A HISTORY AND ECONOMIC IMPACT OF OJA OBA MARKET IN ILORIN UP TO 2024

This study examined the history and economic impact of Oja Oba market in Ilorin. The early economic history of the Ilorin (Oja Oba market) has not been given adequate attention in the study of economic history, which prompted for the research. The work was divided into four main chapters; Chapter one gave a general background to the study, while Chapter two focused on Ilorin and economic history; Chapter three dealt with the significance of the market; while Chapter four was the summary and conclusion based on the findings of this research. The method adopted in achieving the research was historical method which comprised of both primary and secondary sources of information. The primary sources covered field trip to the research area and oral interviews with relevant people. The secondary sources, on the other hand, covers published materials, long essays, journal articles, dictionaries among others. All these were used to achieve the objectives of this work. From its foundation over two centuries ago, Oja Oba has grown into a central trading hub deeply intertwined with the religious, cultural, and political fabric of Ilorin society. The market’s resilience and continued prominence are rooted in its strategic location, religious inclusiveness, and the coordinated governance by both traditional authorities, especially the Emir of Ilorin, and local government institutions. The Emir’s role in appointing market leaders and enforcing moral discipline, along with the government's responsibility for infrastructure, permits, and revenue collection, has ensured the market’s sustained relevance. Despite urban challenges and efforts at decentralization, Oja Oba remains a vital space for commerce, Islamic identity, and community cohesion, serving as a foundational institution that has influenced the development of several other markets in the region.