Ilaro, the warrior town, is located in Ogun State, Nigeria. It is a vibrant town steeped in history and culture and home to approximately 57,850 residents.

Ilaro serves as the administrative centre for the Yewa South Local Government, known as “Yewaland”. This area was once part of the Egbado division in the former Western State and later became part of Ogun State. It is situated about 50 kilometres from Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State, and approximately 100 kilometres from Ikeja, the capital of Lagos State. Ilaro boasts a rich heritage worth exploring.

At the heart of Ilaro town stands the remarkable Orona Hall, named in honour of the honourable warrior “Orona“. Visitors can find a statue of Orona and his trusty leopard in the town as a testament to the town’s history.

The town’s history is filled with brave figures like Osata, an Ilaro ruler from the 19th century, who made a profound sacrifice to bring rain to his drought-stricken town. The Egbado dialect is spoken here, and when Ilaro natives gather, their rallying cry of “Omo Oluwewun” holds a unique power in uniting the people of Ilu Aro.

The warrior town was founded in the 18th century by Aro, who migrated from Oyo. Therefore, the town’s name originated from “Ilu Aro,” meaning Aro settlement. This settlement was strategically located on Igbo Aje, a small hill, allowing Aro and his warriors to spot potential threats, particularly slave traders from neighbouring Dahomey (now Benin Republic).

The legend of Orona and his leopard is a fascinating piece of the town’s history. When Orona grew old and wanted to demonstrate his powers, he disappeared into the ground with his leopard, creating the Orona Shrine. This location serves as the site for the coronation of new traditional rulers and a place of historical interest.

During the Nigerian Civil War, Ilaro played a crucial role as the headquarters of Egbado land and produced brave warriors like Major General Olurin, Brigadier General Samuel Adegoriola Oniyide, Major Onifade, and Major Ibikunle Armstrong.

The town not only made a warrior name for itself, but it is highly respected for its contribution to literature. With a notable figure like Prof. Afolabi Olabimitan, a Yoruba literature guru and politician, his works, such as “Kekere Ekun” and “Ta lo p’omo Oba?” are celebrated.

Ilaro’s sons and daughters have made their mark worldwide, residing in Europe, the United States, Asia, various islands, and African countries like Ivory Coast, Ghana, Libya, Senegal, Cameroon, Niger Republic, and Benin Republic.

The town’s sense of community is reflected in its numerous compounds and communities, each associated with its indigenous people. Examples include Iga Ekerin, Iga Badagunro, Iga Babaolu, Iga Saatun, and more.

The town has a deep connection with European missionaries in the 19th and 20th centuries, with notable visitors like Lord Lugard and Mary Slessor. The town is famous for originating the “Bolojo” and “Gelede” dances, often using songs known as “EFE” to address societal issues.

People of the town celebrate various festivals, including the Egungun Masquerade Festival, Oro Festival, Ogun Festival, Sango Festival, Elegbara, Alamuwa, Iya Ala, Igbala, and Igunuko festivals. The Orona Ilaro Festival stands out, featuring cultural displays, a beauty pageant, football matches, and more.

The scenic beauty of the town includes rivers like Odo Ela, Odo Ogburu, Odo Yewa, and Odo Oniru, which not only nourish fertile farmlands but also provide drinking water for the town. Their farmlands are located in various areas such as Oke Ela, Igbo Igbin, and Gbokoto.

A visit to this elegant town is not complete without savouring “Idobesi Apara” and “Oso”. The town’s warm hospitality is symbolized by sharing kola and bitter kola during occasions like Ogun worship and child-naming ceremonies.

You will find a diverse religious landscape with both mosques and churches, including training centres for Muslim missions like Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission and Nawar-ud-deen Missions in this town. Missionaries played a vital role in introducing religion and Western education to the Yewa Land people.

Neighbouring towns like Ajilete, Oke-Odan, Owode, and others add to the cultural tapestry of this fascinating town, making it a place of rich history and vibrant traditions.

Make sure you explore this town on your vacation or weekend getaway days.