Olumo rock is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Nigeria, and it is located at 4/5 Ijemo road, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. It has a height of 137 metres above sea level. This rock is a massive outcrop of granite rocks of a primitive formation.
The name of the town Abeokuta largely translates to “under the rock.” It was originally served as an abode for the Egba people, who sought refuge at the Olumo rock during invasion by neighbouring villages in the 19th century. Story has it that the men of Egba hid their wives and kids inside the rock while they stayed up and lay ambush for their enemies. It also served as vantage point for monitoring the town. With many records of victory, the town Abeokuta grew larger while settlers began spreading out.
Now a tourist site, the town is just about an hour drive from the bustling metropolitan city of Lagos which is home to the nearest airport in Abeokuta i.e. Muritala Muhammed Airport (Local & international). Meanwhile, hotels like the gateway hotel, the Olumo guest house etc. are a few minutes’ drive from the rock.
Just outside the premises of Olumo rock is the ancient Kemta Adire market in Itoku, the market is a bee-hive for tourists who are interested in the locally made Adire. Adire (tie and dye) is made in southwestern Nigeria by Yoruba women. Abeokuta is considered to be the capital of adire making in Nigeria.
Though, the market alone is another tourist attraction because of the well designed, hand crafted adire which can be gotten there, considering the fact that it is lots of decade old. Other items like beads, sculptures, talking drums etc can also be found there.
The now renovated Olumo rock has some infrastructure like a museum, restaurants, water fountain and an elevator for those who can’t climb their way to the top of the rock.
It is natural for aged women who reside there to be seen and many shower tourists with words of blessings.