Èkó
EH-koh
Lagos (Nigeria's largest city)
Usage
The Yoruba name for Lagos. The largest city in West Africa and Nigeria's commercial and cultural capital
Grammar Note
"Èkó" is Lagos's ancient name, also spelled "Eco/Eko." It developed under Benin Kingdom influence around the 15th century. Lagos now has about 20 million inhabitants.
Ilé-Ifẹ̀
ee-LEH-ee-FEH
Ile-Ife (sacred birthplace of Yoruba civilization)
Usage
The legendary cradle of Yoruba civilization. The name may derive from "ìfẹ̀" meaning love or expansion
Grammar Note
"Ilé-Ifẹ̀" = "house of love/expansion." In Yoruba mythology, it's where the gods created the earth. It's also home to Obafemi Awolowo University.
Ìbàdàn
ee-BAH-dahn
Ibadan (largest inland city of Yorubaland)
Usage
Nigeria's second city and center of Yoruba culture. Developed in the 19th century as a warrior settlement
Grammar Note
The etymology of "Ìbàdàn" is debated, but one interpretation is "place near the savannah." It's home to the University of Ibadan, Nigeria's premier university.
Abẹ́òkúta
ah-BEH-oh-koo-TAH
Abeokuta (capital of Ogun State, Nigeria)
Usage
"Abeokuta" means "under the rock." Olumo Rock is its symbol. Birthplace of Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka
Grammar Note
"Abẹ́òkúta" = "abẹ́ (under) + òkúta (rock)" = "under the rock." Yoruba place names often reflect the terrain or a historical event.
Ọ̀ṣogbo
oh-SHOHG-boh
Osogbo (Osun River sacred grove — UNESCO World Heritage)
Usage
The Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Osun Festival is held every August
Grammar Note
One etymology of "Ọ̀ṣogbo" is "Ọ̀ṣun (goddess) + gbọ (palm oil)." The annual Osun Festival is the largest Orisha worship event in Yoruba tradition.
Ìlọrin
ee-LOH-reen
Ilorin (capital of Kwara State, northern gateway of Yorubaland)
Usage
A city where Yoruba, Hausa, and Fulani cultures intersect. Name means "sword/sharpening of the horse"
Grammar Note
Ilorin played a key role as a border city between the Sokoto Caliphate and Yorubaland in the 19th century. Still known for cultural diversity.
Ẹ̀yìn Ọ̀yọ́
EH-yeen OH-yoh
Old Oyo (site of the Oyo Empire)
Usage
Site of the old Oyo Empire capital. One of the most powerful empires in West Africa in the 17th-18th centuries
Grammar Note
"Ọ̀yọ́" is the name of the great Yoruba empire. The ruins of Old Oyo within Oyo State are an important archaeological and historical site.
Ìjẹ̀bú Odè
ee-JEH-boo OH-deh
Ijebu-Ode (historic kingdom city in Ogun State)
Usage
Capital of the Ijebu Kingdom. Known for the historic 1892 Ijebu Expedition against British forces
Grammar Note
"Ìjẹ̀bú Odè" means "Ijebu of the hunters" or "Ijebu in the open place." Center of the historically powerful Ijebu kingdom known for commerce and military strength.
Odò Ọ̀ṣun Ọ̀ṣogbo
oh-DOH OH-shoon OH-shohg-boh
The Osun River at Osogbo (sacred waterway)
Usage
The sacred Osun River flowing through the UNESCO World Heritage Grove, dedicated to the goddess of fertility and water
Grammar Note
"Odò Ọ̀ṣun" = "Osun's river." Many Yoruba rivers are named after deities. Osun is a major Orisha alongside Ṣàngó and Ògún.
Yankari
YAHN-kah-ree
Yankari Game Reserve (Nigeria's largest wildlife reserve)
Usage
Nigeria's largest game reserve in Bauchi State. Home to elephants, buffalo, lions, and natural hot springs
Grammar Note
"Yankari" is a Hausa-language place name from northern Bauchi State. This reflects Nigeria's multilingual reality where Hausa place names coexist with Yoruba ones.
