• How we plan to revive lake’s dying tourist potential, by Oyo govt
By Oluseye Ojo
Iyake Suspended Lake. Ever heard of it? It is one of the two suspended lakes in the world. It is a stunningly beautiful and enigmatic body of water perched high atop the Oke-Ado Mountain in Ado-Awaye, a community which lies about 20 kilometres West of Iseyin in Oke-Ogun area of Oyo State.
The lake is a breathtaking secret, known only to a few adventurers that have visited Ado-Awaye in Iseyin Local Government Area of Oyo State in Nigeria.
The first known suspended lake, also called Hanging Lake, is at Glenwood Canyon in the State of Colorado, United States. It is about 11 kilometres East of Glenwood Springs and it is a very popular tourist destination.
But in Nigeria, the suspended lake at the peak of Oke-Ado Mountain in Ado-Awaye, in spite of its uniqueness, hasn’t carved a niche as a popular tourist destination.
Available information revealed that the Hanging Lake of Colorado attracts throngs of tourists with its accessible trails and picturesque views Bur Iyake Lake remains an untouched oasis, waiting to be discovered.
The Hanging Lake, which is enchantingly clear, with its turquoise waters and cascading waterfalls, usually captures the hearts of approximately 131,000 visitors a year.
A recent visit to Iyake Lake showed that it is a treasure hidden from the chaos of modern life. It has 369 challenging steps leading to the serene waters. The journey to Iyake is not just a hike, it’s a rigorous adventure through nature’s untamed wilderness. It offers a rich tapestry of biodiversity and breathtaking views that few have laid eyes upon.
As gathered, travellers increasingly seek off-the-beaten-path experiences, as the Iyake Lake provides a glimpse into Nigeria’s hidden treasures, and a piece of Nigeria’s unsung natural beauty.
Tale of Two Lakes
The Hanging Lake is celebrated for its scenic trails and easy accessibility. But Iyake Lake tells a story of untamed wilderness and cultural heritage.
The Hanging Lake, situated just 11 kilometres east of Glenwood Springs, boasts a well-maintained 2.5-mile trail that attracts hikers and nature lovers alike. The thrill of ascending 1,000 feet towards the lake, as gathered, culminates in an unforgettable vista that echoes the majesty of nature’s artistry.
The United States government, having recognised the charm of the Hanging Lake, bestowed upon it, the title of a National Natural Landmark in 2011.
In stark contrast, Iyake Lake remains a hidden gem. The lake, seen as sacred and mystical by the local people, does not share the same tourist footfall as its American counterpart. There is no record of how many souls have dared the arduous trek up the mountain, with 369 steep steps that demand more than just physical endurance. .
The route to the Iyake Suspended Lake in Nigeria is a path known for its harsh terrain and dense foliage.
On arrival at Ado-Awaye, the trek to the Oke-Ado Mountain begins at Agelu Junction, before morphing into a serpentine climb up the sacred mountain.
Visitors often rely on the local motorcyclists, whether to carry them, or lead them in order to navigate the roads that lead to the mountain, where a wooden sign post stands at the edge of the trail. The trail presents visitors with a glimpse into the marvel of the suspended lake.
Intriguing Allure of Iyake Suspended Lake
The moment one reaches the summit, the sight is as spectacular as it is serene. The water glistens like liquid emerald against the backdrop of rich greenery. Local lore suggests that the lake is bottomless, a notion that incites both intrigue and caution.
It is said that anyone who immerses himself or herself in its waters may never return. It is an age-old taboo that reverberates throughout the community. Swimming and bathing in the lake is strictly forbidden, and the villagers share stories of the spiritual significance that the water holds.
One of the landmarks on the mountains is an elephant tree, a natural rock formation resembling an elephant, and the mysterious Iya Alaro crevice, which is believed to be a spiritual passage
A villager. Mr. Ade Adesegun, said it would take about 45 minutes to get to where the suspended lake is located on the Oke-Ado Mountain, which is at the back of Ansar-Ul- Deen Primary School.
The lake looks serene. The water in the lake is turquoise and is about 12 feet in diam¬eter. It is known for its clearness, neatness, size and spiritual significance. It is regarded as the main god of fertility of the Oke-Ado Mountain, which spreads from Ado-Awaye town to the surrounding plains and stands magnificently above the verdant rainforests. town to the surrounding plains and stands
The villagers believe that the lake is a bottomless gorge. According to them, there exists beneath the lake another world that looks like the earth, and whoever transits into the world by diving into the lake will never return to this world. This probably prompted the villagers to make it a taboo for anybody to bathe or swim in the lake. It was said that whoever swims in the lake will be drowned and the person’s body will never be seen again.
But people from different parts of Nigeria and foreign countries have been visiting the lake. Some of them “scoop out water from the lake and go away with it. Some do wash their faces and some drink it for spiritual purposes,” Adeseun told Saturday Sun.
