Fadlullah Sulaimon
Olumo Rock in Abeokuta is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ogun State, Nigeria. The rock has a rich history, dating back to the 19th century when it was used as a fortress by the Egba people during the Yoruba wars.
Tourists who visit the rock can climb to the top using a flight of 121 stairs, and enjoy the beautiful view of the city.
The complex also features an art gallery and a souvenir shop, as well as the Lishabi garden which is home to medicinal trees and a shrine.
Olumo Rock is a must-visit for anyone interested in the history, culture and nature of the Abeokuta people.
Olumo Rock is a mountain in south-western Nigeria. It is located in the city of Abeokuta, Ogun State, and was normally used as a natural fortress during inter-tribal warfare in the 19th century.
Its patron spirit is venerated in the Yoruba religion as an orisha. The name olumo is the combination of two words: “olu” which means god/deity, and “mo” which means moulded.
It provided protection to the Egba people when they needed it, and is now held in high esteem by the members of the clan.
The mountain, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Nigeria, sits in the heart of Abeokuta – a name which means “Under the rock” in the Yoruba language.
The rock has a height of 137 meters above sea level. Abeokuta was originally inhabited by the Egbas, who provided the rock with sanctuary and gave a vantage point to monitor the enemy’s advance, leading to eventual triumph in war.
The town of Abeokuta eventually grew as these new settlers spread out from this location.
Recently, the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) National Coordinator and the Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams has made a case for the transformation of the ancestral Olumo Rock in Abeokuta, Ogun State to an international tourist center.
Iba Gani Adams made the call during the just concluded 2024 edition of the Lisabi festival held at the Olumo Rock, Abeokuta, Ogun State as he and his entourage were received by the apex Egba monarch, the Alake of Egba land, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo Oba Adedotun.
Iba Gani Adams rated Olumo Rock as an international historic center that deserves more and increased global attention than being turned into an arena for festivals and occasional visits.
Extolling the historical importance of the Olumo Rock to the Egba nation, Iba Gani Adams said: “Egba history is rich with the Olumo rock as a protective abode. Olumo Rock is historic. It has healing potential.
“We are here celebrating Olumo Rock because it gives wealth. We are celebrating Olumo Rock because it is for prosperity.
“We are celebrating Olumo rock because it opens the womb of the barren and helps against infertility. We are celebrating Olumo rock because it is an abode for peace.
“We are celebrating Olumo Rock because it is an abode for protection. Olumo rock is a big testimony to the progress of Egba land.
“Memories of how the Olumo rock had protected the people of Egba against their enemies during wars are still fresh in our memories. It is a potential tourism destination that needs to be transformed. Olumo Rock needs a facelift” he added.
Earlier, the Alake of Egba land, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, called for concerted effort in support of the Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, and the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) cultural promotion activities.
The apex Egba monarch praised the deliberate contributions of the OPC chieftain, saying Iba Gani Adams has done well in projecting the cultural identity of the Yoruba race.
Oba Adedotun Gbadebo has assured the Aare Onakakanfo that the entire people of Egbaland will support the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) in celebrating the Olumo festival.
“By next year, we will support the OPC in celebrating the Olumo festival. The OPC under the leadership of Aare Gani Adams has been wonderful celebrating the Olumo and Lisabi festival with us here in Abeokuta.
Alake added, “Olumo and Lisabi are worth celebrating and we will continue to improve on our efforts in using those two prominent festivals to drive the state economy”.