Ìpínlẹ̀ Èkó
Ipinle Eko
Lagos State
Usage
The smallest but most populous state in southwest Nigeria; the international airport, seaport and rail terminals are all here. Signposted Lagos State
Ìpínlẹ̀ Ògùn
Ipinle Ogun
Ogun State
Usage
The state immediately north of Lagos; capital Abeokuta. Contains Olumo Rock and the land border with Benin. Signposted Ogun State
Ìpínlẹ̀ Ọ̀yọ́
Ipinle Oyo
Oyo State
Usage
Capital Ibadan, linked to Lagos by both the expressway and the standard-gauge railway. Signposted Oyo State
Ìpínlẹ̀ Ọ̀ṣun
Ipinle Osun
Osun State
Usage
Capital Osogbo; contains the UNESCO-listed Osun Sacred Grove and the city of Ile-Ife. Signposted Osun State
Ìpínlẹ̀ Ondó
Ipinle Ondo
Ondo State
Usage
Capital Akure; includes the Idanre Hills and a stretch of Atlantic coast. Signposted Ondo State
Ìpínlẹ̀ Èkìtì
Ipinle Ekiti
Ekiti State
Usage
Capital Ado-Ekiti. The name comes from "èkìtì" (hills), and the state is largely hill country. Signposted Ekiti State
Ìpínlẹ̀ Kwárà
Ipinle Kwara
Kwara State
Usage
Capital Ilorin. The northern edge of the Yoruba-speaking area, bounded on the north by the Niger River. Signposted Kwara State
Ilẹ̀ Yorùbá
Ile Yoruba
Yorubaland
Usage
The general term for the Yoruba-speaking area: the six southwestern Nigerian states plus Kwara, extending into eastern Benin and central Togo
Orílẹ̀-èdè Nàìjíríà
Orile-ede Naijiria
Federal Republic of Nigeria
Usage
The country where most Yoruba speakers live. English is the official language, so all road signs, station boards and airport displays are in English. Currency is the naira (₦)
Abújá
Abuja
Abuja (capital of Nigeria)
Usage
The planned federal capital in the centre of the country. Outside Yorubaland, but the frequent Lagos flights make it a common connection. Airport code ABV (Nnamdi Azikiwe International)
Ọ̀yọ́
Oyo
Oyo (historic town, Oyo State)
Usage
About 50 km north of Ibadan; successor town to the Oyo Empire and seat of the Alaafin's palace. Known for carving, leatherwork and calabashes. Signposted Oyo
Ògbómọ̀ṣọ́
Ogbomoso
Ogbomoso (second city of Oyo State)
Usage
A city on the road between Ibadan and Ilorin, home to Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH). Signposted Ogbomoso
Ìṣẹ́yìn
Iseyin
Iseyin (weaving town, Oyo State)
Usage
About 100 km northwest of Ibadan, known as a centre of aṣọ òkè hand-woven cloth. Signposted Iseyin
Ṣakí
Saki / Shaki
Saki (northwest Oyo State)
Usage
A farming town in the far northwest of Oyo State near the Benin border. Signposted both Saki and Shaki
Ìgbó-Ọ̀rà
Igbo-Ora
Igbo-Ora (the "twins capital")
Usage
About 80 km southwest of Ibadan, known worldwide for its exceptionally high twin birth rate and its annual twins festival. Signposted Igbo-Ora
Ìlẹ̀ṣà
Ilesa
Ilesa (Osun State)
Usage
About 35 km east of Osogbo; the centre of the Ijesa area and the usual base for the Erin-Ijesha waterfalls. Signposted Ilesa, sometimes Ilesha
Ẹdẹ
Ede
Ede (Osun State)
Usage
An old town on the Osun River about 20 km southwest of Osogbo. Signposted Ede
Ìwó
Iwo
Iwo (Osun State)
Usage
A town in western Osun State. Ibadan's "Iwo Road" is named for the road that leads here. Signposted Iwo
Erin-Ìjẹ̀ṣà
Erin-Ijesha
Erin-Ijesha (Olumirin Waterfalls)
Usage
