A number of large polities developed in South-western Nigeria between the 10th and 18th centuries. Among the most popular and best studied were Ile-Ife, Old Oyo, and Ilesa. On the northern frontier of the Yoruba in central Nigeria lies Ila. This area, and much to its north, is described as Igbomina, home to a large population of Yoruba who are formed into several sociopolitical and kin units. Ila has been referred to over the years as the kingdom of Igbomina and its ruler, the Orangun, as the paramount chief. The oral traditions in Ila claim a link with Oduduwa and Ile Ife as the source of its political authority. Whatever the validity of this claim, it is evident that by the 18th century Ila’s political fortunes and the authority of its ruler among the Igbomina people had been lost. This raises a number of questions. What was the nature of Ila’s polity in northern Yorubaland before the 18th century? And what type of relationships existed between Ila and other Igbomina groups prior to the 18th century? This paper discusses recent archaeological and oral-ethnohistorical research conducted at Ila in 2003. Ila-Yara is one of the early sites of Ila, and probably the most important and the longest site occupied by Ila people. Preliminary work at the site has revealed material evidence of past habitation, and occupation during a period of turmoil as suggested by the town’s massive earthen wall fronted by a deep ditch. The paper concludes with suggestion for further study.