At about two metres to the lake is a small hole filled with water. The hole is known as ‘Agbomofunyake’. It is said that if anyone dips his feet into the small hole, the person will be sucked through the rock into the bot¬tom of the bigger Iyake Lake.
As the reporter stood and beheld the won¬ders of nature, some small black birds flew to Iyake Lake to drink water. The tranquil lake is regarded by the ancestors of Ado people as so powerful that whatever prayer is made with its water will yield supernatural results.
A rocky plain, which can be developed into a picnic or camping site, was sighted in the vicinity of the lake. As gathered, the plain is used by some religious organizations for spiritual exercises. They do camp on the plain for three to seven days.
The interesting points on the Oke-Ado Mountain are not limited to the Suspended Lake, Agbomofunyake and Ishage Rock. There are also crests of rock, which the vil¬lagers described as ‘Esekan Iku’ (on the verge of death).
The rocky outcrop can be climbed to gain a full view of the whole range of the hills, lying towards the border of Nigeria with the Republic of Benin. Also, the scenery of the place is beautiful to behold.
But beyond the aesthetics are the shrines of various gods of the town, which include Iyake, Isata, Ishage, Igbe and Oduduwa.
Ishage Rocky Outcrop
The first level, where visitors to the Iyake Lake, can rest, has a rocky outcrop. A cursory look would make the outcrop to look as if a strong wind would blow it off its position, down the mountain, and would wreak monument havoc to houses very close to the base of the mountain.
Elderly locals often gather around Ishage Rock, a colossal boulder perched precariously on the mountainside, believed by many to possess supernatural powers. Prayers offered at this rock, according to residents of Ado-Awaye, are purported to be answered swiftly. It is a mystical element woven into the fabric of daily life in Ado-Awaye.
Worshippers gather around, feasting and celebrating with roasted beans, seeking blessings from the gods they believe inhabit the landscape.
The Ishagi Rock, which is at about step number 180, is held in high esteem by the na¬tives of Ado-Awaye. They believe that every prayer offered to the Supreme Being through Ishagi Rock always receives speedy answer. Those who believe in its spiritual power usually go to feast around the rock. But the feasting is always done with chicken and specially roasted beans (Ewa Ishagi).
But the 369 steps do not take tourists to the lake, as it ends half way. As at now, the steps are not very strong and erosion has washed off many of them. At the point where the steps stop, tourists pass through a narrow path and conveniently climb other levels of the Oke-Ado Mountain, before getting to the syncline that houses the lake. Some green shrubs nestle at its side.
Agbomofunyake
On the summit of the mountain, there are many attractions. One of them is a small, mystical hole known as ‘Agbomofunyake,’ said to be a portal to the depths of the lake.
Locals talk of the surprising consequences of dipping one’s feet into this hole. They are of the belief that the hole can be attributed to the allure and enigma that the lake exudes.
The combination of myth and spirituality could have positioned Iyake Lake as a natural site and a vital aspect of the local cultural identity, and as a sanctuary that connects the community to its roots.
Forgotten potential of Iyake Lake
Despite its stunning environment and rich cultural significance, Iyake Suspended Lake remains largely undiscovered by the broader world.
The visit to Ado-Awaye revealed a largely unremarkable tourist infrastructure, lacking the necessary facilities and marketing to entice the international community. It is a shocking contrast to the flurry of tourists that grace America’s Hanging Lake annually.
The health of the hiking trail to the lake itself is compromised; many of the steps have worn away or become eroded, making the journey more perilous.
As the reporter walked the trails, it became evident that while the natural wonders are still intact, the lack of investment into the infrastructure keeps this ethereal landscape shrouded in obscurity.
Funding and commitment to tourism development have ebbed over the years, suspending funding for the development of the suspended lake, and leaving the lake and its surroundings stagnant.
In 2021, Iyake Festival was initiated by Ado-Awaye, under the leadership of the Alado of Ado-Awaye, Oba Ademola Folakanmi. Promises were made during the festival, which included connecting the Oke-Ado Mountain that houses Iyake Lake to Lagos Airport through cable cars. This was to emplace mechanisms that would ensure seamless transportation, especially for inter-state and international tourists.
The monarch noted that the Iyake lake, has the tourism potential of increasing the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of Oyo State by 50 per cent, if effectively harnessed.
Oba Folakanmi said the lake in Colorado has been generating 50 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the State of Colorado, inferring that the government of Oyo State has also been losing 50 per cent of its GDP to the fact that Iyake Suspended Lake, has not been developed to attract thousands of visitors annually, as development of the Iyake Lake would not only attract tourists, but also boost its revenue the more.
