Ikare
Ikare-Akoko | |
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Motto: omo olókè méjì tako tabo | |
Coordinates: 7°31′N 5°45′E / 7.517°N 5.750°E | |
Demonym | omo Ikare |
Ikare is a city in the northern part of Ondo State, Nigeria.
Ikare-Akoko (Ikare for short), city in southwestern Nigeria, is located in the Northern District of Ondo State[citation needed]. Ikare is about 100;km from Akure, the Ondo State capital. The city was the divisional headquarters of the old Akoko Division, comprising Oka-Akoko, Isua-Akoko, Okeagbe-Akoko etc. Based on the Local Government System now practised in Nigeria, the city is currently the headquarters of Akoko North-East Local Government. The city is a trading point for the production of Cocoa in the surrounding area
![]() | This article possibly contains unsourced predictions, speculative material, or accounts of events that might not occur. Information must be verifiable and based on reliable published sources. (April 2014) |
. Historically, the paramount traditional ruler of Ikare is the Owa Ale of Ikare who controls Iyometa (the centre from which the town spreads outward) namely Okorun,Okegbe and Iku quarters. The Olukare used to be a subordinate chief to the Owa Ale being of Nupe descent and not Yoruba but is now considered one of the rulers of the town [1], he controls several other chiefs administering the various Quarters. The Quarters in Ikare include Okela, Okorun, Eshe, Odo, Ilepa, Okoja, Iku, Odeyare, Odoruwa, Okeruwa, Iyame, Edo, Igbede, Oyinmo, Ishakunmi and Ekan. Ikare-Akoko is famous throughout West Africa for its decorative pottery.
![]() | This article possibly contains unsourced predictions, speculative material, or accounts of events that might not occur. Information must be verifiable and based on reliable published sources. (April 2014) |
The city is located in the Yoruba cultural region and has a substantial Christian, Jehovah Witness and Muslim population with several Churches, worshiping halls and Mosques. The architectural style of the city incorporates both Portuguese and Arabic styles.[citation needed] The Portuguese style was introduced in the 16th century when Portugal began to export slaves from the region[according to whom?]. Arabic influences were incorporated in the 19th century with the diffusion of Islamic culture Southward across the Sahara. Population as of 2006 was over 700,000.
Education
Ikare is home to several educational institutions in Ondo State. Notable among which are; Ondo State College of Art and Science {now Federal Technical College, Ikare}; Victory College Ikare; Citadel International College, Ikare; Comprehensive high School,Ikare; Greater Tomorrow Primary School and so many government and private-owned Primary and Secondary Schools. Ikare sons and daughters are well educated and are presently holding national and international positions.
Markets
Ikare is a chief commercial city in Ondo state with several industrial base and markets which include; Oja-Oba Market, Okore Market, Osele Market, Jubilee Market, and several other markets in adjoining Villages. It is a super city for successful transportation business especially by private individuals.
Inter Ethnic Relationships
Ikare though basically a Yoruba ethnic city, is also a place of convergence in Ondo State for many ethnic groups in Nigeria namely Igbo, Hausa, Fulani, Ijaw,and so on. The friendly disposition of its natives to visitors and holiday makers, from time immemorial, is perhaps responsible for the growing number of settlers in the city.
Festival
Ikare has a rich cultural heritage with exciting festivals every year[clarification needed]. The popular new yam festival is the chief festival in Ikare which is celebrated every June 20. On this day, Ikare sons and daughters both home and abroad come together to celebrate what is usually termed the starting point of a new year for Ikare land. The festival also features Masquerade parade, such as Oke, Seeru, GanGan among others. There is also the Aringiya Festival (Maiden Festival)where virgin will paint themselves with Osun (Camwood) and go around the town nude, before converging at a designated point. However, Islamic festivals such as Eid-Maulud, Eid Fitr, Eid Kabir as well as Christian festivals such as Christmas, Easter and also the New Year Festival celebrated on every first day of January had almost overshadowed the Cultural Festivals. All these point to the fact that Ikare is a very religious city.