Ekiti is a place of outstanding natural beauty, with different landscapes and incredible views you will never forget. It has rolling hills, green highlands, calm lakes, and strong waterfalls that are truly beautiful.
In one of Ekiti’s green valleys is a special place called the Ikogosi Warm Springs. Found in the quiet town of Ikogosi, this spring is unique and amazes everyone who visits, drawing interest from locals and visitors.
What makes Ikogosi extraordinary is the rare occurrence of warm and cold springs flowing side by side, each maintaining its unique temperature even as they merge into a single stream. This remarkable natural phenomenon has intrigued scientists and explorers alike and given rise to numerous stories and folklore.
Myths Surrounding the Springs
Photo Source: TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE.
According to myths, many years ago, a brave hunter named Ọ̀gánungánun set out on a journey from Ilé Ifẹ̀, leaving the Lukosi compound of Ìlódè quarters. At a time when people were seeking to establish new settlements, Ọ̀gánungánun arrived in the area now called Ikogòsì, where he discovered a rare natural wonder: warm and cold springs flowing side by side.
Amazed by his find, he shared it with his people, who consulted the Ifá Oracle to uncover its meaning. The oracle revealed that the Warm Spring deity, Aọ̀, had guided Ọ̀gánungánun to this marvel.
Another myth tells that the springs were once wives of the same husband. After constant rivalry and fights, they were transformed into water springs: the fiery, hot-tempered wife became the warm spring, the calm, cool-tempered wife became the cold spring, and the surrounding hills became their husband.
However, these myths cannot ignore scientific processes. Scientifically, warm and cold springs occur because water becomes warmer the deeper it travels underground. If this water is forced to the surface through an earth fault, it emerges as a spring with a relatively high temperature. Cold water, on the other hand, originates from a nearby hill.
Discovery of the Springs
In the early 1950s, a Baptist missionary, Rev. John S. McGee, visited the source of the hot and cold springs after hearing about it from the people of Ikogosi.
Despite warnings from the locals that supernatural forces guarding the springs would harm anyone who ventured there, Rev. McGee courageously made his way through the forest and up the hill to the springs’ source. Inspired by what he saw, he believed the springs could serve a greater purpose and discussed this idea with his Mission Convention colleagues.
The community granted him land near the springs, where he established a Baptist youth camp. The camp included chalets, a chapel, his residence, a recreational area, and dormitories.
However, a disagreement arose when the late social crusader and educationist, Mr. Tai Solarin, visited the camp with his students on an excursion.
Solarin requested accommodation, but no space was available since he had not booked in advance. This misunderstanding eventually led to the government taking over the facility. In recent years, the government renovated and upgraded the site, transforming it into a tourist attraction.
Ikogosi Warm Springs
Surrounded by lush greenery, tall trees, and peaceful walking paths, Ikogosi Warm Springs offers visitors the unique opportunity to experience this geological wonder while enjoying a calm and beautiful environment.
Research shows that the warm spring reaches temperatures of up to 70°C at its source and cools to 37°C at the confluence, where it flows side by side with the cool spring. Remarkably, the springs retain their distinct temperatures even at their meeting point, creating a rare blend of warm and cold water found nowhere else in the world.
The springs maintain a steady flow and warmth throughout the day. Early morning visits to the warm spring reveal rising steam, while during the harmattan season (November to March), a light fog surrounds the area, adding to its charm.
At the warm spring’s source, a canopy provides a shaded spot for visitors to relax and admire this natural marvel. Interestingly, a tree and a palm grow from the same spot at the meeting point of the warm and cold springs, further enhancing the site’s uniqueness.
Tourism experts recognise Ikogosi Warm Springs as one of only eight such springs globally. The site has been transformed into a top tourist destination, complete with scenic walking trails, picnic areas, and a resort where visitors can fully enjoy the area’s peace and beauty.
For those who love nature, the surrounding landscape offers excellent opportunities for hiking, climbing, and nature walks, making every step a delightful experience. Beyond its geological wonder, Ikogosi Warm Springs is believed to have healing properties. Many visitors come not only to admire the springs but also to benefit from the therapeutic powers that locals attribute to the waters.
Ikogosi: Beyond the Springs
Ikogosi is a hilly town located in the Ekiti West Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Nigeria. Its unique landscape is home to natural attractions like the famous Ikogosi Warm Springs and Ipole-Iloro Waterfalls.
Visitors can also experience the town’s preserved traditions, vibrant handicrafts, and colourful products that showcase local artistry. The people of Ikogosi are known for their simple, friendly nature and warm hospitality.