A village in Osun State with the Olumirin Waterfalls, seven cascades climbed by steps. About an hour by road from Ilesa. Signposted Erin-Ijesha
Àkúrẹ́
Akure
Akure (capital of Ondo State)
Usage
Capital of Ondo State, with its own airport (AKR) and the usual base for visiting the Idanre Hills. Signposted Akure
Ondó
Ondo
Ondo (town in Ondo State)
Usage
A town about 50 km southwest of Akure. It shares its name with the state, so say "Ondo Town" to distinguish it from Ondo State
Ọ̀wọ̀
Owo
Owo (historic town, Ondo State)
Usage
An old royal town in northeast Ondo State, with the Olowo's palace and a museum of local bronze and ivory finds. Signposted Owo
Ìdànrè
Idanre
Idanre (Ondo State)
Usage
A town about 30 km southwest of Akure, below the Idanre Hills where the abandoned old town still stands. Signposted Idanre
Adó-Èkìtì
Ado-Ekiti
Ado-Ekiti (capital of Ekiti State)
Usage
Capital of Ekiti State, with the Ewi's palace and Ekiti State University. About an hour by road from Akure. Signposted Ado-Ekiti
Ọ̀ta
Ota / Sango Ota
Ota (industrial town, Ogun State)
Usage
An industrial town in Ogun State on the northwestern edge of Lagos. Signposted Ota or Sango Ota
Ṣágámù
Sagamu / Shagamu
Sagamu (Ogun State)
Usage
A town on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, at the Sagamu Interchange where the road to Benin City splits off. Signposted Sagamu or Shagamu
Badagry
Badagry (historic coastal town, Lagos State)
Usage
A coastal town about 55 km west of Lagos city, just short of the Benin border, with slave-trade sites and Nigeria's first storey building. Signposted Badagry
Ìkòròdú
Ikorodu
Ikorodu (northern Lagos State)
Usage
A town on the north shore of Lagos Lagoon; northern end of the Ikorodu-TBS BRT corridor and a ferry terminal. Signposted Ikorodu
Èpé
Epe
Epe (eastern Lagos State)
Usage
A town at the eastern end of Lagos Lagoon, the far end of the Lekki-Epe Expressway, known for its fish market. Signposted Epe
Ọ̀fà
Offa
Offa (Kwara State)
Usage
A Yoruba town about 50 km southeast of Ilorin, on the old narrow-gauge railway. Signposted Offa
Ìkẹjà
Ikeja
Ikeja (Lagos State capital, airport district)
Usage
The administrative centre of Lagos on the mainland, seat of the state government. Murtala Muhammed International and the domestic terminals are here, as is a Red Line rail station. Signposted Ikeja
Ìsàlẹ̀ Èkó
Isale Eko
Lagos Island (Isale Eko)
Usage
The island where Lagos began: the Oba's palace, the national museum, Tafawa Balewa Square and the Blue Line's Marina station are all here. Three bridges link it to the mainland. Signposted Lagos Island
Marina
Marina, Lagos Island
Marina (Lagos Island waterfront)
Usage
The main waterfront avenue and banking street on the south side of Lagos Island; the Blue Line's terminus station and a ferry jetty are here. Signposted Marina
CMS
CMS, Lagos Island
CMS (Lagos Island transport hub)
Usage
The main bus and BRT interchange on Lagos Island, beside the Marina, with a ferry jetty alongside. Drivers know it simply as "CMS". Signposted CMS
Ìkòyí
Ikoyi
Ikoyi (Lagos residential district)
Usage
A residential district east of Lagos Island with many embassies, hotels and restaurants; linked to Lekki by the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge. Signposted Ikoyi
Victoria Island
Victoria Island (V.I.)
