Story of Ikorodu Oga in Lagos

The Origin of the Name "Ikorodu Oga"

Ikorodu was a massive forest in the early seventeenth century, used for hunting by the princes of Shagamu, specifically the children of Ọba Koyelu, the second Akarigbo of Orilẹ Offin. The eldest of these princes was Olusoga, also known as Oga. Oga was said to be the most powerful and influential among them.

The name "Ikorodu" is derived from the shortened form of "Oko-Odu," which literally means "Odu farm." Odu, an extinct vegetable species used for cloth dyeing, grew luxuriantly on this plateau. The early settlers found it convenient to name their newfound settlement after this abundant vegetable.


Over time, "Okoodu" evolved into "Ikorodu," giving us the name we know today.