Ado Ekiti, large town, southwestern Nigeria, in Ekiti State. It is an important regional market center. Agricultural produce of the surrounding area includes yams, rice, corn, and livestock. Among the town's manufactures are textiles, pottery, bricks, and footwear. Ado Ekiti was founded by the Ekiti, a Yoruba people. It is also known as Ado. Population 350,500 (1995 estimate).