Owo: History
In their oral tradition, Owo traces its origins back to the ancient city of Ile-Ife, the cradle of Yoruba culture. Oral tradition also claims that the founders were the sons of the Yoruba deity Odudua, who was the first ruler of Ile-Ife. The early art-historical and archaeological records reinforce these strong affiliations with Ife culture. Owo was able to maintain virtual independence from the neighboring kingdom of Benin, but was on occasion required to give tribute. The transmission of courtly culture flowed in both directions between the Benin and the Owo kingdoms. The skill of Owo's ivory carvers was also appreciated at the court of Benin. During the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, Benin's rulers increasingly utilized insignia made from ivory, and imported Owo's art objects and recruited its artisans for their own royal workshops.
Several other notable artworks also provided evident support.
Owo came under British rule in 1893. When the Richard Constitution established Regions in Nigeria in 1947, Owo became part of the Western Region. In 1951, the Obafemi Awolowo led Party, Action Group was inaugurated at the palace of Olowo of Owo. After Nigeria declared independence in 1960, it was part of the Western Region until 1967 when it became part of the Western State. Owo and its indigenes played significant roles in the politics of the first Republic in Nigeria. In 1976, it became part of the newly created Ondo State.
In June 2022, at least 50 worshippers were killed in a massacre at St. Francis Catholic Church. In 2024, a memorial park was built to honour the victims that were killed. The memorial park was demolished by Governor Aiyedatiwa due to controversial circumstances around the location of the building being close to the Olowo palace.