market, Ondo Town
Oka Market is the main market in Ondo Town. It is an age-long commercial center that has served the people of Ondo for generations.
What You’ll Find:
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Cassava flakes (garri), yam flour (elubo)
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Grains and legumes
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Traditional medicine and herbs
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Fruits and vegetables
Special Features:
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Very lively on market days
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Affordable pricing and bulk goods
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Vendors often speak local Ondo dialect
8. Ikare Market
Ikare-Akoko is one of the largest towns in the northern part of Ondo State. The central market here is a commercial center that serves people from Akoko and neighboring areas.
What You’ll Find:
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Agricultural produce from the Akoko region
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Livestock and poultry
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Cooking utensils and farming tools
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School supplies and textbooks
Special Features:
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Excellent for buying food directly from farmers
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Transport is easy to arrange for bulk purchases
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Supports cross-border trade with Kogi and Ekiti
9. Igbokoda Market
Igbokoda is located in the riverine area of Ondo State. Its market is popular for seafood and products from the riverine communities.
What You’ll Find:
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Fresh fish, shrimps, and crabs
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Palm wine and local drinks
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Canoe building materials
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Marine-related equipment
Special Features:
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Unique items not found in inland markets
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Friendly local fishers and traders
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Great for seafood lovers
10. Oja Oba, Idanre
This is a smaller version of the famous Oja Oba in Akure, located in the beautiful hilly town of Idanre. It serves the local community and tourists.
What You’ll Find:
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Fresh farm produce
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Cooking ingredients
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Local crafts and souvenirs
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Fruits and seasonal foods
Special Features:
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A good place to visit during a tour of Idanre Hills
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Supports local artisans and farmers
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Calm, friendly environment
Why These Markets Matter
Markets in Ondo State are not just places to buy and sell. They are part of the social life of the people. Many traders in these markets are small-scale business owners and farmers. They depend on daily or weekly market sales to support their families.
These markets also help to grow the local economy. Farmers bring fresh crops, while traders from other states come to buy in bulk. This kind of business activity supports jobs, food supply, and even transportation services across the state.
Market Days in Ondo State
Most markets in Ondo State have specific days when they are busiest. These days are called “market days,” and they often follow a four-day or five-day cycle depending on the town’s culture. For example:
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Oja Oba Akure: Very busy on Mondays and Fridays
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Owo and Ikare markets: Peak activity on Thursdays and Saturdays
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Ore Market: Busy throughout the week due to its location
Knowing the market day helps shoppers to plan ahead, especially if they want to buy in large quantities.
Safety and Tips for Shopping
When shopping in any of these markets, here are a few helpful tips:
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Go early: Markets are freshest and less crowded in the morning.
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Bargain wisely: Don’t be afraid to negotiate prices. Most sellers expect it.
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Hold small cash: Carry change or smaller denominations for easier transactions.
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Stay safe: Keep personal items like phones and wallets secure.
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Ask locals: If you’re new to the area, ask someone to guide you to the best stalls.
Conclusion
Ondo State is a land of vibrant culture and business opportunities, and its markets reflect the hardworking spirit of its people. Whether you are looking for fresh food, traditional items, or a fun shopping experience, these top markets offer something special. Next time you're in Ondo, be sure to explore these lively and exciting places.
Summary Table of Major Markets in Ondo State
| Market Name | Location | Popular For | Market Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oja Oba | Akure | Foodstuff, clothes, herbs | Mondays, Fridays |
| Shasha Market | Akure | Fresh farm produce, bulk sales | Daily |
| Oja Oke | Owo | Yams, fabrics, local crafts | Thursdays |
| Ore International | Ore | Wholesale items, imported goods | Tuesdays, Fridays |
| Isinkan Market | Akure | Affordable shopping, daily needs | Daily |
| Unity Market | Akure | Organized stalls, electronics | Saturdays |
| Oka Market | Ondo Town | Garri, yam flour, grains | Wednesdays |
| Ikare Market | Ikare-Akoko | Agricultural produce, tools | Thursdays |
| Igbokoda Market | Igbokoda | Seafood, riverine products | Fridays |
| Oja Oba Idanre | Idanre | Fresh produce, crafts | Market days vary |
