Oka Akoko
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Oka Akoko
Okarufe | |||
|---|---|---|---|
 Oka-Akoko King's Palace | |||
Anthem:
| |||
  Oka Akoko Location in Nigeria | |||
| Coordinates: 7°27′25″N 5°48′08″E / 7.45694°N 5.80222°E | |||
| Country |  Nigeria | ||
| State | Ondo State | ||
| LGA | Akoko South-West | ||
| Government | |||
| • Type | LGA | ||
| • Olubaka of Oka-Akoko | Oba (Dr) Yusuf Adebori Adeleye, OON | ||
| Area | |||
• Total | 3.034 km2 (1.171 sq mi) | ||
| Population (1991) | |||
• Total | 44,309 | ||
| • Density | 14,600/km2 (37,820/sq mi) | ||
| Time zone | UTC+1 (WAT) | ||
| Website | https://okarufeculturalfoundation.org/ | ||
Oka-Akoko is the headquarters of Akoko South-West Local Government of Ondo State, Nigeria. It is a majorly agricultural community with hilly terrain.The paramount and traditional ruler of Oka Akoko Kingdom is the Olubaka of Oka.[2]
Tourist attractions
[edit]Oka-Akoko is surrounded by numerous hills arranged in a circular formation, making it a scenic destination. These hills are a popular tourist attraction due to their natural beauty and opportunities for adventure. Another notable attraction in the area is the Oke-Maria Catholic Grotto, which draws visitors. The grotto's history dates back to when Rev. Father Seminati, who traveled from Lokoja to Oka Akoko, discovered the site's tranquility and spiritual significance. During his stay, he reported experiencing an apparition of the Holy Mary, mother of Jesus Christ, which inspired him to mark the spot as sacred. According to Father Seminati, the apparition was said to be a singular event, but it sparked a wave of devotion among locals and visitors. In December 1974, the diocese gathered to erect a statue of Holy Mary at the site and consecrate the hill as a place of prayer. Since then, the Oke-Maria Catholic Grotto has become an international Marian Pilgrimage Centre, attracting devotees and tourists alike.[3]
New Yam Festival
[edit]The New Yam Festival is an annual celebration held in Oka Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria. The festival takes place every first Saturday of August and marks the official start of the new yam harvest. During the festival, achievements of individuals within the community are recognized, including investors, philanthropists, and notable figures. Chieftaincy titles are conferred upon deserving sons and daughters of Ọkà Àkókó, as well as non-indigenes who have made notable contributions to the community. The Oka Yam Festival has become a symbol of unity among the people of Oka Akoko and the broader Ondo State community. It serves as a rallying point for the town's sons and daughter Of Oka Akoko to promote Cultural heritages.[4]
Notable people
[edit]- Jones Arogbofa: Nigerian military officer and politician[5]
- Seinde Arogbofa: Nigerian writer and Afenifere chieftain[6]
- Robert Ajayi Borofice: Nigerian politician[7]
- Olugbenga Omole: former member of house of assembly[8]
- Yusuf Adebori Adeleye: Nigerian traditional ruler.[9]
References
[edit]- ↑ "Oka Anthem". Okarufe Cultural Foundation. Retrieved 26 August 2025.
- ↑ ProjectShelve. "A HISTORY OF THE TRADITIONAL POLITICAL SYSTEM OF OKA-AKOKO PEOPLE IN AKOKO SOUTH WEST AREA OF ONDO STATE". projectshelve.com. Retrieved 2024-10-16.
- ↑ David Olagunju (5 November 2019) Oke Maria: The sacred hilltop in Oka Akoko. tribuneonlineng.com. Retrieved 30 August 2025.
- ↑ Adie Vanessa Offiong (9 August 2014) Oka Day: A Celebration That Unites All Religions dailytrust.com. Retrieved 30 August 2025.
- ↑ Maryam Abdullahi (11 February 2024) Jones Arogbofa, Jonathan’s former chief of staff, slumps, dies in Abuja www.thecable.ng. Retrieved 27 August 2025.
- ↑ Dayo Johnson Akure (16 August 2015 )The day Afenifere leader took Mimiko, Boroffice, others to Oka-Akoko. vanguardngr.com. Retrieved 13 July 2025.
- ↑ I can’t go to my hometown because of Kidnappers – Boroffice (16 July 2019) businessday.ng. Retrieved 27 August 2025.
- ↑ Dr. Sunday Akinbiola (20 May 2019) Akogun Gbenga Omole, A CANDLE READY TO LIGHTEN UP THE CITY Unveiling the profile of a visionary Young Leader, a grassroots politician, a revolutionist and a transparent quintessential Legislator– Akogun Olugbenga Omole. heromagazines.com. Retrieved 27 August 2025.
- ↑ Jeremiah, Urowayino (26 June 2022). "Olubaka". Vanguard. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 28 August 2025.
Further reading
[edit]- Olukoju, Ayodeji (1993). "Oral Traditions and the Political History of Oka-Akoko". History in Africa. 20: 249–262 – via Cambridge University Press.
External links
[edit]State capital: Akure | ||
| Local government areas |  | |