The southwestern region of Nigeria houses an ancient ancestral rock called Olumo. This mountain is located in the city of Abeokuta, Ogun State and is about 137 meters above sea level. The stone is a substantial monument created by nature, using local resources, and Its patron spirit is revered 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.
The history of Olumo rock dates back to the Oyo Empire in the 19th century when the Egba people who lived in Abeokuta sought safety in the rock amid inter-tribal war. The rock was a natural shelter and fortress during that period, and it served as both a vantage point to monitor the enemies and a tower of strength for the Egba people in their efforts to protect their new town.
During the war with the Dahomey kingdom, Egba warriors climbed to the top of Olumo Rock and held off Dahomey troops for seven months. The victory solidified Abeokuta’s reputation as an impenetrable fortress. Since then, they have regarded the Olumo Rock as their protection shrine and made annual sacrifices to its deity. People from all walks of life still go there for divine consultations.
Under Olumo rock lived the oldest woman in Ogun State, Chief Mrs. Sinatu Aduke Sanni who is the “Iya Orisa Olumo” (Mother goddess of Olumo). She has lived her entire life under the famous rock and is popularly known as Iya Olumo. She is in charge of Olumo Rock Shrine where sacrifices are made to appeal to the gods of the rock.
Iya Olumo died at the age of 137. Before her death, she witnessed the coronation of six Alake of Egba land. An Alake of Egba land, is the paramount ruler of the Egba. He also offers sacrifices in the shrine on behalf of the people and prays for the whole country and the entire Egba people, as well as for the tourists that visit the rock.
At the east end is another big cave, built with mud walls into outer and inner chambers. It is a shrine used by the devotees of Orisa-Igun, god of longevity. Orisa Igun is celebrated annually, during which goats, rams, and other animals are sacrificed. The ceremonies last for 30 days.
Another mystery surrounding the rock is the existence of a tree over 200 years old. This tree neither withers nor sheds its leaves throughout the year. It flourishes throughout the seasons, whether dry or rainy season.
There are also safe caves where the Egba warriors were said to have hidden their wives and children during inter-tribal wars. They dug holes to provide a device for grinding pepper and other condiments while cooking.
Prior to refurbishment, it became a tourist site in 1976 and in 2006, amenities such as a new museum, restaurants, a water feature, and an elevator (to make the steep ascent easier) were installed and are still functioning till date. Olumo Rock’s ease of climbing, however, is one of its appealing qualities. Before the most recent improvements, Olumo Rock already had stairs cut into it for easy ascent. Individuals who want to avoid climbing through the rocks can use elevators or stairs. Today, Olumo Rock is a popular tourist destination and a source of pride for the people of Abeokuta and Nigeria.
Victoria Ezechukwu-Nwagwu is the Executive Assistant to the Publisher of FunTimes Magazine. She is a communication enthusiast with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communication. She is passionate about learning new things and influencing creative innovations.
