It is located in the ancient city of Abeokuta, Ogun State and was historically used as a natural fortress during inter-tribal warfare in the 19th century. Its patron spirit is venerated in the Yoruba religion as an orisha’. Olumo is a popular tourist attraction. It provided protection to the Egba people when they needed it, and is now held in high esteem by the members of the clan. The mountain, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Nigeria, sits in the heart of Abeokuta – a name which means “Under the rock” in the Yoruba language; it has a height of 137 metres above sea level. Abeokuta was originally inhabited by the Egbas, who the rock provided with sanctuary and gave a vantage point to monitor the enemy’s advance, leading to eventual triumph in war. The town of Abeokuta eventually grew as these new settlers spread out from this location. The site includes a museum, restaurants, water fountain and the ancient Itoku market, where local artisans and traders enjoy haggling over prices just as much as the customers like to find a bargain.
The market lies just outside the Olumo rock premises. It is the center of the indigenous Abeokuta industry of tie-and-dye, locally known as adire. We used the ancient path to climb all the way to the top, the climb was tricky but fun. It had just rained so we had to be extra careful as we climbed up the man-made stairs carved into the rock on irregularly sized rocks (or ladders which are now provided) through a narrow corridor that leads to the top of the rock. All along the way, you will catch sights of carvings in the rock, cowrie-studded statues and the ancient abode of the priestesses of the mountain deity who live in huts on the rock. It was truly as exciting and as magical as my first trip. We just made it to the top and unbelievable, there is a picnic spread on a flat portion of the Rock overlooking the ancient city and guess who was there? “Rick! You?” I exclaimed in surprise.
Did I also tell you guys that coincidentally Rick and Dennis are both Egba men from Abeokuta? Happy new middle of the year Fam! Keep it locked here, our adventures or should I say sexcapades like Jasmine would prefer are ‘classified’ (wink) but I will prefer to say like Kaycee would….‘God before bros’. “Yes, it’s me kitten” Rick said, calling me his pet name for me derived from Catherine, my English name. The view was breath taking. It was one of my best outings ever to date. Rick set out himself to be charming and sweet, we had a great time. We are back to Lagos and the roller coaster lifestyle. As always work had piled up. I looked at my desk in despair. Reality hit me like a lightning bolt; I had less than two weeks to wrap up some of these documents I was working on. “Debbie,” I yelled in frustration as I picked up the phone after it rang again for the umpteenth time. “Yes,” I snarled into the mouth piece forgetting to be civil. “My oh my, someone is in a grumpy mood today,” I heard Jasmine say laughing over the phone. We are meant to meet tonight but its good she called because I have to take a rain check on our outing. I explained curtly to Jasmine my reasons for not being able to make the hangout and that is when she reminded me that we were to discuss a shelter for the abused women who attend Warien Rose Foundation’s Domestic Violence Anonymous Support Group Meetings every month and that we couldn’t continue fixing them up in people’s homes. Wow, I forgot. I hurriedly wrapped up for the day, again forgetting why I called Debbie my Secretary. When she came I just shoved some of the new files on my table in her hands and asked her to distribute them amongst the new wigs (new Lawyers) with a stern warning to study the files assigned to them and tell me in the morning what they feel will be the best approach. I walked out tiredly after a very busy day only to walk right into Dennis. “Dennis?” I exclaimed in surprise, what are you doing here? “I am here on a rescue mission,” he said with a smug smile and right after that you need to tell me where you disappeared to the last three days,” he concluded with a lopside grin.