Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Osun State: Full List & Details

Osun State, located in the South-West geopolitical zone of Nigeria, is a region steeped in rich Yoruba culture, tradition, and spirituality. Created on August 27, 1991, from the old Oyo State, Osun has grown to become a significant hub of cultural heritage, education, agriculture, and civil service in Nigeria.

The state’s administrative structure comprises 30 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and an Area Office—making local governance, service delivery, and development more accessible to its diverse population. These LGAs serve as crucial units for grassroot development, governance, and implementation of both state and federal policies.

In this article, we’ll explore the full list of LGAs in Osun State, their headquarters, and detailed insights into their economic activities, cultural significance, demographic features, and unique attributes.
 

Quick Facts About Osun State

• Date Created: August 27, 1991

• Capital: Osogbo

• Region: South-West Nigeria

• Number of LGAs: 30

• Main Ethnic Group: Yoruba

• Major Languages: Yoruba, English

• Popular Destinations: Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

• Economic Activities: Agriculture, trading, tourism, craftworks

• Nicknames: Land of Virtue

• Landmark Institutions: Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Osun State University (UNIOSUN)

Full List of Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Osun State

Key Features and Economic Activities of Osun State LGAs

Below is a detailed look into the economic and socio-cultural highlights of each LGA in Osun State:

1. Atakunmosa East (Iperindo)

• Rich in agricultural activities (cocoa, yam, plantain).

• Rural communities with access to Osun’s forest reserves.

2. Atakunmosa West (Osu)

• Known for cocoa and timber.

• Osu is a major agricultural trading point.

3. Aiyedaade (Gbongan)

• Mixed economy of farming and small-scale industries.

• Gbongan is along the Ife-Ibadan expressway.

4. Aiyedire (Ile Ogbo)

• A center for palm oil production.

• Home to traditional festivals and vibrant community markets.

5. Boluwaduro (Otan Ayegbaju)

• Largely rural and agrarian.

• Community-based development and cooperative societies thrive.

6. Boripe (Iragbiji)

• Crafts and blacksmithing are prominent.

• Iragbiji is known for its rugged hill formations and cultural festivals.

7. Ede North (Ede)

• Urbanized, with institutions like Adeleke University.

• Commercial and residential real estate hub.

8. Ede South (Ede)

• Hosts several public institutions and markets.

• Agriculture and local trades play key roles.

9. Egbedore (Awo)

• Known for maize and cassava production.

• Expanding road networks are improving trade.

10. Ejigbo (Ejigbo)

• Famous for its high migration rate to Côte d'Ivoire and Togo.

• Strong remittances support economic activity.

11. Ife Central (Ile-Ife)

• Spiritual home of the Yorubas.

• Tourism hub with the Ooni’s palace and museums.

12. Ife East (Oke-Ogbo)

• Diverse in population.

• Boasts artisan businesses and retail activity.

13. Ife North (Ipetumodu)

• A blend of academic (OAU’s teaching hospital) and farming.

• Growing residential developments.

14. Ife South (Ifetedo)

• Major food-producing area.

• Home to several indigenous religious festivals.

15. Ifedayo (Oke-Ila Orangun)

• Mountainous terrain with fertile valleys.

• Known for honey production and herbal medicine.

16. Ifelodun (Ikirun)

• Commercial center for cola nuts and cocoa.

• Hosts Ikirun Day Festival.

17. Ila (Ila Orangun)

• Famous for palm wine tapping and local crafts.

• Hosts educational institutions and traditional schools.

18. Ilesa East (Iyemogun)

• Commercial part of Ilesa town.

• Known for soap making, goldsmithing, and dyeing.

19. Ilesa West (Oke-Opo)

• Location of several industrial establishments.

• One of the major cities for Osun State indigene expatriates.

20. Irepodun (Ilobu)

• Known for rice and vegetable farming.

• Rapidly urbanizing LGA.

21. Irewole (Ikire)

• Hosts rubber plantations and fruit farms.

• Rich in Yoruba folklore and artistry.

22. Isokan (Apomu)

• Mixed use LGA with farming and small business centers.

• Market and religious activities thrive here.

23. Iwo (Iwo)

• One of the largest LGAs in Osun.

• Hosts Bowen University and a growing tech scene.

24. Obokun (Ibokun)

• Community-based farming with yam and okra as key crops.

• Strong traditional chieftaincy influence.

25. Odo Otin (Okuku)

• Hosts Osun State University campus.

• Active in cassava, cocoa, and maize production.

26. Ola Oluwa (Bode-Osi)

• Sparsely populated with rich forest reserves.

• Engaged in sawmill and timber industries.

27. Olorunda (Igbonna)

• Shares boundary with Osogbo.

• Residential and education-driven community.

28. Oriade (Ijebu-Jesa)

• Known for quarrying and granite mining.

• Educational and religious centers flourish here.

29. Orolu (Ifon-Osun)

• Strategic agricultural base for grains.

• Rapid expansion in infrastructure and road development.

30. Osogbo (Osogbo)

• Capital city and economic nerve of Osun.

• Industrial, administrative, and cultural hub of the state.

• Hosts Osun-Osogbo Grove, UNIOSUN, and national events.

Economic Overview of Osun State LGAs

The LGAs of Osun contribute significantly to the state’s GDP through:

• ✅ Agriculture: Dominant activity across most LGAs (e.g., cocoa, yam, kolanut)

• ✅ Tourism: Ile-Ife, Osogbo Grove, Iragbiji Hills

• ✅ Education: Institutions like OAU, UNIOSUN, Bowen University

• ✅ Commerce & Trade: Markets in Ilesa, Osogbo, Ikirun, and Ede

• ✅ Crafts & Cultural Heritage: Textile, pottery, beadwork, and dyeing in Ife, Ila, Iragbiji

FAQs on LGAs in Osun State

Q1: How many Local Government Areas are in Osun State?
A: Osun State has 30 LGAs and one Area Office.

Q2: What is the capital of Osun State?
A: Osogbo is the capital and administrative headquarters of Osun State.

Q3: Which LGA is the largest in Osun by land mass?
A: Iwo LGA is one of the largest in terms of land mass and population.

Q4: What is the most culturally significant LGA in Osun?
A: Ife Central is regarded as the cradle of the Yoruba race and holds deep cultural importance.

Q5: Where is the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove located?
A: It is located in Osogbo LGA, Osun State.

Q6: Are all LGAs in Osun agrarian?
A: While most are agriculture-based, some like Osogbo and Ede are more urbanized and administrative.

Q7: What universities are in Osun State?
A: Obafemi Awolowo University (Ile-Ife), Bowen University (Iwo), UNIOSUN (multiple campuses), Adeleke University (Ede).

Conclusion

The Local Government Areas in Osun State offer a beautiful blend of economic opportunity, cultural heritage, traditional strength, and grassroots governance. Each LGA has its distinct role in the state’s socioeconomic development, making Osun a dynamic part of Nigeria’s southwest corridor.

Whether you're a researcher, investor, traveler, or indigene, understanding the composition and economic layout of Osun’s LGAs will give you a strong appreciation for the rich culture and potential that lies within the Land of Virtue.