About Us
Welcome to Ojo FC, Lagos
Ojo - the melting-pot of diverse ethnicities, cultures, and religions!
Ojo is arguably the most heterogeneous community in present-day Lagos: it is the melting-pot of diverse ethnicities, cultures, and religions all resident in the area. Its population is so diverse it confounds that the area was originally settled upon by yorubas alone. With an area of about 172.7 km², Ojo lies about 37 km west of Lagos..Ojo is a town in the metropolitan area of Lagos- Nigeria's commercial capital, as well as a Local Government Area inside Badagry, one of Lagos State's five administrative divisions during colonial times.
By oral tradition passed on through generations of descent, Esugbemi, his wife Erelu, and Osu, a chief priest who migrated from Ile-Ife, the Yoruba race's original home, founded what is now known as Ojo. According to this legend, Ojo took 500 years to create and was given the name "Ilufe" by its builders. Esugbemi was a hunter who explored the swamp forests in the area, which later became the town. During his expeditions, he became convinced that he ought to expand the settlement. His Chief priest Osu then consulted the oracle which affirmed his decision. The new settlement attracted and invited other Awori settlers from Iddo Island and Idumota ( areas of present-day Lagos Island ) who built Irewe Osolu, south of Oto-Awori.
The western (Oto-Awori) and northern (Iba and Igbo-elerin) parts of Ojo developed independently as a result of the settlement of later Awori migrants from Ile-Ife. The migrants first settled in Obadore in Iba before expanding towards the west and southwest. Oto-Awori was ruled by a Baale (Village Head) until a King (Oba) was first nominated. His nomination was opposed by the oracle and the ensuing conflict led to the formation of Oto-Awori and Otto-Iddo as split communities. Eventually, an Oba from Oto-Awori ascended the throne in the late 18th century to rule alongside the Olojo of Ojo.
The Ojo local government was created in May 1989 under the military administration of General Ibrahim Babangida as the President of Nigeria and Brigadier General Raji Rasaki as the military administration (governor) of Lagos State. Ojo local government was created out of the old Badagry local government, before which creation the Ojo area was adjudged the most populous in the country according to the National Population Census conducted in Nigeria in 1991. According to the 2006 census, the population of the area was 609,173: 315,401 males and 293,772 females. 62.3 percent of inhabitants were 15-64 years old, 36.3 percent were 0-14 years old, and 1.4 percent were 65 and over - an undoubtedly predominantly youth population as at the present time.
Ojo is renowned for its profoundly intriguing culture. Multiple ‘orishas’ / deities are worshipped and celebrated in the locality in periodic festivals. Paramount among these festivals is the Olojo festival during which the Olojo wears the crown of his kingship. ‘Oro’ festivals are held at the death of the Olojo or a baale. Other festivals include ‘Egungun’ which main attraction is the parade of traditional masquerades; Obaluwaye; Sango; Ogun; Ota; and Osun which are named after the deities or heroes which they worshiped and celebrate. ‘Iyemoja’ - goddess of the seas; Gelede and Alaalu are some other festivities which are celebrated in Oto-Awori district.
Interesting facts about Ojo abound. It is home to arguably the largest electronic markets in Nigeria and West Africa,the famous Alaba International Market. The market is over 43-years old and counting. It is renowned for offering the widest range of electrical and electronic appliances and complimentary services like appliance repair and on-site installation. Daily business transactions and the popularity of Alaba International market have had significant and positive impact on the economy of Lagos State. It has drawn investors and electronics dealers from all over the world, thereby increasing the market size and population.
Ojo also houses the state-owned Lagos State University (LASU), one of Nigeria's most prestigious universities. In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings for 2020, the institution was ranked one of the top 600 universities in the world, a commendable feat by all standards and this poured-in praise from all over the country and the world.
Lyrical sensation of his time, Brymo, whose real names are Olawale Olofooro, is from Ojo. The multi-award winning 'Oleku' crooner was born in Okokomaiko, a renowned town in Ojo on May 9th, 1986.
Alaba Rago is a notable Ojo livestock market offering a variety of food animals such as cattle, goats, sheep, and birds such as chickens and turkeys. "Rago" in Hausa Language means"Sheep." It is arguably the market with the greatest influx of livestock from the northern part of the country, with animals arriving from Kano, Sokoto, Katsina, Kebbi, and other states.
Ajangbadi is a local open-air market on Igbede Road that sells mostly food and other household items like drinks, raw foodstuffs, clothing, skincare products, and so on. The market is developing, and it is typically 'Lagos-standard busy.' Food can be purchased at lower prices in this market, making it one of the most popular options in Ojo.
There is the Twins Faja Supermarket if you prefer to shop indoors. A variety of items are sold here, ranging from home-made goods to groceries. It is also wheelchair accessible, with ramps and a parking lot. The employees are extremely friendly, and you can expect a pleasurable shopping experience.
Ojo is distinguished by its combination of dry landmass on one side and swampy creeks and sandy beaches on the other. There are, in turn, many beaches and beach houses where one can relax and have a great time. Some of these beaches include Ishahayi Beach, Ilashe Beach, FMC Beach Hut, and Mansours Beach Hut.
Ishahayi beach is a nice place to relax and enjoy nature's beauty. During the festive and holiday seasons, it is usually a hive of activity and a great place for picnics and other types of get-togethers.
Ilashe Beach is one of Lagos's most opulent private beaches. It is ideal for group trips, retreats, picnics, and parties, as well as a weekend getaway. On the beach, there are different types of beach houses for people with different budgets.
Ojo has its modest offerings of entertainment - go on movie dates at Masas Cinema. It is located in Alaba Rago Modern Market and is an excellent choice for watching great Hollywood, Bollywood, and Nollywood blockbusters without having to deal with Lagos traffic outside of Ojo.For a more memorable experience, tuck in with great fast-food options like popcorn, hotdogs, and a variety of drinks all available at the Cinema complex.
Dolphins Golf Club is a sports club located inside Navy Town Barracks in Ojo. It has excellent facilities for its members and is a great place to practise golf while taking in the beautiful scenery. After a good game, there is a bar on the premises where you can unwind.
High productivity necessitates both a healthy body and a healthy mind, emphasising the significance of visiting a spa. Body exfoliation, facials, pre and post-natal massage, and deep tissue massage are all available at Danisty Spa.
In Ojo, there are numerous places to eat. To enjoy a variety of food options, pop into Kingston-Joe Eatery, Palatable Restaurant, or Amala Extra.
Ojo is primarily residential and yet commercial in major respects. It houses the the old Lagos International Trade Fair complex, and Iyana-Iba market. It also houses the divisional headquarters of 81 division Nigerian Army and Navy Town. South of the town (across Badagry creek), the rest of the local government is sparsely populated and consists of mangrove swamps and sandy beaches. Some of these beaches are holiday spots in the festive season. Wildlife mostly consists of reptiles, rodents and birds including crocodiles, iguanas, monitor lizards and squirrels. Whales and dolphins have been known to visit the coastal areas.Some towns there are Iba, Igando, Okokomaiko
FROM this melting-pot of ethnicities comes the OJO FOOTBALL CLUB.!