How A Poor Woman Invented The Most Populous Snack In Western Nigeria “DODO IKIRE”

Ikire is a university town situated between the two university cities of Ibadan and Ile-Ife in the Southwestern Nigeria. the people are enterprising, innovative and welcoming. They are also particularly creative if one examines the way and manner they have prepared, packaged and popularized Dodo Ikire as a traditional delicacy from Ikire.

For years, it was originally made from leftover plantains but today, people prepare it from fresh ingredients. According to the legend, the tasty snack was created by a poor, old lady from the town of Ikire.

Ikire is a town in Osun State in the South-western area of Nigeria.

According to history, this old lady had no food left except the over-ripe plantains, which she would have thrown in the bin, but she decided to squash it all up with some salt and pepper and deep-fry it in palm oil. She ate it, enjoyed it and decided to make more to share with her neighbours.

The result is what is now known as Dodo Ikire, named after the town it originated from. It is sold mostly in the South-western part of Nigeria. So if you would be traveling this yuletide season and would be going through Ibadan and Osun State, you might want to try some from the hawkers along the road.