Iperu, Ogun State

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Iperu, also known as Iperu Akesan Bale Oja, is a town in Ogun State, southwestern Nigeria, near the Ibu River. It is the most populous town in the Remo area of the Ikenne Local Government Area and sits between Ibadan and Lagos. The town lies in a region with limestone deposits used by the cement industry, and cocoa and kola nuts are important local products. A cargo airport project is planned to boost trade and transport.

Where it is and how big it is
- Coordinates: 6°54′51″N, 3°39′48″E
- Time zone: West Africa Time (UTC+1)
- Postal code prefix: 121
- ISO code: NG.OG.IPI
- The Ikenne LGA had about 178,000 people as of the 2006 census.

History and the name Iperu
There are several stories about how Iperu got its name:
- Akesan the founder sold cooked maize under a palm tree, and a hole where the tree sank gave the area its name.
- The place had many palm trees, and “Ibi tí ọ̀pẹ̀ rú” (where the palm trees thrived) became Iperu.
- Iperu is said to be related to Epe in Sagamu, as a branch of that town.
- A tale says Akesan carried a clay pot; when the pot caved in, it was said “ape ru” (pot broke), which became Iperu.
These stories are part of local lore, and no single account is confirmed.

People and culture
- Iperu is central in Remo and has long connected with nearby towns like Sagamu, Ode Remo, Ilisan, and Ogere.
- The Eyo festival in Lagos traces its origins to Iperu.

Economy and land
- Iperu sits on table land and faces erosion concerns.
- Key local industries include limestone for cement, cocoa farming, and kola nut production. Kola-nut handling supports related crafts like baskets and ropes.
- The town hosts a cargo airport project to improve access for goods.

Administration and notable facts
- Iperu is governed by a traditional authority with a Council of Chiefs. The late king was His Royal Majesty Idowu Basibo (Odoru V) (deceased February 2025).
- Traditional dishes popular in Iperu include ebiripo (made from cocoa yam), ikokore (a local yam dish), and ojojo.

In short, Iperu is a historic, closely connected town in Ogun State with rich culture, important agricultural and industrial activity, and a role in regional trade and transport planning.