The Ogun State Government announced on Friday that Olumo Rock Tourist Centre in Abeokuta, the state capital, will be closed temporarily from April 14 for renovation and a facelift.
The state Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mr. Sesan Fagbayi, disclosed this to newsmen in a statement in Abeokuta, saying the renovation boosted tourism and preserved cultural assets across the state.
He assured all that the renovation would improve visitors’ experience and ensure safety measures.
He apologised to tourists and the general public for the inconvenience the development may cause, adding that updates would be communicated as work progresses.
The Olumo Rock Tourist Complex is a government agency under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Over the years, tourism has become a prominent field celebrated for attracting diverse audiences. Olumo Rock is regarded as a tourist’s delight and a must-visit destination for travelers around the globe.
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This iconic site has drawn local and international visitors, earning a reputation as a landmark of cultural and historical significance. Olumo Rock is a natural monument, perfectly positioned within a unique architectural setting, surrounded by cave-like formations that once provided refuge for ancient dwellers.
Geologically, Olumo Rock is an irregular igneous formation, composed of a massive outcrop of granite. Historically, it served as a sanctuary and symbol of safety for the ancient Egba Kingdom. In the 19th century, during intra-tribal wars between the Dahomey and Egba people, the Rock became a place of solace. The cave-like openings beneath the Rock, known as ‘Abeokuta’ in Yoruba, protected those seeking refuge.
Standing at 137 meters above sea level, Olumo Rock also provided a strategic aerial view of the surrounding communities. This vantage point allowed warriors to plan defensive and offensive strategies more effectively.
After the wars, the Rock, which had provided shelter and hope to the Egba settlers, evolved into a rallying point for the people. It became a symbol of faith and unity, believed to have ended their strife and wanderings. In gratitude to God and nature, the Rock was named ‘Olumo,’ a Yoruba word which means “God has molded” or, in another interpretation, “the place where God put an end to our struggles.
The natural cave-like structures within the Rock offered rooms for safety and temporary homes during the conflicts. Following their victories, the Egba people took pride in having found refuge beneath the Rock. The name ‘Abeokuta,’ derived from the Yoruba phrase for “under the rock,” became emblematic of their resilience and triumph.
Due to its historical importance, the capital of Ogun State was named Abeokuta in honor of the events of 1830, when the Egba people sought refuge under Olumo Rock. Thus, the true essence of Abeokuta resides at the Olumo Rock Tourist Complex, a landmark of cultural and historical pride for the Egba people and Nigeria as a whole.