Iseyin is a prominent town located in Oyo State, Nigeria, approximately 100 km (62 mi) north of Ibadan. As of 2005, the United Nations estimated its population to be 236,000, which rose to 362,990 in 2011. The town covers a total land area of 2,341 km² (904 sq mi). Its people are predominantly of Yoruba origin, and the traditional ruler is known as the Aseyin of Iseyin. The current monarch is Oba Sefiu Oyebola Adeyeri III, Ajirotutu I.
Education
Iseyin is home to several educational institutions, including:
Tertiary Institutions
- LAUTECH College of Agricultural Sciences and Renewable Natural Resources, Iseyin Campus
- SAF Polytechnic, Iseyin
- Iseyin College of Science and Health Technology
- The West African Polytechnic, Iseyin (Proposed permanent site)
Secondary Schools
- SAF Poly International School
- Kelani College Iseyin
- Saint Thomas College
- Greater Love Model College
- Iseyin District Grammar School
- Baptist Secondary Grammar School
- Ansarudeen Grammar School
- St. John Catholic Grammar School
- Muslim Grammar School
- Others
Libraries and Cultural Centers
- Raji Oke-Esa Memorial Digital Library (commissioned by former President Olusegun Obasanjo)
- Ebedi Writers’ Residency, which has hosted notable writers such as Prof. Wole Soyinka, Jumoke Verissimo, Funmi Aluko, and Richard Ali
Industry
Iseyin is the headquarters of the Oke-Ogun zone of Oyo State and is known for:
- Textile production, particularly Aso Òkè (Òfì), a ceremonial traditional fabric
- Tobacco farming and processing, with presence of British American Tobacco
- Other industries:
- Cympul Organic Agrofood
- Oyo Sugar Processors Limited
- Kitovu Technology Company
- McAgric International
- Psaltry Mechanized Agriculture
- FrieslandCampina (WAMCO)
- C. Woermann Nigeria Limited (Distribution office)
Agriculture
Iseyin is an agricultural hub, part of the "food basket" of Nigeria, producing crops such as: - Yam - Maize - Cassava - Plantain
The town’s sustainable rainfall supports year-round farming, hunting, fishing, and food processing.
Ikere Gorge Dam
The Ikere Gorge Dam is one of Nigeria's major dams, located in Iseyin. Originally envisioned to: - Generate electricity for the South-West region - Serve as a source of potable water - Support irrigation - Be a tourist destination
The dam also supports aquaculture, producing tons of fish annually.
Traditional Weaving
Iseyin is celebrated as the "Home of Aso Òkè" (Aso Òfì), a traditional woven fabric used by Yorubas for major ceremonies such as: - Weddings - Chieftaincy titles - Naming ceremonies - Cultural festivals
Aso Òfì Festival
First held on September 27, 2016, during World Tourism Day, the festival celebrates the craftsmanship of local weavers.
Climate
Iseyin experiences a tropical climate, marked by: - High temperatures year-round - Seasonal rainfall - Less precipitation during winter months
Notable People
- Professor Peller (1941–1997) – Famed magician
- Justice Olukayode Ariwoola – Former Chief Justice of Nigeria
- Shina Peller – Entrepreneur and politician
- Gbemisola Adeoti – Poet and academic
- Afeez Oyetoro – Comic actor
- Nike Peller – Actress and entertainer
- Raji Oke-Ewa – Notable local figure
Radio Stations
- KASMON FM 87.8
- AFRAS FM 107.7
Popular Places
- Ogunbado
- Olokoyo
- Idi-Ose
See Also
References
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