How I Accidentally Became Part of a Wedding in Abeokuta (and Why You Should Too)

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There are trips you plan for months, and there are the ones that simply happen to you. My weekend trip to Abeokuta was supposed to be about rocks, not rings. 

However, I unexpectedly found myself dancing with strangers, savouring jollof rice served on a banana leaf, and taking photographs with a bride I had only recently met.

Welcome to Abeokuta, the city that turns visitors into family before they even unpack their bags.

My “Just a Day Trip” Plan That Escalated Quickly

It all started one Saturday morning. I had taken a short road trip from Lagos, barely two hours, hoping to climb Olumo Rock, visit the Adire Market at Itoku, and buy a few tie-dye fabrics for bragging rights.

Abeokuta greeted me with that mix of old charm and mild chaos, red rooftops, friendly faces, and the faint smell of roasted corn from roadside vendors. I hadn’t realised it yet, but I was about to experience one of the most spontaneous adventures of my life.

After climbing Olumo Rock (and silently questioning all my life choices halfway up), I wandered toward Itoku Market. The market is famous for Adire, the indigo-dyed fabric for which Abeokuta is known. 

Women sat behind buckets of deep blue dye, chatting in Yoruba and expertly dipping fabrics like artists painted stories.

That’s when I heard it: loud music from across the street, the kind that makes your feet move even when you pretend you’re not interested.

 

The Soundtrack That Pulled Me In

It was Fuji music. The music was loud, joyful, and proudly Nigerian. I followed the sound and found a small crowd outside a decorated hall, with ribbons, balloons, and the unmistakable buzz of a Yoruba wedding.

In Abeokuta, weddings aren’t private affairs. They are community festivals, and everyone, including wandering tourists with cameras, is welcome.

Before I could decide whether to sneak a peek or walk away, one of the aunties standing by the gate smiled and said, “You are welcome, o! Have you eaten?” And just like that, I became a wedding guest.

 

When a Stranger Becomes “Our Person”

There were no checks of invitations or scans of faces. I was simply accepted. Within minutes, someone handed me a plate of party jollof, fried plantain, and a cold malt drink. Another woman tied a mini gele around my head, “so you can look like our daughter.”

I couldn’t stop laughing. Everything felt warm, chaotic, and beautiful, the kind of moment you can’t plan, only live.

The bride and groom, radiant in matching aso-oke, danced to a live band. The atmosphere was electric, with children dancing, women adjusting their wrappers to join the dance floor, and men spraying crisp naira notes like confetti.

As I clapped along, one uncle winked at me and shouted over the music, “You better find your own Abeokuta man today, o!” I smiled back. The subtle humour and the teasing – that’s the heart of Yoruba culture. Strangers treat you like cousins, and every celebration feels like home.

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Between Jollof and Joy

At some point, an elderly woman tapped my shoulder and asked if I was “from Lagos.” When I nodded, she chuckled and said, “Ah! No wonder you’re holding your phone like a reporter. Drop it and dance small.”

And I did. At an Abeokuta wedding, it’s impossible to remain still. The DJ switched to a mix of modern Afrobeats and traditional talking drum rhythms. Even the bride’s grandmother joined in. Her dancing skills could rival those of half of TikTok.

Later, I sat with a group of friendly guests who told me about Abeokuta’s rich traditions and how weddings are more than ceremonies; they’re family reunions, cultural theatre, and full-blown feasts rolled into one.

 

Cultural Notes (and Food That Deserves Its Own Blog Post)

If you ever find yourself in Abeokuta, your taste buds will thank you. From Ofada rice with ayamase stew to moin-moin, fried snails, and the ever-present jollof, food here isn’t just eaten; it’s celebrated.

The woman sitting next to me explained that many of the recipes served at weddings are generational.  “My grandmother used to cook this for church harvests,” she said proudly, as we shared a plate of peppered meat.

Abeokuta weddings are also where you’ll see fashion in full bloom. The Adire fabric that I had admired earlier in the market now appeared everywhere, in men’s agbadas, women’s wrappers, and even headties. It wasn’t just clothing; it was identity on display.

 

After the Music Faded

As the evening sun dipped behind the ancient city’s rooftops, the wedding crowd began to thin. I realised I hadn’t done half the “tourist checklist” I came for, no museums, no river cruise, not even proper photos of Olumo Rock from below.

But somehow, it didn’t matter. I had experienced something richer: a slice of real Abeokuta life. Before I left, the woman who invited me in hugged me and said, “Next time, don’t just come and crash. You will marry here!”

We both laughed. And maybe, just maybe, I’ll take her up on that.

 

Why You Should Visit Abeokuta Too

Abeokuta isn’t just about rocks and history; it’s about people. It’s about spontaneous moments that make you forget you’re an outsider. 

Whether you wander into a local wedding, tick landmarks off your list, or chat with Adire sellers in Itoku Market, you’ll feel something rare: belonging.

But know this, tourism doesn’t always have to mean ticking landmarks off a list. Sometimes, it’s about saying yes to the unexpected, like I did when a stranger offered me jollof rice and a seat at her cousin’s wedding.

So if you ever visit Abeokuta, don’t rush through it. Take a stroll through Ake Palace grounds, stop by Centenary Hall, admire the view from Olumo Rock, and if you hear music in the distance, follow it.

Who knows? You might just find yourself on a dance floor, celebrating with new friends you didn’t know you had.

 

FAQs About Visiting Abeokuta

1. Is Abeokuta safe for tourists?

Yes, Abeokuta is one of the safer cities in southwestern Nigeria. Like anywhere, stay aware of your surroundings, especially at markets or large gatherings.

2. What is the best time to visit Abeokuta?

The best time to visit Abeokuta is between November and March, during the dry season, as it is easier to explore outdoor sites like Olumo Rock and attend local festivals.

3. Can foreigners attend traditional Nigerian weddings?

Absolutely! Nigerians love hosting guests, and if you’re respectful and friendly, you’ll be welcomed warmly.

4. How far is Abeokuta from Lagos?

The distance from Lagos to Abeokuta is approximately two hours, subject to traffic conditions. It’s an inexpensive and popular weekend trip.

5. What else can I see in Abeokuta?

Don’t miss Olumo Rock, Itoku Adire Market, Ake Palace, Centenary Hall, and Green Legacy Resort—all rich in history and local culture.