OLUMO ROCK

OLUMO ROCK

Olumo rock is one of the major tourist attractions in Nigeria located in the city of Abeokuta, Ogun State in the South Western region of Nigeria. It is located exactly at the intersection between Ijemo-Alape Road and Ita-Bayinbo Street in Ikija area, under Abeokuta North local government, Ogun State.

Olumo Rock was discovered by a hunter, who used it as a means of a fortress during an intertribal war in the 19th century. The rock also served as a vantage point for the inhabitants at the time as it enabled them to have a clear view of the enemy’s advancement.

The name “Olumo” is the combination of two words – “Olu” (god/deity) and “Mo” (moulded). Olumo Rock was turned into a tourist site in 1976 and commissioned on the 3rd of February 2006 by the former president of the country, Olusegun Obasanjo.

On the rock are statutes of Egba past heroes and different symbols of the Egba warriors like Ilesha Abi Agbongbakala, Agaba – the great hunter, Okonkenu – the first paramount ruler in Egba land, and Jagun Jagun – the sharpshooter and general in command.

It was said that Olumo Rock produced water that could be used by herbalists to cure diseases and sicknesses during the rainy season before it stopped over 50 years ago. Besides this point is the tomb of a chief called Sonni Osi-Toko who died at 122years old on the 3rd of January, 1956.

Another interesting fact about the rock is the presence of a tree that is claimed to be over 200 years old. This tree doesn’t shed its leaf throughout the year as it flourishes in the dry and rainy seasons.

In recent times, the tourist attraction has been renovated and an elevator has been added for those who do not wish to climb the stairs between the rocks to get to the summit. The tourist attraction also has a museum, an eatery, a market where different types of tie and dye clothing materials are sold to visitors, and also a water fountain as side attractions.

Olumo Rock stands at a height of 137metres above sea level which is almost half the height of the Eiffel Tower, Paris which stands at 300metres. Despite this height, the rock is easy to climb. Even before the recent renovations, the rock had stairs carved into it for easy climbing.

Sacrifices are made annually to the deity of the rock, and this is regarded as a protective sanctuary. The Olumo rock festival takes place in March, every year. Reports have it that no one has ever fallen from Olumo rock, despite its height. According to legend, the gods protect people from falling.

At the top of the rock is a beauty to behold. One will be able to see the view of Abeokuta all covered in red corrugated roofs paralleled by thick green forests that melts into the horizon. Some significant places seen from the top of the rock include The Cathedral Church of St. Peters which is the first church in Nigeria, the central mosque, the family house of the late Moshood Kashimawo Abiola (M.K.O), etc.

The Gate Fee is very affordable. However, there is an increase in price if you want to use the elevator or the transportation provided inside the tourist centre.

If you also want to stay for days, there are accommodations available. These accommodations are at a most 20-minute drive to the tourist centre.

Olumo Rock is one of the tourist attractions in Nigeria you should visit if you’ve not. Visit Olumo Rock and you won’t regret it.