Markets have historically been the lifeblood of any thriving community, serving not only as centers of trade but also as social, cultural, and communal gathering points. In Ondo State, Nigeria, this is no different. From the bustling streets of Akure, the state capital, to the vibrant commercial hubs of Ondo City, Ore, Okitipupa, and Akungba, markets continue to drive the local economy and preserve the state’s cultural heritage.
This guide provides an extensive overview of the major local markets scattered across Ondo State, including their addresses, specialties, and importance to both residents and visitors. Whether you are a business person, tourist, or local shopper, these markets offer a unique insight into the rich culture, commerce, and daily life of the people of Ondo.
Oja Oba Market, Akure
Location: Oja Oba, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria.
Oja Oba, located right in the heart of Akure, is arguably the most popular and oldest market in the city. This market is renowned for its rich history, as it has existed for several decades, playing an integral part in the city's evolution into a bustling urban center.
Shoppers can find almost anything at Oja Oba Market — from fresh farm produce, traditional fabrics, foodstuff, household items, kitchenware, and even electronics. The market is well-organized with different sections designated for specific goods, making shopping easier and more efficient for visitors.
Shasha Market, Akure
Location: Shasha Market, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria.
Shasha Market is one of the busiest open markets in Akure, particularly popular for its trade in perishable agricultural products like tomatoes, peppers, onions, and yams. Bulk buyers from within and outside Ondo State frequent Shasha Market because of its reputation as a distribution hub for farm produce coming from the northern regions of Nigeria.
For those seeking affordable fresh produce in bulk quantities, Shasha Market remains a top destination.
Isinkan Market, Akure
Location: Isinkan Market, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria.
Isinkan Market serves the Isinkan area of Akure and its neighboring communities. This community market offers a wide range of goods, including grains, fruits, vegetables, fashion items, traditional attire, and household items. The market plays a crucial role in serving the daily needs of the local residents and is an integral part of the community's social life.
Mojere Market, Akure
Location: Mojere Market, Fanini Estate, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria.
Mojere Market serves both students and residents around the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA). It is a small yet strategic market offering foodstuff, clothes, and household necessities at competitive prices. Due to its proximity to the university, Mojere Market is always bustling with student activities, making it a lively place for shopping and socializing.
Ondo Central Market (Ughele Market), Ondo City
Location: Ondo Central Market, Ondo-Akure Road, Ondo City, Ondo State, Nigeria.
Also referred to as Ughele Market, this is the largest and most vibrant market in Ondo City. Located along the Ondo-Akure Road, this market is a hub for various commercial activities. It houses several segments dealing in clothing, textiles, food items, cosmetics, household goods, and more.
It also features civic facilities such as a post office and a magistrate court, positioning it as not just a market but a key civic center in the city.
Iyalaje Market, Ondo City
Location: Iyalaje Market, Ondo-Akure Road, Ondo City, Ondo State, Nigeria.
Iyalaje Market is another popular trading spot in Ondo City. Despite its sometimes crowded nature, it remains a prime choice for residents seeking to purchase items at relatively affordable prices. The market offers a variety of goods and is particularly known for clothing, shoes, and accessories.
Owena Market, Igbara-Oke
Location: Owena Market, Ondo-Akure Road, Igbara-Oke, Ondo State, Nigeria.
Owena Market is strategically situated along the Ondo-Akure road in Igbara-Oke. The market is well-known for its wholesale trade in plantains and other farm produce, attracting traders from within Ondo and neighboring states. Its proximity to the highway makes it highly accessible, facilitating the seamless flow of goods and services.
Ibaka Market, Akungba
Location: Ibaka Market, Akungba, Ondo State, Nigeria.
Ibaka Market is the primary market in Akungba, serving both the university community (Adekunle Ajasin University) and the surrounding residential areas. It is an everyday market where residents and students shop for essential food items, soup ingredients, and general groceries.
Okitipupa Main Market, Okitipupa
Location: Okitipupa Main Market, Okitipupa, Ondo State, Nigeria.
The Okitipupa Main Market is a central hub for commercial activity in Okitipupa town. The market's strategic location, peaceful atmosphere, and the cool sea breeze that wafts through it make it a relaxing place to shop. The market specializes in fresh farm produce, seafood, foodstuff, and household goods.
Ore Central Market, Ore
Location: Ore Central Market, Ore, Ondo State, Nigeria.
Ore Central Market is a fast-growing commercial center in Ore town, regarded by many as having the potential to rival Lagos's famous Idumota Market in the future. The market offers a variety of products, ranging from electronics to textiles, food items, and building materials. It serves not only residents of Ore but also traders from surrounding towns and states.
Sabo Market, Odigbo
Location: Sabo Market, Akintunde Junction, Odigbo, Ondo State, Nigeria.
Sabo Market, located at Akintunde Junction in Odigbo, is a dynamic marketplace offering an array of products. From fresh farm produce to fashion items, the market caters to the needs of the local community and travelers who stop by on their journey along the busy Ore-Benin Expressway.
Emure Ile Market, Emure Ile
Location: Emure Ile Market, Emure Ile, Ondo State, Nigeria.
Emure Ile Market is a well-organized community market in Emure Ile. The market is known for its clean layout and well-planned stalls. Traders here deal in foodstuff, fruits, vegetables, traditional attire, and more.
Osele Market, Ikare-Akoko
Location: Osele Market, Ikare-Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria.
Osele Market is the largest communal market in Ikare-Akoko and an integral part of the town's socio-economic life. It serves as a vibrant trading point for various goods, reflecting the cultural heritage and communal lifestyle of the people.
Oja Oba Market, Ikare-Akoko
Location: Oja Oba Market, Ikare-Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria.
Located opposite the old First Bank in Ikare-Akoko, Oja Oba Market is a major market known for its broad range of goods and strategic location.
Jubilee Market, Ikare-Akoko
Location: Jubilee Market, Ikare-Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria.
Jubilee Market is another important market in Ikare-Akoko, serving as a secondary trading center where residents can purchase both local and imported products.
Oja Kajola Market, Ikare-Akoko
Location: Oja Kajola Market, Ikare-Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria.
Oja Kajola Market is a bustling local market where various food items, local crafts, and textiles are sold. It serves the commercial needs of the residents and surrounding communities.
Oja Kowode Market, Ikare-Akoko
Location: Oja Kowode Market, Ikare-Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria.
Oja Kowode Market rounds out the major markets in Ikare-Akoko, offering similar products as other markets but known for its specialty in local fabrics, farm produce, and household utensils.
Final Thoughts
The local markets in Ondo State remain crucial drivers of the state's economic and cultural development. They are not just spaces for commerce, but places where traditions are preserved, friendships are forged, and communities thrive. Exploring these markets offers visitors an authentic taste of the everyday life and vibrancy that Ondo State is known for.
Whether you are shopping for fresh produce, exploring the rich fabrics, or seeking the cultural ambiance, these markets have something for everyone. As Ondo State continues to evolve, its markets will no doubt remain at the heart of its socio-economic fabric.
