Did you know that somewhere in present day Oyo State lie the remains of a once powerful African imperial capital? 😮🇳🇬<div><br></div><div>Welcome to Ọ̀YỌ́-ILÉ, also known as Old Oyo or Katunga the historic capital of the great Oyo Empire.</div><div><br></div><div>This was no ordinary settlement. At its height, Oyo was a major political and commercial power in West Africa. Its influence extended across a wide region, supported by trade, a sophisticated political system and a powerful cavalry.</div><div><br></div><div>And the ancient city was enormous!</div><div><br></div><div>UNESCO records describe an inner settlement surrounded by a wall about 7.5 kilometres long, with much larger outer defensive enclosures. Inside the city were the royal palace compound, markets, wells and remains of other buildings.</div><div><br></div><div>Imagine a city with royal courtyards, busy markets, defensive walls and thousands of people going about their daily lives centuries before modern Nigeria existed!</div><div><br></div><div>But what happened to it?</div><div><br></div><div>Following years of political instability and warfare, Old Oyo was abandoned around 1837. The surviving ruins now form part of Old Oyo National Park.</div><div><br></div><div>The area has attracted archaeological research, helping experts investigate how the ancient city was organised and how its people lived.</div><div><br></div><div>Here's another interesting fact: Old Oyo is on UNESCO's Tentative World Heritage List. That means it has been proposed for consideration, but it is not yet an officially inscribed UNESCO World Heritage Site.</div><div><br></div><div>📍 LOCATION: Old Oyo, within Old Oyo National Park, northern Oyo State, Nigeria.</div><div><br></div><div>Our history is much bigger than many of us realise. Imagine walking through the remains of a city that once helped shape West African history.</div><div><br></div><div>Have you heard of Ọ̀yọ́-Ilé before?</div><div><br></div><div>Q9JA – Discover Nigeria. Celebrate Our Heritage. 🇳🇬</div>