Victoria Island (Lagos business district)
Usage
The district where most Lagos offices, hotels and restaurants are concentrated. Drivers use the short form "V.I.". Signposted Victoria Island
Lekki
Lekki (eastern Lagos)
Usage
The newer development along the peninsula east of Victoria Island, referred to by phase ("Lekki Phase 1" and so on). The conservation centre and the beaches are here. Signposted Lekki
Ajah
Ajah (eastern Lekki peninsula)
Usage
A district on the Lekki-Epe Expressway about 25 km east of Victoria Island, and the eastern end of the BRT service. Signposted Ajah
Yaba
Yaba (Lagos mainland student district)
Usage
The mainland student district, home to the University of Lagos and Yaba College of Technology, with a Red Line rail station. Signposted Yaba
Ẹ̀bùté Mẹ́ta
Ebute Metta
Ebute Metta (Lagos mainland rail district)
Usage
A district just south of Yaba whose name means "three wharves". The Lagos end of the Lagos-Ibadan standard-gauge railway (Mobolaji Johnson Station) is here. Signposted Ebute Metta
Sùúrùlérè
Surulere
Surulere (Lagos mainland district)
Usage
A residential and commercial district on the Lagos mainland, site of the national stadium and Teslim Balogun Stadium. The name is the Yoruba proverb "patience pays". Signposted Surulere
Àpápá
Apapa
Apapa (Lagos port district)
Usage
The district holding Nigeria's largest seaport. Container-truck congestion is constant, so it is a poor route to drive through. Signposted Apapa
Oshodi
Oshodi (Lagos transport interchange)
Usage
The mainland transport hub just south of the airport, with the three-terminal Oshodi Transport Interchange and a Red Line rail station. Signposted Oshodi
Mushin
Mushin (Lagos mainland district)
Usage
A densely populated mainland district between Oshodi and Yaba, with a Red Line rail station. Signposted Mushin
Agege
Agege (northern Lagos mainland)
Usage
A district northwest of Ikeja with a Red Line station and a stop on the Lagos-Ibadan standard-gauge line. Signposted Agege
Oyingbo
Oyingbo (southern end of the Red Line)
Usage
A market district next to Ebute Metta and the southern terminus of the Red Line; change here to bus or taxi for the islands. Signposted Oyingbo
Ojota
Ojota (Lagos intercity bus hub)
Usage
A mainland interchange near the start of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, where intercity buses to other states depart. Signposted Ojota
Ìyànà Ìpájà
Iyana Ipaja
Iyana Ipaja (western Lagos mainland)
Usage
A major junction with a BRT stop on the Lagos-Abeokuta road; "ìyànà" is Yoruba for a road fork. Signposted Iyana Ipaja
Abúlé Ẹ̀gbá
Abule Egba
Abule Egba (northwestern BRT terminus)
Usage
A district in the northwest of the Lagos mainland and the far end of the Oshodi-Abule Egba BRT corridor. Signposted Abule Egba
Ojodu Berger
Ojodu Berger (northern gateway of Lagos)
Usage
The large interchange where the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway enters Lagos; drivers know it simply as "Berger". Signposted Ojodu Berger
Mile 12
Mile 12 (Lagos mainland market district)
Usage
A district on Ikorodu Road with a stop on the Ikorodu BRT corridor, known for its large wholesale produce market. Signposted Mile 12
Mile 2
Mile 2 (western end of the Blue Line)
Usage
A transport hub in the southwest of the Lagos mainland: the western terminus of the Blue Line, with links to the Badagry road and a ferry jetty. Signposted Mile 2
Pápá Ọkọ̀ Òfurufú Àgbáyé ti Murtala Muhammed
Papa Oko Ofurufu Agbaye ti Murtala Muhammed
Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS)
Usage
Nigeria's busiest international airport, at Ikeja in Lagos. The international and domestic terminals are a few kilometres apart and require a transfer. Allow one to two hours to Victoria Island in traffic. Signposted Murtala Muhammed International Airport
Pápá Ọkọ̀ Òfurufú Inú Ilẹ̀ ti Èkó
Papa Oko Ofurufu Inu Ile ti Eko
Lagos domestic terminals (MMA2 and GAT)
Usage
