Top Largest Towns and Cities in Osun State (2024)

Have you ever wondered what the largest towns and cities in Osun State are? The Yoruba state which is rich in culture and heritage has over 100 towns and communities.

Today, we will be taking a look at the largest towns in Osun State using population, sophistication, and landmass as criteria.

Brief History of Osun State

Osun State is a state in the south geopolitical zone of Nigeria in which most indigenes are predominantly Yoruba. Most of the Yoruba tribes including Oyo, Ibolo, Igbomina, Ijesha, and Ife can be found living in these states.

The state which was named after River Osun, one of the longest rivers in Nigeria was created by the Oyo Empire in 1991. Osun state people are known for being hospitable and industrious with a rich cultural heritage. Also, the Yoruba state is bounded by Oyo State in the west, Ogun State to the South, Ekiti, and Ondo State to the East, and Kwara State to the North.

Some of the major towns in Osun State include Osogbo (the state capital), Ede, Ile-Ife, Ilesha, Modakeke, Ejigbo, Iwo, and so on. Osun State is home to many influential politicians, engineers, pastors, musicians, and so on.

Top Major and Largest Cities in Osun State

In no order of priority, find below some of the largest towns in Osun State.

1. Osogbo

Osogbo also pronounced as Oshogbo is the biggest town in Osun State with numerous industries and urban centers. This is not far-fetched as the Osun State major city is currently the capital of the state.

With 2 local government areas, Osogbo and Olorunda, the largest town in Osun has a lot of attractions and an urban city. An example of this is the Osun Groove which is recognized by UNESCO World Heritage.

The Groove is believed to be the home of the River Goddess Osun where the Osun Osogbo festival takes place yearly. Looking for the best place to live in Osun State, you can consider Osogbo which is one of the largest towns in Osun State.

2. Ile-Ife

Ile-Ife is another ancient and major town in Osun State. According to the 2006 Census, it is one of the largest towns in Osun State with over 350,000 people living in the town.

Ife as fondly referred to has two local government areas, Ife Central and Ife East. The town which has a lot of urban centers in Osun state is home to the famous Obafemi Awolowo University, one of the best universities in Nigeria.

3. Ilesha

When it comes to choosing the biggest town in Osun State using Landmass as a criterion, Ilesha is the biggest. It is one of the major towns in Osun State as well as the headquarters of the Aiyedaade local government area.

The Osun state’s largest town has a lot of urban centers and structures. Some Igbo traders are also known to settle in the town as it is one of the commercial cities in Osun State. Thinking of the best place to live in Osun State, we recommend Ilesha which is one of the largest towns and cities in Osun State.

4. Ede

Ede is one of the biggest towns in Osun State judging by the population of which 90% are Muslims. With 2 local government areas; Ede North and Ede South, there are many important urban centers in the town. Some of these include the state NYSC orientation camp, Cocoa House, and others.

The town is largely dominated by farmers and traders who deal in many foods and cash crops like Palm oil, Cocoa, Garri, and so on.

5. Ejigbo

Ejigbo which is about 40km from Osogbo is one of the major towns in Osun State. The major town is the headquarters of the Ejigbo local government area and the indigene are known for their commercial and trading prowess.

Also, Ejigbo is popular for its annual festival called the Orisa Ogiyan festival. Ejigbo is one of the most popular towns in Osun state, thus we recommend it as one of the best places to live in Osun state.

6. Oke-Ila Orangun

When it comes to ancient acrobatic tricks and dances, you have to give them to the people of Oke-Ila Orangun. The major town is filled with a lot of Yoruba tribes, especially the Igbominas.

Oke-Ila Orangun is one of the biggest towns in Osun State with over 35,000 living in the town. The popular ancient town is also the headquarters of the Ifedayo Local Government Area with many urban centers.

7. Esa-Oke

The people of Esa-Oke are known to be predominantly farmers. It is one of the largest towns in Osun State contributing to the Agriculture prowess of the state. 

With many surplus farms produced like Yam, Maize, Cassava, rice, and so on, Esa-Oke can be referred to as one of the major towns in Osun State. Esa-Oke has just one local government area, Obokun LGA.

8. Iwo

Iwo is also one of the most popular towns in Osun State. The ancient town is known to be home to many traditional worshippers before the visit of the Islamic missionaries.

Most indigenes of Iwo are predominantly Muslims even though some Christians and traditionalists are living in the town. Thus, Iwo is one of the major towns on our list of the Top Largest towns and Cities in Osun State.

9. Modakeke

Modakeke is also one of the popular towns in Osun State. The people of Modakeke who are referred to as ‘Akoraye’ are close neighbors to the people of Ile-Ife. The Osun state’s largest town occupation is known to be predominantly farmers and trading.

The Largest Towns and Cities in Osun State

No doubt, Osun State is one of the states in Nigeria that is richly blessed with lands and good climates for Agriculture. Therefore, it is not surprising that most of the largest town in Osun State sees farming and trading as their major occupation.

However, the state has diversified to many industries lately, as most of the indigenes of the state are literate. Thus, giving rise to many urban centers and cities in the state’s major towns and cities. We hope you find our article on the top largest towns and cities in Osun State helpful.