Ado Ekiti

Ado Ekiti is the capital city of Ekiti State in southwestern Nigeria. This ancient settlement was established around 1310 AD by Ewi Awamaro, a prince from Ile-Ife who earned the nickname "the restless one" due to his long migrations. After brief stops at Ido Ani and Agbado, he arrived at Ulesun, where he conquered the indigenous community and founded what became known as Ado-Ewi. The town's early history is deeply intertwined with the expansion of the Ewi dynasty and the military traditions of the Ekiti people.

By the mid-16th century, Ado Ekiti had grown into a major political and commercial hub within the Ekiti region. The kingdom expanded through both warfare and strategic diplomacy, absorbing neighboring communities while welcoming waves of immigrants and refugees. When Ekiti State was carved out of Ondo State in 1996, Ado Ekiti was chosen as the new capital, triggering rapid development in education, infrastructure, and governance.

Today, Ado Ekiti has an estimated population of approximately 469,700 (as of 2022) and covers an area of 293 square kilometers. The city hosts Ekiti State University and a federal polytechnic, making it an educational beacon in the region. Its economy remains rooted in agriculture, particularly cotton weaving, cocoa trading, and timber production, alongside emerging manufacturing sectors.