Olumo Rock, Abeokuta, NIGERIA
There is no way the history of Abeokuta, an ancient city in southwestern Nigeria, will be told without the mention of Olumo Rock. Why? you'll want to ask. Read on to find out the role and importance of Olumo Rock to the Egba people who are the inhabitants of Abeokuta.
Olumo Rock is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Nigeria. The rock sits in the city center of Abeokuta (meaning Under the Rock) which was originally inhabited by the Egba people who found refuge at the Olumo Rock during the inter-tribal wars of the 19th century. The rock provided sanctuary to the Egba people as well as a vantage point to monitor the enemy's advance leading to eventual victories in war. Abeokuta eventually grew as new settlers spread out from this location.
Abeokuta is just a 1-hour drive from the nation's commercial capital, Lagos. Thus, providing convenient access to an array of first-class hotels, restaurants, clubs, casinos and various nightlife activities. Lagos is also home to the country's aviation hub, the Murtala Muhammed International Airport which is the closest airport to Abeokuta. Among numerous hotels within minutes of driving from the Olumo Rock are the state-owned Gateway Hotel, Dusmar Presidential Hotel, Crown Royal Hotel, Swiss International Hotel, Continental Suites, Daktad Hotel, and Supreme Hotel among others.
Tourists to Africa definitely need to consider putting a visit to Olumo Rock on their travel plans. Infrastructures at the Olumo Rock were upgraded in 2006 after the massive renovation of the tourist site. The site now has a new museum, restaurants, water fountain and an elevator that makes the climbing challenge an easy task.
The ancient Itoku market where local artisans and traders enjoy to haggle over the price as much as the customers like to find a bargain lies just outside the Olumo Rock premises and is a must-see. The Itoku market is the center of the indigenous Abeokuta industry of tie-and-dye, locally known as Adire. Apart from the adire, other popular items to watch out for include local beads, bracelets, sculptures and musical instruments like the Sekere and Gangan (the talking drum).
A trip to Olumo Rock usually starts 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 some fresh and clean breeze. The journey continues with climbs on irregularly sized rocks through a narrow corridor that leads to the top of the rock. All along the way, catch sights of carvings in the rock, cowrie-studded statues and the ancient abode of the priestesses who live in huts on the rock. And yes, it is not uncommon to catch a sight of the very aged women who live there and mutter greetings or blessings as people make their way through.
It is often helpful to enlist the services of a guide who possesses vast knowledge of the history of the rock and the culture of the people. This makes for an interesting climb as every twist and turn will reveal a significant story making the visit a truly memorable one.
On the way down the rock, the sight of the Ogun River (the river from which the State - Ogun State - derived its name) running like a silver chain amidst a forest of aged red corrugated roofs bordered by thick green forests which melt into the horizon is breathtaking.
Photo Credits: Dossy Blog, OlumoRock.Com, Google
Sources: OlumoRock.Com, Wikipedia, The Punch Newspaper
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