7 Ancient Cities in Nigeria That Will Blow Your Mind

To explore the ancient cities of Nigeria is to step into the living history that shaped the country. Every street corner, nook, and cranny tells a story of empires, culture, and resilience. These cities may be relics of the past but they have also thrived for centuries, thereby showcasing the rich heritage of Nigeria.

If you’re ready for an adventure that will blow your mind and satisfy your curiosity, then here are seven ancient cities in Nigeria that you must visit.

1. Ile-Ife

Ile-Ife, which is often simply called Ife (now Osun State today), is an ancient city located in the southwestern part of Nigeria. The ancient city is known as the heart of the Yoruba people. What this means is that the city is cherished as the place where all Yoruba, regardless of their dialects or beliefs, trace their roots.

According to Yoruba mythology, this city is where the founding deities, Oduduwa and Obatala, began the creation of the world under the guidance of Olodumare, the Supreme Deity. Ile-Ife is famous for its incredible bronze, stone, and terracotta sculptures that showcase a remarkable level of artistry and naturalism. The ancient artisans of Ife produced stunning works and the city itself is renowned for its beautiful glass beads, which have been discovered in far-off places like Mali and Ghana.

One of the most notable landmarks in Ile-Ife is the Opa Oranmiyan, a towering obelisk about ten feet high that commemorates Oranmiyan, the last son of Oduduwa and a former king. This monument stands at the site where he was buried and continues to be a place of reverence and worship.

When you visit Ile-Ife, you’ll not only get to see this impressive monument but also immerse yourself in the rich culture and history that this ancient city has to offer.

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2. Kano

The ancient city of Kano was founded around 999 AD by Bagauda, a grandson of the legendary Bayajida, who is considered the ancestor of the Hausa people. This city, which is the present-day Kano, is located in Kano State, Nigeria, and is primarily inhabited by the Hausa people.

It also featured the iconic Kano City Walls, which were built to protect the city from invaders. This wall stretches over 14 kilometers and was one of the Hausa Bakwai, or “Seven True Hausa States.”

Fast forward to 1804, when Usman dan Fodio, a leader of the Fulani jihad (holy war), led a revolt against the Hausa rulers and captured Kano in 1807. One of his students, Sulaimanu, became the first emir of Kano, and his successor, Emir Ibrahim Dabo, established the current dynasty.

By the 1820s, Kano had emerged as a major commercial powerhouse in West Africa. Its leather and cotton goods were transported northward by caravan across the Sahara to cities like Tripoli and Tunis, eventually reaching Europe where its red goatskin products were highly sought after as morocco leather. However, in March 1903, after minimal resistance, the British forces captured Kano.

3. Benin City

Benin City was once the capital of the powerful Benin Kingdom before the colonial era. There are many theories about the origins of the Yoruba people. However, do not confuse Benin City in southern Nigeria with the modern-day Republic of Benin, which was formerly known as Dahomey.

While some Yoruba claim that Benin’s roots are tied to Ile-Ife, this assertion has been challenged by historians due to a lack of solid evidence. However, it’s undeniable that the Binis and Yoruba share a long and interconnected history.

People of this city are renowned for their exceptional bronze sculptures, which are truly unmatched. Benin City is also home to one of the oldest continuous monarchies in the world and featured a defensive fortification called the Great Wall of Benin.

This wall was recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records in 1974 as one of the longest man-made structures in the world, coming in second only to the Great Wall of China. Unfortunately, it was destroyed during the British punitive expedition in 1897. The Bini take their customs and traditions seriously, so when you visit this ancient city, you’ll get a real taste of their unique culture.

4. Ibadan

Ibadan is located in Oyo State, Nigeria, and serves as the capital of the state. It’s known as the largest indigenous city in Africa, south of the Sahara. This historic city was established in 1829 by a group of Yoruba warriors after the fall of the Yoruba Oyo Empire.

According to local historians, Lagelu founded Ibadan as a war camp for fighters coming from Oyo, Ijebu, and Ife. In 1893, Ibadan became a British protectorate, which helped it grow into a major trading center.

The British developed the area to support their commercial activities, and soon enough, Ibadan transformed into the vibrant city we know today. It is interesting to know that Ibadan is also home to Nigeria’s first university, which was established in 1948 as a college of the University of London and later gained autonomy in 1962.

This ancient city is known for its unique brown-roofed houses and is home to a number of historical sites like the Mapo Hall.

5. Sokoto

Sokoto is an ancient city in northwestern Nigeria. It serves as the capital of Sokoto State and was once the center of the powerful Sokoto Caliphate, one of the largest empires in Africa during the 19th century.

It was founded in 1804 by Usman dan Fodio, who was a prominent Fulani religious leader. It emerged from the Fulani jihads, holy wars aimed at establishing Islamic governance over the Hausa kingdoms.

The city became a strategic military headquarters during these conflicts and was officially designated as the capital of the Fulani Empire in 1809. The caliphate fostered an environment of learning, encouraging the production of religious and historical texts.

The empire thrived economically, with Sokoto serving as a crucial trading center along traditional caravan routes leading northward across the Sahara. The city is home to many beautiful mosques and traditional architecture.

6. Lagos

Originally known as Eko, Lagos, which is the commercial capital of Nigeria today, was founded around 1300-1400 CE. According to local oral history, it was established by Yoruba renegades after the fall of the Oyo Empire.

The first Oba, Ado, played a significant role in its early development, and for over four centuries, Lagos served as a major center for the slave trade, with the Oba of Benin supporting this trade until 1841, when Oba Akitoye came to power and tried to put an end to it.

One notable area in Lagos is Badagry. This place is historically recognized as a key port for exporting slaves to the Americas, particularly to Salvador, Bahia, in Brazil.

Badagry also holds a significant place in Nigeria’s educational history. This is because it was where the first primary school was established by the Wesleyan Mission in 1843. This school later became known as St. Thomas’ Anglican Nursery and Primary School.

Also, this same Badagry is home to Nigeria’s first story building that was constructed in 1842 to overlook the Marina waterfront.

7. Calabar

Calabar played a crucial role during the transatlantic slave trade and was one of Nigeria’s first cities to engage with European traders. The city is often referred to as the “town of tourism” and has a rich history as a major seaport in Nigeria for hundreds of years.

It is located in Cross River State in southeastern Nigeria and has been inhabited for about 2,000 years. Originally known by the Efik name Akwa Akpa, the name Calabar evolved when the British arrived and pronounced it as Calabah.

Since the 16th century, Calabar has been recognized as an international seaport, primarily exporting palm oil. During the era of the Atlantic Slave Trade, it became a significant port for transporting African slaves, earning its name from Spanish traders. Interestingly, Calabar is also home to Nigeria’s first social club, The Africa Club, and it hosted the country’s first competitive football, cricket, and field hockey games.