Ikare-Akoko, city in southwestern Nigeria, located in Ondo state. The city is a trading point for the production of cocoa in the surrounding area. Ikare-Akoko is famous throughout West Africa for its decorative pottery. The city is located in the Yoruba cultural region and has a substantial Muslim population with several mosques and Muslim organizations. The architectural style of the city incorporates both Portuguese and Arabic styles. The Portuguese style was introduced in the 1500s when Portugal began to export slaves from the region. Arabic influences were incorporated in the 19th century with the diffusion of Islamic culture southward across the Sahara. Population (1995) 137,300.