The two domestic buildings at Ikeja. Airlines use either MMA2 or GAT, so check your ticket for which one before telling the taxi driver
Pápá Ọkọ̀ Òfurufú Ìbàdàn
Papa Oko Ofurufu Ibadan
Ibadan Airport (IBA)
Usage
The domestic airport at Alakia on the east side of Ibadan. Few flights, mostly to Abuja. Signposted Ibadan Airport
Pápá Ọkọ̀ Òfurufú Àgbáyé ti Ìlọrin
Papa Oko Ofurufu Agbaye ti Ilorin
Ilorin International Airport (ILR)
Usage
The airport at Ilorin in Kwara State, mainly serving Lagos and Abuja; the air gateway to northern Yorubaland. Signposted Ilorin International Airport
Pápá Ọkọ̀ Òfurufú Àkúrẹ́
Papa Oko Ofurufu Akure
Akure Airport (AKR)
Usage
The domestic airport at Akure in Ondo State, the nearest airport for the Idanre Hills and Ekiti. Few flights. Signposted Akure Airport
Ọ̀nà Ojú Irin Búlùú ti Èkó
Ona Oju Irin Buluu ti Eko
Lagos Blue Line (rail)
Usage
The electrified city rail line from Marina on Lagos Island west to Mile 2. Phase 1 has five stations: Marina, National Theatre, Iganmu, Orile and Mile 2. A transport card is needed to ride. Signposted Blue Line
Ọ̀nà Ojú Irin Pupa ti Èkó
Ona Oju Irin Pupa ti Eko
Lagos Red Line (rail)
Usage
The north-south city rail line across the mainland, with eight stations: Agbado, Iju, Agege, Ikeja, Oshodi, Mushin, Yaba and Oyingbo. It serves Ikeja, where the airport is. Signposted Red Line
Agbado
Agbado (northern terminus of the Red Line)
Usage
A district at the northern edge of the Lagos mainland and the northern terminus of the Red Line, close to the Ogun State boundary. Signposted Agbado
Iju
Iju (Red Line station)
Usage
A Red Line station between Agbado and Agege. Signposted Iju; the surrounding area is also written Iju-Ishaga
Ilé Ìṣeré Orílẹ̀-èdè
Ile Isere Orile-ede
National Theatre (Iganmu)
Usage
The 1976 round theatre at Iganmu, which also gives its name to a Blue Line station. Since renovation it is also called the Wole Soyinka Centre, but the station board and road signs read National Theatre
Iganmu
Iganmu (Blue Line station)
Usage
A mainland district near the National Theatre, with a Blue Line station. Signposted Iganmu
Orile
Orile (Blue Line station)
Usage
A Blue Line station between Iganmu and Mile 2, close to Apapa port. Signposted Orile
Ojú Irin Èkó–Ìbàdàn
Oju Irin Eko-Ibadan
Lagos-Ibadan standard-gauge railway
Usage
The 157 km intercity line between Lagos and Ibadan, calling at Ebute Metta (Lagos), Agege, Kajola, Papalanto, Abeokuta, Olodo, Omi-Adio and Moniya (Ibadan). It avoids the expressway traffic
Ibùdó Ọkọ̀ Ojú Irin Mobolaji Johnson
Ibudo Oko Oju Irin Mobolaji Johnson
Mobolaji Johnson Station (Ebute Metta)
Usage
The Lagos terminus of the standard-gauge railway, at Ebute Metta; trains for Ibadan leave from here. Signposted Mobolaji Johnson Station
Ibùdó Ọkọ̀ Ojú Irin Abẹ́òkúta
Ibudo Oko Oju Irin Abeokuta
Abeokuta railway station
Usage
The intermediate station on the Lagos-Ibadan standard-gauge line; get off here for Olumo Rock. Signposted Abeokuta
Móníyà
Moniya
Moniya (Ibadan railway station)
Usage
The Ibadan end of the standard-gauge railway, on the north side of the city; about 30 minutes by road from the centre. Signposted Moniya
Ibùdó Ọkọ̀ Oshodi
Ibudo Oko Oshodi
Oshodi Transport Interchange
Usage
The three-building bus terminal at Oshodi handling BRT, city buses and intercity coaches, close to the airport. Signposted Oshodi Transport Interchange
Ibùdó BRT Ìkòròdú
Ibudo BRT Ikorodu
Ikorodu BRT terminal
Usage
The northern end of the Ikorodu-TBS BRT corridor. The dedicated lane makes it a reliable way along the congested Ikorodu Road. Signposted Ikorodu Terminal
Tafawa Balewa Square
Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS)
Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS)
Usage
The Lagos Island square where independence was declared in 1960, marked by its horse-and-eagle gate; also the southern terminal of the Ikorodu BRT corridor. Drivers know it as "TBS"
Ẹ̀bùté Ọkọ̀ Ojú Omi Ìkòròdú
Ebute Oko Oju Omi Ikorodu
Ikorodu ferry terminal
