Insight

• Infinity Media
• 7 Min Read

List Of Markets In Ekiti State, Nigeria

So You Just Moved to Ekiti, Abi? Let’s Start With the Most Important Survival Tool – Market Runs!

First of all, let me welcome you officially to Ekiti State – land of honor, endless palm trees, pounded yam and correct people! Whether NYSC carried you here, your job relocated you, or you just decided to try “village life” for the first time, congrats!

Now let’s talk local markets – because, my dear, before you even think of chilling at any “mall” or waiting for one overpriced delivery guy, you need to learn how to shop like an Ekiti person. And trust me, once you get the hang of it, you'll never want to leave.

Whether you’re looking for cheap foodstuff, second-hand clothes, native herbs, pure garri that never flakes, or just a place to gist and hear the latest gossip in town, these markets got you. I’m about to take you on a tour of the top markets in Ekiti State – especially in and around Ado-Ekiti – and give you all the tips you need to blend in, price like a pro, and enjoy the full experience. Ready? Let’s go!

1. Oja Oba – The King of All Markets

Ah! If you’ve never been to Oja Oba, you’ve not really arrived in Ekiti. Oja Oba is the grandmaster, the CEO, the Elon Musk of all the markets here. It’s located right in Ado-Ekiti, the capital city, and this market does not sleep.

📍 Where It’s At:

Right in the heart of Ado-Ekiti, you cannot miss it.

🕒 Best Time to Go:

Go in the morning before the sun starts doing press-up on your forehead.

🛒 What You’ll Find:

EVERYTHING! From tomatoes and pepper to egusi, dry fish, slippers, yam, okrika, phone chargers, fake iPhones, agbalumo, native medicine, you name it – Oja Oba has it.

🤓 My Pro Tip:

Please, wear comfortable shoes. You will trek! And hold cash – many sellers don’t do transfer. If you go with ₦5,000, you fit come back with a full sack of food and small change if you price well.

2. Ajowa Market – The Everyday Market for Chilling Shoppers

Now, not everyone likes the chaos and drama of Oja Oba, and that’s fine. If you’re looking for somewhere smaller, neater, and less wahala, check out Ajowa Market in Dallimore area.

📍 Location:

Dallimore, Ado-Ekiti

🛒 What You’ll Find:

Fresh vegetables, yam, pepper, meat, seafood, household items like buckets, plates, and sometimes new plastic chairs (yes, they sell chairs too).

🧘‍♀️ The Vibe:

Very chill. Nobody will push you. Traders will even greet you with “good morning” and smile. You won’t fight or sweat too much.

3. Awedele Market – For the Broke but Hungry

You see Awedele Market, it’s for people that want to chop well with small money. It’s not as big as Oja Oba or as fancy as Fayose Market, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in affordability.

📍 Where:

Basiri area, also in Ado-Ekiti

💸 What You’ll Get:

Cheap garri, beans, maize, fruits, onions, and second-hand household items. If you just got posted here for NYSC and allowee never land, this is your market!

4. Fayose Ultramodern Market – For the Clean and Organized Shopper

Sometimes, you just want peace. No shouting, no pushing, no smell of fish slapping your face. Fayose Market is your best bet.

📍 Location:

Ajilosun area, along Ado-Ikere road

🧼 What Makes It “Ultramodern”?

Clean stalls. Organized layouts. Some shops even have fans (oya now!). You’ll find electronics, gadgets, clothes, fancy Ankara, shoes, and even wigs.

💡 Small Gist:

The government gave traders rent-free stalls here to encourage them to stop selling on the streets. So if you go now, you might still see some new, empty shops looking for tenants. If you sabi sell, this might even be your side hustle chance!

5. Bisi Market – Your Fast-Foodstuff Plug

Another quick-stop market close to Oja Oba, Bisi Market is for people who don’t want to walk too far or stand in line to buy onions. It’s good for retail shopping, especially dry goods like spaghetti, Indomie, toiletries, and provisions.

6. Ojido Market – For All Your Soup Ingredients

Every soup has a source. If you’re cooking egusi, okra, ogbono, or even native vegetable soup, Ojido Market is where you get fresh, local ingredients.

🥬 Go Early!

Those juicy tomatoes and correct ugu leaves dey finish quick. Before 11am, the good ones are gone.

7. Okesha Market – The Quiet Achiever

If you live around the Ado–Iworoko–Ifaki road, this market is close to you. You’ll find everything here too, especially fresh farm produce. The layout is good, and the sellers are friendly. The only issue? Parking wahala. So take bike or keke.

8. Odo-Oro Market – Rural but Rich in Produce

Leaving Ado for a bit, if you find yourself in Ikole-Ekiti, you must check out Odo-Oro Market. It’s rural, yes, but the agricultural power is mad!

🛒 What’s for Sale:

Big yams, strong cassava, plantains, local herbs, palm oil, fresh fish, snails, native soap, and even goats.

9. Afao Market – Your Weekend Market in Ikere

Afao is that type of market that “goes off” every 4 or 5 days. It’s best for bulk buyers—especially if you’re preparing for a family gathering or wedding.

10. Elegberun Market – Where the Locals Really Shop

This market is also in Ikere and very beloved. People swear the foodstuff here lasts longer and tastes better. Maybe it’s the village soil, maybe it’s just hype. Try it and see.

11. Market Square – Ijero-Ekiti’s Pride

If you’re based in Ijero, don’t worry, you’re covered. The central market here is vibrant and full of life. From handmade crafts to fresh food, you’ll find everything. Plus, the gossip here is premium—if anything happens in the LGA, Market Square people know first.

12. Oja Isale – Ifaki-Ekiti’s Big Boy

Every town in Ekiti has its own Oja. In Ifaki, that’s Oja Isale. It’s affordable, stocked with foodstuff, and full of friendly faces.

13. Federal Poly Mini Mart – For Students on Budget

If you're living or studying inside the Polytechnic, this mini-mart is perfect. You’ll get snacks, toiletries, notebooks, and even jollof rice on the side.

14. Obada Market – Your Ilawe Connect

Live in Ilawe or nearby towns? Obada is the main market. It serves Ekiti South-West and is full of produce, palm wine, and all those household items you forget until you need them.

15. Omuo and Ogotun Markets – Culture + Commerce

In the eastern part of Ekiti, Omuo and Ogotun are market champions. Apart from farm produce, these places are known for crafts like mat weaving, calabash painting, and handmade baskets. It’s giving rural creativity at its finest.

Recap Table – Your Quick Market Guide

Final Advice for New Shoppers in Ekiti Markets

• Learn basic Yoruba greetings. Even a simple “Ẹ káàárọ̀” (good morning) can earn you mad respect.

• Go early. Markets start buzzing before 7am. Latecomers get the leftovers.

• Carry small change. That seller is not breaking your ₦1,000 note for ₦50 pepper.

• Bring your shopping bag. Plastic bag na extra ₦20 now oh.

• Wear your sense of humor. You’ll hear jokes, proverbs, and sometimes open drama. It’s all part of the experience!

Over to You!

Now that you know where to shop, how to shop, and how not to act like a JJC (Johnny Just Come), which market are you visiting first? Is it Oja Oba with all the buzz, or Ajowa for calm shopping vibes? Share your thoughts below!

And hey, if you want a version of this post with Yoruba translations for market items, let me know in the comments or message me directly.

Welcome once again to Ekiti—where markets are not just for shopping, they’re for living!