Ataoja's Palace & Oja Oba Market
Ààfin Àtáọ̀ja Òṣogbo
The palace of Osogbo's king Ataoja, with walls decorated in reliefs of Yoruba myths, and the palace market in front, lively with cloth and herbs.
Ataoja is the traditional ruler of Osogbo, and the palace Ààfin Àtáọ̀ja Òṣogbo stands in the center of the old town. Its entrance and walls are decorated with sculptures and reliefs in the New Sacred Art style, recounting the founding of Osogbo and the legend of the goddess Osun. During the Osun Festival, the crown display and processions start from here. The palace faces the Oja Oba Market, where stalls sell batik cloth, spices, herbs and traditional religious items, a good place to experience local daily life. Visits inside the palace must be arranged through a guide or palace staff. Do not photograph members of the royal family without permission.
Opening hours
Market approx. 08:00–18:00; palace visits require advance arrangement
Nearby sights
- Nike Centre for Art and Culture
- Osun-Osogbo Festival
- Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove
- Olumirin Waterfall (Erin-Ijesha)