Usage
The ferry jetty on the north shore of Lagos Lagoon; crossing to the island side (Falomo or Marina) avoids the road traffic. Sailings vary by day, so check the day's timetable
Ẹ̀bùté Ọkọ̀ Ojú Omi Badore
Ebute Oko Oju Omi Badore
Badore ferry terminal
Usage
The ferry jetty on the Lekki peninsula near Ajah, with lagoon crossings towards Ijede and Ikorodu. Signposted Badore
Ẹ̀bùté Ọkọ̀ Ojú Omi Falomo
Ebute Oko Oju Omi Falomo
Falomo jetty (Ikoyi)
Usage
The ferry jetty by Falomo Bridge in Ikoyi, used by fast boats towards Ikorodu. Signposted Falomo
Afárá Third Mainland
Afara Third Mainland
Third Mainland Bridge
Usage
The roughly 11.8 km bridge across Lagos Lagoon linking Oworonshoki on the mainland with Lagos Island; the main route between the mainland and the islands. Signposted Third Mainland Bridge
Afárá Èkó
Afara Eko
Eko Bridge
Usage
The bridge linking Lagos Island with the Iganmu side of the mainland, the westernmost of the three mainland bridges. Signposted Eko Bridge
Afárá Carter
Afara Carter
Carter Bridge
Usage
The oldest of the bridges from Lagos Island, running to Ebute Metta and coming down on the Idumota market side. Signposted Carter Bridge
Afárá Lekki–Ìkòyí
Afara Lekki-Ikoyi
Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge
Usage
The tolled cable-stayed bridge between Ikoyi and Lekki Phase 1, quicker than going via Victoria Island. A toll is charged. Signposted Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge
Ojú Ọ̀nà Èkó–Ìbàdàn
Oju Ona Eko-Ibadan
Lagos-Ibadan Expressway
Usage
The roughly 127 km trunk road between Lagos and Ibadan, passing Berger, the Sagamu Interchange and Ibafo. Traffic is heavy, so allow a wide margin. Signposted Lagos-Ibadan Expressway
Ojú Ọ̀nà Lekki–Èpé
Oju Ona Lekki-Epe
Lekki-Epe Expressway
Usage
The trunk road east from Victoria Island through Lekki and Ajah to Epe; almost everything on the peninsula sits along it. There are toll gates on the way. Signposted Lekki-Epe Expressway
Iwo Road
Iwo Road, Ibadan
Iwo Road (Ibadan interchange)
Usage
The large roundabout interchange on the east side of Ibadan where buses for Lagos, Ife/Osogbo and Ilorin gather. Signposted Iwo Road
Dugbe
Dugbe, Ibadan
Dugbe (central business district, Ibadan)
Usage
Ibadan's central business district, with the market, the banks and Cocoa House, and a focus for city buses. Signposted Dugbe
Bodija
Bodija, Ibadan
Bodija (northern Ibadan district)
Usage
A residential district in northern Ibadan with a large food market, close to the University of Ibadan. Signposted Bodija
Igbó Mímọ́ Ọ̀ṣun-Ọ̀ṣogbo
Igbo Mimo Osun-Osogbo
Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove
Usage
The UNESCO-listed grove just south of central Osogbo, with shrines along the Osun River and the sculptures by Susanne Wenger and her circle. The Osun festival is held each August. Signposted Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove
Òkè Olúmọ
Oke Olumo
Olumo Rock (Abeokuta)
Usage
The roughly 137 m granite outcrop in the middle of Abeokuta, with the caves where the Egba sheltered during the 19th-century wars. Steps and a lift reach the top. Signposted Olumo Rock
Òkè Ìdànrè
Oke Idanre
Idanre Hills
Usage
The rock hills above Idanre in Ondo State. About 660 steps lead up to the abandoned old town, its palace and old school, inhabited until the mid-20th century. Signposted Idanre Hills
Gbérefù
Gberefu
Gberefu Island (Point of No Return)
Usage
The island across the creek from Badagry, with the path walked to the slave ships and the "Point of No Return" marker. Reached by small boat. Signposted Point of No Return
Ilé Pẹ̀tẹ̀sí Àkọ́kọ́ ní Nàìjíríà
Ile Petesi Akoko ni Naijiria
First Storey Building in Nigeria (Badagry)
Usage
The 1845 mission house in Badagry, open to visitors as the place where the Yoruba Bible was first translated. Signposted First Storey Building in Nigeria
Ààfin Ọ̀ọ̀ni ti Ilé-Ifẹ̀
Aafin Ooni ti Ile-Ife
Ooni's Palace (Ile-Ife)
Usage
