Ojo | |
---|---|
LGA and town | |
Coordinates: 6°28′N 3°11′E / 6.467°N 3.183°E | |
Country | Nigeria |
State | Lagos State |
Founded by | Esugbemi (from Awori subgroup of the Yoruba[1]) |
Government | |
• Olojo | Adeniyi Rufai |
• Local government Chairman | Olushola Rosulu Idowu leader_name3 = Ajose Esther |
Area H | |
• Total | 70 sq mi (182 km2) |
Population (2006 census) | |
• Total | 609,173 |
• Estimate (2016) | 838,900 |
• Density | 8,700/sq mi (3,300/km2) |
Notable Places | |
Time zone | UTC+1 (WAT) |
Ojo is a town and local government area[2] in Lagos State, Nigeria, with a few notable locations such as Lagos State University and the Alaba International Market as well as others. Ojo is located on the eastern section of the Trans–West African Coastal Highway, about 37 km west of Lagos. It is a part of the Lagos Metropolitan Area.
Ojo is a primarily residential town, although it contains some major markets including Alaba International Market, Alaba Livestock Market (Alaba Rago), the old Lagos International Trade Fair complex, and Iyana-Iba Market. It also houses the divisional headquarters of the 81st Division of the Nigerian Army and Navy Town.
South of the town (across Badagry Creek), the rest of the local government area is more sparsely populated and consists of mangrove swamps and sandy beaches. Some of these beaches become holiday spots during the festive season. Wildlife mostly consists of reptiles, rodents and birds including crocodiles, iguanas, monitor lizards, and squirrels. Whales and dolphins have been known to visit the coastal areas near Ojo.