About Okitipupa LGA
Heart of the Ikale Kingdom — a proud heritage of over five centuries, nestled in the southwestern coast of Ondo State, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
History of Okitipupa
The name Okitipupa — historically known as Ode-Idepe — derives from the Ikale (Yoruba) words Okiti (hilly) and Pupa (red), describing the elevated terrain with its characteristic red laterite soil. Traders travelling from neighbouring communities to the central market of Idepe coined the name, and it has endured for centuries.
The Ikale people trace their origins to the Benin Kingdom of circa 1502, when Abodi Jabado — a prince of Oba Esigie — crossed the Owena River to establish an independent kingdom. His son Tufewa later journeyed to Ile-Ife to learn the art of governance, returning with the chieftaincy traditions that define Ikale society to this day.
Okitipupa has always been the central town of the Ondo South Senatorial District, serving as the administrative and commercial hub for the entire Ikale nation. It was a colonial district before Nigeria's independence in 1960 and was formally constituted as a Local Government Area under the current federal structure.
Today, Okitipupa hosts Ondo State University of Science and Technology (OSUSTECH), a specialist hospital, magistrate and high courts, an Army barracks (19th Battalion Naquora Barracks), and a thriving commercial market that has served traders from across Yorubaland since pre-colonial times.
Land & Environment
Okitipupa LGA occupies the southwestern coastal zone of Ondo State, sharing borders with Ilaje LGA to the south, Edo State to the east, Ogun State to the west, and Ondo LGA to the north. The total land area is approximately 803 km².
The area experiences a humid tropical climate with some of the highest rainfall totals in Ondo State. The rainy season runs from April to October, while the dry season remains warm and moderately humid — ideal for the cultivation of oil palm, rubber, cassava, and yams that form the backbone of the local economy.
Council Wards
Okitipupa LGA is divided into 12 council wards, each comprising multiple communities and villages.
Executive Council
The elected and appointed officials responsible for governing Okitipupa Local Government Area.
Royal Obas of Okitipupa LGA
The traditional rulers who uphold the cultural heritage and customary governance of the Ikale Kingdom.
| Royal Title | Name | Seat |
|---|---|---|
| Abodi Ikale | Oba Alayeluwa George Babatunde Faduyile, Adegun II | Paramount Ruler of Ikaleland |
| Jegun Idepe | Oba Michael Adetoye Obatuga | Ode-Idepe (Okitipupa) |
| Rebuja Osooro | Oba Shedrach Gbadebo Bajowa, Lubokun IV | Paramount Ruler of Osooroland |
| Halu/Lapoki Ode-Aye | Oba Williams Akinmusayo Akinlade | Ode-Aye |
| Orungberuwa Ode-Erinje | Oba Oladele Fredrick Akinmoye | Ode-Erinje |
| Lumure Ayeka | Oba Frederick Bode Ayelomi | Ayeka |
| Olu Igodan-Lisa | Oba Paul Abiodun Akinsola | Igodan-Lisa |
| Obagberume Igbodigo | Oba John Ebunola Aiyeku, Akinyomi I | Igbodigo |
Notable Indigenes
Former Governor of Ondo State; the Ondo State University of Science and Technology (OSUSTECH) was named in his honour.
Prominent lawyer, businessman, and Senator representing Ondo South Senatorial District.
Former Governor of the Western Region and Navy Vice Admiral.
Former Quartermaster General of the Nigerian Army, retired Major General.
Serving the People of Okitipupa
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