Their rich culture is evident in their traditional attire: men wear Bùbá (a round-neck shirt) and Sòkòtò (trousers), while women dress in Bùbá (a blouse) and Ìró (a wrapper).
Their culture also shines through in their rhythmic dances, vibrant festivals, and traditional cuisine, particularly Ìyàn (pounded yam) served with melon soup and bush meat. They speak a dialect similar to that of the Ijesas in Osun State.
The people of Ikogosi are deeply spiritual, worshipping their Creator through Christianity, Islam, and traditional practices. The town is ruled by an Oba, regarded as a sacred or divine king.
The kingmakers choose the oba, who must come from the lineage of past rulers. Highly respected by the community, the Oba’s installation and coronation involve solemn and elaborate rites. After that, he primarily resides in the palace. The Oba only appears in public on special ceremonial occasions.
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The Colourful Ikogosi Day
The people of Ikogosi celebrate their unity and rich cultural heritage annually on Ikogosi Day, observed on November 2. This unique festival brings together sons and daughters of Ikogosi, both at home and abroad, to reconnect with their roots, honour their traditions, and strengthen their sense of community.
Dressed in vibrant traditional attire, participants engage in various activities that highlight the unique customs, art, and music of Ikogosi. From energetic traditional dances to the rhythm of soulful drumming, Ikogosi Day provides a platform for all generations to celebrate their shared heritage.
Ikogosi Day celebrates the past and showcases the community’s growth and prosperity. It is a time to enjoy traditional Ikogosi dishes prepared and shared as part of the festivities, reinforcing the cultural bonds that tie the people together. This event symbolises cultural continuity, inviting future generations to experience and appreciate the richness of Ikogosi’s traditions.
In addition to Ikogosi Day, the people celebrate the New Yam Festival, Odun Ijesu. This festival is a time for fasting, thanksgiving for the harvest, and performing traditional rites to ensure success in the new planting season.
A key festival highlight involves a ritual with a newly harvested yam to predict the community’s destiny. The yam is divided into parts and tossed into the air. If one part lands face up and the other face down, it is seen as a good omen. However, if both parts land face up or face down, it is considered a bad omen.
Like Ikogosi Day, the New Yam Festival reflects the community’s commitment to preserving its culture and passing on its legacy to future generations.
Beyond the natural wonder of the warm springs, Ikogosi boasts a vibrant cultural heritage that is deeply cherished and actively preserved. This rich cultural identity is expressed through various colourful festivals that serve as a testament to the community’s traditions, history, and values.
Fun Facts
• The warm water is clear, while the cold water takes on a brown colour from the rocks beneath it.
• At the point where the two waters meet, the warm water flows rapidly while the cold water moves gently.
• The cold water gets even colder the closer you get to its source.
• The unique blend of warm and cold water that keeps its thermal properties after merging is found only in Ikogosi, nowhere else in the world.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What makes Ikogosi Warm Springs unique? It is one of the few places in the world where warm and cold springs flow side by side, maintaining their distinct temperatures even at the meeting point. This rare natural phenomenon makes it a remarkable geological site.
- What is the temperature of the warm and cold springs at Ikogosi? The warm spring has a temperature of up to 70°C at its source and cools to about 37°C when it merges with the cold spring. The cold spring, in contrast, remains cool throughout.
- What cultural festivals are celebrated in Ikogosi? Ikogosi celebrates several cultural festivals, including Ikogosi Day, held annually on November 2, where people gather to honour their heritage. Another major festival is the New Yam Festival (Odun Ijesu), a time for thanksgiving, traditional rites, and a ritual involving the first yam of the season to predict the community’s future.
- Can I hike or explore nature around Ikogosi? Yes! Ikogosi is surrounded by beautiful landscapes perfect for nature walks, hiking, and climbing. Visitors can enjoy the serene environment while exploring the hills and scenic trails around the warm springs.
- What is the significance of the Ikogosi Oba (king)? The Ikogosi community is led by an Oba, a divine or sacred king chosen from a line of past rulers. The Oba’s installation is a significant cultural event, and he is highly respected within the community. He only appears in public on ceremonial occasions.
- What can visitors expect when they visit Ikogosi today?
Ikogosi is a popular tourist destination with a beautiful resort, scenic walking trails, picnic areas, and a peaceful, relaxing atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy the breathtaking views and natural wonder of the warm and cold springs and explore the surrounding hills, making it ideal for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.
