Olumo rock is located in Abeokuta the Ogun state
capital. The rock dates back to the days when
songs of war dominated the airwaves in Yoruba
land, that’s was in the first quarter of 19th
century when Oyo empire was falling apart from
pressure of Fulani attacks from outside and
fraternal conflicts from within.
In 1830, shoeke, a hunter and leader of Egba
refugees from Ibadan area founded the town of
Abeokuta which means “beneath the rock”. The
rock was later named “Olumo” which had two
levels of meaning. The first is “Olu” (God)
“Mo” (Molded) the second is “Oluwa fi mo” (God has put an end to our wandering and suffering).
Historically, Olumo rock was discovered by a hunter famer named Adagba and he found the rock to be
a natural place of refuge from wars and threat of wars. Adagba retreated with his wife to the safety
of the rock whenever the need arise. Egba reconnaissance men (consisting of three hunters) who met
with Adagba where brought to the rock and were convinced that their search for a new secure home
base is over. With the surrounding fertile wooded savannah and the presence of Ogun River, they
believe that they have arrived at the promise land. Confirmation of the suitability of the site by Ifa
divination was needed to seal of approval.
Olumo rock is nature massive monuments made of indigenous material, with the highest point at
137 meters from the base of the rock. From a perspective angle, it looks like “behemoth” in a sitting
position; it also appears as a female mammoth guarding her brood. In metaphysics, the fact of its
indigenous formation can be said to be its strength as a refuge, a hideout during the process of
sitting in their new settlement which is the present day Abeokuta.
In addition, the rock functioned as a tower of strength for Egba in their wars to defend the new
settlement. Symbolically Olumo is the single most important representation of Egba nationalism, it is
the unique monument inseparably associated with their heroism and freedom. It is to them what
status of Liberty is to Americans, it never fails to fascinate both the young and the old with its sheer
size, configuration and several chambers located inside the belly of the “behemoth” in which its
brood was hidden from the danger of incessant assault in the past. However Olumo rock became the
symbol of unity, freedom of the Egba’s and all the residents of Abeokuta.
The rooms where Iya Olorisha and her family stay inside Olumo rock
131 year old Iya Olorisha
Egbas' hide-out
This is where Egbas used to grind peppers for cooking soups
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