The palace of the Ooni, the king of Ife, in the centre of Ile-Ife. The national museum beside it holds the Ife bronzes and terracotta heads. Signposted Ooni's Palace
Ààfin Aláàfin ti Ọ̀yọ́
Aafin Alaafin ti Oyo
Alaafin's Palace (Oyo)
Usage
The palace of the Alaafin, king of Oyo, in the centre of Oyo town; the throne continues the Oyo Empire line, and ceremonies and drumming are sometimes held in the forecourt. Signposted Alaafin's Palace
Ààfin Aláké ti Ẹ̀gbá
Aafin Alake ti Egba
Alake's Palace (Abeokuta)
Usage
The palace of the Alake, king of the Egba, in the Ake quarter of Abeokuta, within walking distance of Olumo Rock. Signposted Alake's Palace, Ake
Yunifásítì Obafemi Awolowo
Yunifasiti Obafemi Awolowo
Obafemi Awolowo University (Ile-Ife)
Usage
The university at Ile-Ife, with a well-known modernist campus, a natural history museum and a botanical garden open to visitors. Drivers know it as "OAU" or just "Ife"
Yunifásítì ti Ìbàdàn
Yunifasiti ti Ibadan
University of Ibadan
Usage
Nigeria's oldest university, founded in 1948, in northern Ibadan, with a zoological garden and botanical garden on campus. Drivers know it as "UI"
Cocoa House
Cocoa House, Dugbe, Ibadan
Cocoa House (Ibadan)
Usage
The 1965 tower at Dugbe in Ibadan, built with the wealth of the cocoa trade and still the city's main landmark. Signposted Cocoa House
Òkè Mapo
Oke Mapo
Mapo Hill and Mapo Hall (Ibadan)
Usage
The hill over Ibadan's old quarter, crowned by the colonnaded 1929 Mapo Hall, with a view over the city's rust-coloured roofs. Signposted Mapo Hall
Ilé Ìṣọ́ Bower
Ile Iso Bower
Bower's Memorial Tower (Ibadan)
Usage
The stone tower on Oke Are hill in Ibadan, one of the highest viewpoints in the city. Signposted Bower's Tower
Lekki Conservation Centre
Usage
The reserve on the Lekki-Epe Expressway, known for its long canopy walkway and for monkey and bird watching. Signposted Lekki Conservation Centre
Tarkwa Bay
Tarkwa Bay (island beach, Lagos)
Usage
A sheltered beach at the mouth of Lagos harbour. There is no road access; boats go from the jetties on Victoria Island. Signposted Tarkwa Bay
Freedom Park
Freedom Park, Lagos Island
Freedom Park (Lagos Island)
Usage
The park on Broad Street, Lagos Island, laid out on the site of the colonial prison, with the old walls preserved and an open-air stage. Signposted Freedom Park
Ọjà Balógun
Oja Balogun
Balogun Market (Lagos Island)
Usage
The big textile and clothing market on Lagos Island, next to Idumota. The streets are extremely congested, so it is realistic only on foot. Signposted Balogun Market
Odò Ògùn
Odo Ogun
Ogun River
Usage
The river that rises in Oyo State, runs through Abeokuta below Olumo Rock and empties into Lagos Lagoon; the state is named after it. Signposted Ogun River
Orílẹ̀-èdè Bẹ̀nẹ̀
Orile-ede Bene
Republic of Benin
Usage
The country west of Nigeria. French is official, but many towns in its east are Yoruba (Nago) speaking. The land border is reached from Lagos via Badagry
Àjàṣẹ́
Ajase
Porto-Novo (capital of Benin)
Usage
The Yoruba name for Benin's capital, which has a large Yoruba (Nago) population where Yoruba is understood. Signs and maps use the French form Porto-Novo
Kétu
Ketu
Ketu (historic Yoruba town, Benin)
Usage
An old Yoruba royal town in the Plateau department of eastern Benin, close to the Nigerian border near Imeko in Ogun State. Written Kétou in French
Ṣábẹ̀
Sabe
Savè (Yoruba town, Benin)
Usage
A town in the Collines department of central Benin, the centre of the Yoruba-speaking Shabe people, ringed by granite domes. Written Savè in French
Pọ̀bẹ̀
Pobe
Pobè (Yoruba town, Benin)
Usage
A town in the Plateau department of eastern Benin where Yoruba is widely spoken, close to the Nigerian border on the Ogun State side. Written Pobè in French
More Yoruba phrases
- Basic Words
- Basic Nouns
- Basic Verbs
- Adjectives
- Question Words
- Greetings
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- Feelings
- Slang
- Local Dishes
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