The study investigated the extraction and characterization of oil from Irvingia gabonensis (ogbono) seed using soxhlet extraction process. In the study n-hexane was used as the extracting solvent. The result shows that 79% of oil was obtained from the seeds which is very high enough. The oil contain 5.045% moisture, 79% crude fat, 17.64% crude protein, 6.0% ash and 19% carbohydrate which makes it a rich source of edible oil. Functional properties obtained revealed that it has good water absorption capacity, swelling index, foaming and emulsion capacity. It has a pH of 6.32 which is close to neutral. The oil also contains essential minerals such as calcium, manganese, copper, zinc, iron , potassium, sodium, and magnesium in significant amount. Physic-chemical characteristics also shows that the oil has free fatty acid (0.125-0.235g/100g),peroxide value (3.6meq/kg), saponification value (230-224mg/koH/g), acid value (0.25-0.47mg/KoH/g) iodine value (144-155). In general, the oil can serve as good sources of nutrients needed for the healthy growth of man and animal and it is recommended as a good source of edible oil. It can also be used for industrial purpose such as cosmetics and laundry sectors.

Keywords: Irvingia gabonensis, extraction, characterization, soxlet