Ikeja is the official capital ci ty of Lagos State, located in Nigeria’s bustling South West geopolitical zone. Originally a settlement of the Awori people, a sub-group of the Yoruba ethnic group, Ikeja has grown from a quiet town into a highly urbanized and commercially significant district. Yoruba is widely spoken here, alongside English for official and business communication, while Pidgin English thrives in the markets and streets. As with most of Lagos, Christianity and Islam are the dominant religions, peacefully coexisting with traces of traditional beliefs.
Ikeja City Profile At a Glance
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| City | Ikeja |
| State | Lagos State |
| Geopolitical Zone | South West |
| Estimated Population | Approximately 615,000 |
| Indigenous Tribes | Awori (Yoruba sub-group) |
| Common Languages | Yoruba, English, Pidgin |
| Known For | Lagos capital, tech hub, markets |
City Overview
As of 2025, Ikeja is home to about 615,000 residents. It is divided into lively neighborhoods such as Opebi, Alausa, Agidingbi, Oba Akran, Maryland, Ojodu, and Ikeja GRA — each with its own unique feel. While Alausa houses the Lagos State Government Secretariat, Computer Village in Ikeja is Nigeria’s largest technology device market.
Events like the Felabration music festival, held annually at the New Afrika Shrine in Ikeja, attract visitors from around the country. When it comes to delicacies, you’ll find Asun (spicy goat meat), peppered snail, Efo Riro, and the ever-present Boli (roasted plantain) sold by street vendors and in traditional joints.
Important Landmarks
Ikeja boasts some of Lagos’ most popular landmarks. The Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Nigeria’s busiest airport, is situated here, welcoming travelers from across the world. Recreational spots include the serene Jhalobia Recreation Park, the New Afrika Shrine — a modern music and culture venue created in memory of Fela Kuti — and the Lagos Country Club.
For shopping and entertainment, Ikeja City Mall stands out as one of the largest malls in Lagos. The city is also home to key hospitals such as Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) and St. Nicholas Hospital (Ikeja branch).
Geography
Ikeja covers a total land area of about 49 square kilometers. The city experiences a tropical wet and dry climate, with average yearly temperatures hovering between 26°C and 32°C. Its rainy season typically runs from April to October, followed by a dry season that extends till March.
While Ikeja is primarily urban, it retains a few green spaces and landscaped parks, including Johnson Jakande Tinubu (JJT) Park, providing residents a refreshing retreat from city life.
Economy
Ikeja is one of Nigeria’s most commercially active cities. It houses Computer Village, the largest technology market in West Africa, where smartphones, computers, and gadgets are traded in huge volumes daily. The presence of banking headquarters, government offices, and multinational corporate branches also fuels Ikeja’s economy.
Markets like Opebi Market, Oba Akran Market, and nearby Oshodi Market serve as hubs for foodstuff, clothing, and electronics. The rise of shopping plazas, eateries, and cinemas has further modernized the city’s commercial appeal.
History
The name Ikeja is derived from the Yoruba phrase “Ikorodu Eko Ijebu”, signifying its connection to the Ijebu people of Ikorodu. Originally a settlement of Awori fishermen and farmers, the city gradually transformed into an administrative and commercial hub following the colonial restructuring of Lagos.
In 1976, when Lagos State was created from the old Western Region, Ikeja was chosen as its new capital — a status it holds to date.
Fun Fact
Did you know that Ikeja’s Computer Village ranks among the largest open-air ICT device markets in Africa, and it has inspired similar tech markets in other West African cities? It’s so influential that it shapes gadget pricing trends nationwide.
