IFE TO IBADAN BY ROAD: A TRAVELER’S GUIDE

For the majority, road travel is the easiest and most convenient if not the cheapest means of getting around the country, particularly these two cities. Ife is the capital of Osun state located in the South-Western region of the country while Ibadan is the state capital of Oyo state and the largest city in the country located in south-western Nigeria.

THE BEST PLACE(S) TO GET AN IBADAN-BOUND VEHICLE IN IFE

OAU School Gate: Take a cab/bus from anywhere in the city and drop at the school gate (not the main gate) but the expressway side (you have to be specific with the driver). Alight and pick your choice from any of the Buses and Taxis, pay your fare and have your bags loaded and prepare for the short trip to Ibadan. The fare here is max 500 naira.

Mayfair Park: For those that live well inside the town, far away from the school gate, the park at Mayfair is an adequate alternative. Take a bus/cab going to Mayfair, alight and make your way into the cab and board an Ibadan-bound vehicle after first paying and having your bags loaded. The fare goes for around 500- 600 naira (Mostly Buses).

Oduduwa University, Ipetumodu (OUI): Take a bus of 60-80 naira to Ipetumodu, specifically Oduduwa University and drop there. Make your way into the park and board a vehicle (after having paid of course). The fare is around 350-400 naira from here with the buses (very few taxis, if any).

WHICH MOTOR PARK TO CHOOSE

Of the three motor Parks, the one at the school gate is the best because while only marginally more expensive than other parks, they load passengers the quickest.

WHAT/HOW TO PACK

• Pack as few bags as possible for easy management and to save cost, Drivers tend to charge extra for really big bags (especially the taxi and minivan drivers) and extra bags.

• Make sure you get to the park on time so you can pick a seat of your choice.

• When you get to the park you’ll be set upon by different alabarus (porters loitering around waiting for passengers with heavy luggage) who’ll flat out demand to carry your bags to the vehicle going to your destination, you have a choice of firmly indicating a “No” with your head and walking past them or surrendering your bag(s) to them if they’re heavy, however be sure to keep a close watch on the porter and your bag(s)

• Inform your driver of any fragile items in your bag. It also helps to watch as the bags are being arranged to ensure your belongings aren’t squashed in a corner or under other heavy luggage. Keep all valuables with you

• On no condition should you have any sort of camouflage material with you as they’re banned and if found on your person, will lead to you being extorted for money by the policemen along the route and the vehicle being delayed.

• Watch what you eat before travelling, it’s a very short trip with no designated rest stops and if the vehicle stops for any reason, it’s for passengers to relieve themselves in the bushes along the route.

• Fill the personal information form that will be passed around beforehand. The transport company just might need to reach someone on your behalf.

TIME TAKEN

The trip from Ife to Ibadan usually takes about 45 mins – 1 hour, taking into consideration road and weather conditions.

SNACK AND RESTROOM OPTIONS You can make a selection from a wide range of snack choices at any of the parks, from barbecued meat to Gala and drinks. It is a short trip so there are no rest stops along the way.

PERSONAL TIPS FOR THE FIRST-TIME TRAVELER TO IBADAN

• Evacuate your bowels before leaving the house.

• Make sure you fill the personal information form supplied to passengers and also take down the licence plate number of the vehicle and pass on to as many friends as possible (and make sure the driver sees you taking down the plate number)

• Make sure your valuables are kept close to hand in a carryon or a small bag, not just because of theft but also because of the way items are stacked carelessly in the trunk.

• I prefer sitting up front beside the driver, asides being the most comfortable seat in the vehicle, it’s also within easy reach of the charging port so you can listen to music, read, surf the internet (where coverage exists on the road) without running your battery flat. Barring that, leave the house with a full charge and a powerbank if you have one.

GETTING TO YOUR DESTINATION

Getting into Ibadan, you’ll be dropped at Iwo Road from which you can get a bus/cab/commercial motorcycle home to your eventual destination

Have a safe trip!

Related: Ibadan to Ife By Road: A Traveler's Guide