Old Oyo, or Oyo-Ile (also Katunga), is the ruined site of the capital of the Oyo Empire, abandoned since 1835, when Ilorin destroyed it (Wikipedia).
- Type
- Archaeological site
- Located in
- Oyo State
- Status
- Historical
Old Oyo, or Oyo-Ile (also Katunga), is the ruined site of the capital of the Oyo Empire, abandoned since 1835, when Ilorin destroyed it (Wikipedia). It was the seat of the Alaafin, with great markets such as the Akesan market, later recreated in the new Oyo, and archaeologists have worked there for more than four decades. The site covers nearly 3,000 hectares and lies within Old Oyo National Park.
- Katunga
- Old Oyo — Wikipedia · link
- Old Oyo National Park — Wikipedia · link
How evidence is graded
- Verified: Supported by an official source, or by two or more independent sources that agree.
- Well documented: Supported by credible sources, but not yet independently confirmed.
- Reported: Found in a credible source; further corroboration is welcome.
- Needs corroboration: The evidence is thin or incomplete; more sources are being sought.
- Disputed: Credible sources or community accounts disagree; the differing accounts are noted.
- Uncertain: There is not yet enough information to classify this responsibly.
Sources are marked official, academic, reference, community or general web. Sources that copy each other count as one. Oral traditions are recorded as traditions, not as proven fact.
Archive ID: PLACE-OLD-OYO-OYO-ILE · Last updated 2 October 2026.
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