The moment a visitor enters Abeokuta, among the must visit destination is Olumo Rock which has a very strong traditional significance attached to it by the people of Ogun State. The rock which has been in existence for so long has now become a tourist centre that is been visited by tourist from far and wide. Recently AUSTIN JACOBSON visited this ancient monument which the inhabitants still attaché a lot of ancestral feelings to excerpts:
ABEOKUTA is a Yoruba word which means (Under the Rock ) it originated in the late 19th century and the origin of the name came as a result of the discovering of Olumo Rock a place which the Egba's during that period discovered to be a saving grace to them during the inter-tribal war in the 19th century. The Egba people, who inhabited the area, worship the rocks and its caves in the belief that they derive their natural strength and protection from supreme beings.
According to the guide that took us on excursion of the great Olumo Rock, he said that he was born in the town and the name Abeokuta originated from the Olumo.
Olumo Rock is situated in Abeokuta and it is from the Olumo Rock that the name Abeokuta was created from, in fact, it is this rock that provided cover and protection to the people as well as a vantage point to monitor the enemy's advance leading to eventual triumph in war.
In a more pragmatic way the rocks with their shelters were an ideal pace for cave castles. This cave houses are reputed to have saved the Egba's during the old days of inter-tribal wars. As the rocks became famous for being a secure place, they also became a unifying factor.
So after the war the town of Abeokuta was created out of the fact that the Egba's during the inter-tribal war seek refuge and protection under the Olumo Rock which gave then advantage over their enemies and after the war ended they settled down there and name the area Abeokuta.
Olumo Rock has transformed to be one of the most sorts after tourist destinations in Nigeria. Several traditional practices and rituals are still been done on the rock and as we walked across, fresh blood of sacrificed animals were on the ground on the second floor of the rock and while walking down the inner cave to the main shrine we stumble on the priest carrying out rituals on two people with the fresh killings of two animals (chickens) but our guide told us not to panic but just observed the process as people from far and near still come to consult the oracle and the traditional practice as of the olden days are still been practiced up till today including carrying out sacrifices at the rock.
This aspect of Olumo Rock is not compulsory for fun seekers to visit but fun seekers that are interested in the traditional aspect of the Rock and the various ancestral antecedents that are attached to it can visit if they do wish to.
Olumo Rock has a fantastic view from the top of the rock were a tourist will be able to see the whole of the city in a glance and several relaxation spot that fun seekers seeking pleasure can visit. The fantasy of the Olumo rock usually commences with a climb up the man-made stairs carved into the rock. While this sounds easy enough, it leaves many breathless and ready to take a break to rest on the benches under the trees growing from the rock and enjoy the clean breeze. The elevator which can also take tourist to the rock top is an alternative but expensive.
Tourists to Africa definitely need to consider putting Olumo rock on their travel plans. New renovations were completed in early 2006 upgrading the infrastructure of the site to include a new museum, restaurants, water fountain and an elevator that will provide even the climbing-challenged a wonderful view of the surrounding city.
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