BACKGROUND  & HISTORY

The Olumo Rock, is one of the major tourist attractions in Nigeria today  with a captivating embodiment. it is a mountain like landmark found in the south-west of Nigeria. It is located in the city of Abeokuta in Ogun  State and it was a place used as a natural fortress during the inter-tribal warfare  that took place among  the citizens in the 19th century.  It is considered to now be a patron spirit that grants protection to the locals in the area known as the 'Egba people', aside from serving as a place of refuge in the time of war, Olumo Rock is believed to possess some healing powers as it serves a spiritual purpose to the residents of the town. Some traditional healers usually fetch the water that flows from the top of the rock to the base for the purpose of curing various ailments. https://bellafricana.com/history-of-the-famous-olumo-rock/

 

Olumo Rock was discovered  by a hunter named 'Adagba' who used  the rock as a fortress and a vantage point in the intertribal war of  the 19th century, this rock is strategically located at the centre of the state capital stands at a height of 137 meters above sea level  which is almost half the  height of  the Eiffel Tower in Paris  which stands at 300 meters.  The Olumo Rock  was turned into a tourist attraction in 1976 and commissioned on the 3rd of February 2006 by the former president 'Olusegun Obasanjo'.

 

TOURISM

Entrance to the Olumo Rock tourist site

The mountain, being one of the  most popular visited tourist destinations in Nigeria sits in the heart of Abeokuta – a name which means ‘under the rock’. It serves as home to many caves and shrines which stairs carved into them to enable easy climbing.

The mass of rock in Olumo bears statutes that are used to symbolise the past heroes of the Egba people. Some of these Egba warriors are 'Iliesha Abi Agbongbakala', 'Agagba' the great hunter' and 'Okonkenu' who was the first paramount ruler in Egba land. (https://www.legit.ng/1220524-abeokutas-olumo-rock-its-captivating-history-contemporary-relevance.html)

An entrance of a cave within the Olumo Rock

Indeed, the history of Olumo rock is one that is both powerful and interesting. However, this site is not just one with a glorious past, it is also of contemporary relevance. For one, Olumo rock is still revered among the Egba people of Abeokuta. They consider it to be a symbol of unity and protection. In regards to protection, it has been said that since the rock was discovered and turned into a tourist attraction, no one has ever lost his or her life while climbing its hard and steep surfaces. This is speculated  to be because of the fact that it once served as shelter to past refugees, many people home and abroad see it as a reminder of what it means to survive.

Olumo Rock  generates its revenue through tourism and tourist who  come by as entry prices range from 500 Naira for  adults and 700 Naira  for children and 2000 Naira if you are looking to use the elevator to reach the top.

Renovations on the great rock were completed in 2006 in order to upgrade infrastructure, facilities and include a new museum, restaurants, a  water fountain and the ancient Itoku market where local traders and  artisans promote their works and products to the visitors and customers.

 

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THE OLUMO ROCK

  • During the time when the wars were prevalent, Olumo rock used to act as a shelter and refuge camp for those wanting to escape the throes and woes of the catastrophic wars that hit the city. There are holes in the rocks which many believe are the places where the refugees used to pound their staples. (https://www.legit.ng/1220524-abeokutas-olumo-rock-its-captivating-history-contemporary-relevance.html)
  • According to these traditionalists, the water that flowed in the Olumo Rock had some potent healing elements that could cure several illnesses and diseases. It was said that Olumo rock usually produced this healing water used by local herbalist to cure sickness and diseases only during the raining season. However, it has reportedly stopped producing the water 50 years ago.. The stoppage was very near a tomb behind the house of a chief called Sonni Osi-Toko who died on January 23, 1956, at age 122. 

  • At the apex of the rock one clear view of the first Church in Nigeria “Saint Peters Cathedral”, N.T.A Abeokuta, Baptist Boys High School, the family house of late Abiola, the Central Mosque, Sanatan, River Ogun, also an Iroko tree which is believed to be over 200 years old. The tree neither withers nor sheds its leaf throughout the year. It flourishes throughout the seasons, whether dry or rainy season.

  • Even more, at the apex of the Olumo rock stands the location of the very first church in Nigeria. The church whose name is Saint Peters Cathedral is still well known. (https://www.legit.ng/1220524-abeokutas-olumo-rock-its-captivating-history-contemporary-relevance.html)

 

CITATIONS

 

  • Oluwafunmilayo, Akinpelu. “Compelling History of Olumo Rock and Significance of Its Healing Powers.” Legit.ng - Nigeria News., 15 Feb. 2019, www.legit.ng/1220524-abeokutas-olumo-rock-its-captivating-history-contemporary-relevance.html.

  • “The Significance of Olumo Rock to Global Planning of Geoparks and Design of Public Outdoor Spaces.” The Significance of Olumo Rock to Global Planning of Geoparks and Design of Public Outdoor spaces_Global Network of National Geoparks, www.globalgeopark.org/Articles/6373.htm.

  • “History Of The Famous Olumo Rock.” Bellafricana, bellafricana.com/history-of-the-famous-olumo-rock/.

  • Adeniyi, Esther. “Olumo Rock: History, Location, Gate Fee, Accommodation in 2020.” PropertyPro Insider, 15 June 2020, www.propertypro.ng/blog/olumo-rock-history-location-gate-fee-accommodation/.

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