Iseyin

**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**.

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## 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**

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## 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)**

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## 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.

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## 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.

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## 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.

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## Climate

Iseyin experiences a **tropical climate**, marked by:
- High temperatures year-round
- Seasonal rainfall
- Less precipitation during winter months

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## 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

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## Radio Stations

- **KASMON FM 87.8**
- **AFRAS FM 107.7**

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## Popular Places

- **Ogunbado**
- **Olokoyo**
- **Idi-Ose**

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## See Also

- <a href="/wiki/List%20of%20towns%20in%20Oyo%20State/">List of towns in Oyo State</a>(#)

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## References