Offa local government was created in 1991 with headquarters at Offa. The local government area has 10 wards. The major towns are Adeleke, Igbewere, Igbadu, and Offa. Yoruba is the predominant language spoken at the Offa LGA.

Offa is well known for cultivation of Sweet potatoes and maize which also formed part of the favourite staple foods of the indigenes in the town. Offa in one of her eulogy is being addressed as the home of sweet potatoes.

Its major festivals are Egungun, and Moremi festival. Tourist attractions include the Onimokas Shrine Offa and the Olofa of Offa’s palace.

🏛️ Overview & Location

The Palace of the Olofa of Offa is situated along Offa–Ajasse Ipo/Osogbo Road, near Oba (central) Market in Offa town, Kwara State. It serves as the official residence of the Olofa, the traditional monarch of Offa.

🏰 History & Structure

  • The palace combines ancient and modern architectural elements, blending cultural tradition with contemporary design Hotels.ng+2Hotels.ng+2.
  • The current building is the result of a complete reconstruction by the 24th Olofa, Oba Mufutau Muhammed Oloyede Gbadamosi (Okikiola Esuwoye II), who ascended the throne in May 2010.
  • It houses the tombs of past Olofas, each engraved on locked doors within the palace arena—these serve as a rich historical archive of rulers dating back to the 14th century.

👑 The Monarch & Community Life

  • Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi Esuwoye II is the 24th or possibly 25th Olofa (sources vary) and the first university graduate to reign. He was installed on 9 May 2010, ushering in a wave of development and unity in Offa.
  • Under his leadership, the palace transformed into a hub of activity: weekly prayers every Friday, where he mingles with the people and even joins them in dance—symbolizing service, unity, and humility.

🌱 Palace Grounds & Cultural Experience

  • The palace grounds are spacious and lush, with greenery and a serene courtyard where local children often gather to learn Arabic in community classes.
  • Peacocks, Offa’s official mascot, roam the palace compound, adding to the regal and symbolic landscape.

🎉 Cultural Life & Festivals

  • The Olofa introduced the annual Ijakadi Festival, a historic mock wrestling event symbolizing justice, equity, and cultural pride. It strengthens community bonds and attracts attendees from within and outside the country, including Offa indigenes in the diaspora.
  • The palace is also closely linked with town-wide reconstruction efforts, including rebuilding the Owode Market after a devastating fire and supporting local educational initiatives like Summit University and various polytechnics and colleges established under the Olofa’s influence