Oyo State

Oyo, sometimes known as Oyo State to differentiate it from the city of Oyo, is a Nigerian inland state located in the country's southwestern region. Its capital is Ibadan, which is the third-most populated city in the nation and was once the second-most populous city in Africa at the time of the country's founding. Oyo State has borders with Kwara State to the north, Osun State to the east, and the Republic of Benin to the southwest. It is bordered to the north by Kwara State and to the east by Osun State. It is expected that Oyo State will have a population of 7,840,864 in 2016, making it the fifth most populated state in Nigeria.

The Yoruba language is spoken by the overwhelming majority of people of Oyo State, and it continues to be the dominant language. Affectionately known as the "Pace Setter State," the modern-day state of Oyo is located on land that was formerly controlled by a number of kingdoms and empires.

From about 1300 until 1896, the Oyo Kingdom was a strong Yoruba empire that controlled over a large portion of the region. The present city of Oyo, which was founded in the 1830s, is considered a relic of the imperial period, and is referred to as "New Oyo" (y tbà) to differentiate it from the ancient capital to the north, 'Old Oyo' (y-Ilé). It is still customary in Oyo for the Alaafin to perform rituals for the people.

The University of Ibadan, located in Oyo State, is notable for being Nigeria's first university and the state's first university. The state's economy is still mostly based on agriculture, with the western city of Shaki being referred to be the "breadbasket" of the country. Cassava, cocoa, and tobacco are among the most significant crops in Oyo State's economy, according to the state's agriculture department.