Oyo

Oyo is a term that refers to several distinct entities, most prominently Oyo State in Nigeria, the historic Oyo Empire of the Yoruba people, and the Indian hospitality company known as OYO Rooms.

Oyo State is a southwestern state in Nigeria, with Ibadan as its capital. Created in 1976, the state sits within the Yoruba cultural region and has a diversified economy that includes agriculture, commerce, manufacturing, and services. It hosts several higher education institutions and cultural centers, and its major urban centers serve as regional hubs for surrounding towns.

The Oyo Empire was a Yoruba kingdom that dominated much of present-day southwestern Nigeria from the 15th to the 19th century. Its political center was the city of Old Oyo, and at its height the empire expanded its influence across a broad area. The state was notable for its organized military, complex court structure, and involvement in regional trade networks. The empire declined during the 19th century amid internal conflicts and external pressures, paving the way for later Yoruba polities and, eventually, colonial rule.

OYO Rooms, now branded as OYO Hotels & Homes, is an Indian hospitality company founded in 2013 by Ritesh Agarwal. It started as a platform for budget accommodations and expanded into a global network of properties across multiple countries. The company emphasizes standardized amenities and digital booking, serving both business and leisure travelers.