“Iyake Suspended Lake is not only unique for being the only natural one in the world, it is also unique for being a spiritual source, a medical source, an emotional resource, an educative and cultural resource destination in concept and nature.
Dreams of revitalisation and recognition
The dream of revitalisng Ado-Awaye’s tourism potential becomes palpable in conversations with locals as well as serving and former government officials.
A former deputy governor of Oyo State, Chief Iyiola Oladokun, a notable native of Ado-Awaye, recalled the days when the lake attracted not only local but foreign tourists. He expressed the desire that the once-bustling tourist hub be restored to its former glory, with plans to develop rest houses, kiosks, and improved pathways to facilitate access.
“The importance of providing the necessary infrastructure cannot be overstated,” Oladokun emphasises. “Tourism is based on people’s experiences; if visitors leave happy, they will recommend it to others. If we can upgrade this site, it will undoubtedly attract attention and revenue.” He sees a future where the beauty of the suspended lake is matched by the conveniences required for modern tourism.
The optimism swells among the community as government officials have started to discuss potential redevelopment projects.
Oyo’s ambitious plans for Iyake Lake
Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, in a grand celebration of culture and natural wonder, has, however, unveiled some ambitious plans to transform the Iyake Suspended Lake. The announcement came during the vibrant climax of the 2024 Iyake International Festival, hosted at the Festival Arena nestled against the breathtaking Ado Mountain.
Makinde, who was represented by the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, expressed the state’s commitment to upgrading facilities around the lake, towards attracting investors and boosting Oyo’s tourism potential.
His words: “We have two suspended lakes in the whole world; one is artificial, while the other is natural. But the only natural one in the world is the Iyake Suspended Lake, which is domiciled here in Ado Awaye.
“When we came in, we realised that few people knew about Iyake and I took it upon myself, in conjunction with Alado of Ado Awaye, to create awareness so that people would know that there is a place like this somewhere in Oyo State. We also believe that in order to create more awareness, we should have a festival that we will be doing every year.
“In as much as Iyake is synonymous with Ado Awaye, if we decide to do a festival to commemorate that festival, we are using one stone to kill two birds. One is to celebrate the festival and the town, while the second is to call the attention of the world to the suspended lake.
“So, we can have investors who would be willing to invest or have enough fund to invest in the lake.
“The state government believes that there is no need for government to be in business but to create conducive environment for businesses to thrive. We have done that and we are now calling on investors because we want to leave a sustainable legacy to make things easy for the administrations coming after us.
“We are rewriting history in all our tourist sites and have started seeing many investors but it is only proof of fund that is delaying them. Immediately after our international summit, many investors started coming to the state to invest, though we have them more in hotels, eateries and nightclubs business.
“We are still expecting to have more people who have resources to finance the tourism sites,” he said.
A member of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Dele Adeola, representing Iseyin/Itesiwaju State Constituency, commended the state’s decision to allocate funds for the lake’s development in the 2025 budget. He enjoined private investors to invest in the site.
Traditional rulers, including Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Sefiu Oyebola Adeyeri, and Ona-Onibudo of Igboho, Oba AbdulRasheed Anikulapo Jayeola, voiced their endorsement. They drew attention to the role of culture and tourism in elevating the state’s economy.
Moreover, the Alado of Ado Awaye, Oba (Rev’d) Ademola Folakanmi Olugbile Makunledoye II, lauded the governor’s vision, assuring investors of lucrative returns. An advocacy was also made for improved accessibility and relaxation spots to boost tourist engagement.
The planning committee chairman for Iyake Festival 2024, Mr. Bola Olalere, reiterated the significance of Iyake Suspended Lake within Oyo’s treasure trove of attractions. He called for continued physical enhancements at the site to establish it as an internationally recognised tourist destination.
Preservation and progress
The aggregate opinion of stakeholders stated that unlike Hanging Lake, which has effectively managed tourist traffic, the Iyake Suspended Lake requires careful planning to maintain its treasured environment.
They believe that a delicate balance must be struck to protect the lake’s sacred essence, while welcoming visitors eager to explore its beauty.
According to them, access to the mystical lake must come with respect for its cultural significance and ecological integrity.
Bridging a world of nature and culture
The journey of transforming the suspended lake from obscurity into a celebrated landmark parallels a quest for recognition that beats at the heart of Ado-Awaye, a community rich with historical narratives and untold treasures.
Ado-Awaye was formed by two settle¬ments – Ado and Awaye, more than 200 years ago. According to oral history, the ancestors of Ado people migrated from Awori land to settle at the top of Oke-Ado Mountain as a result of the Dahomey War that ravaged the Yoruba land in the 18th Century. The gods of the mountain were said to have kept the ancestors of Ado people safe till the war subsided. When they descended the mountain to settle at the foot of the hill, they met with the Awaye people, who had settled near the mountain. So, they agreed to live together, hence the name Ado-Awaye.