Excursions

Olumo Rock is a popular tourist attraction in the city of Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. It was used as a fortress by the Egba people in the early 19th century. Olumo rock, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Nigeria, West Africa, sits in the ancient city centre of Abeokuta – a name which means “Under the rock”; it has a height of 137 metres above sea level.Abeokuta was originally inhabited by the Egba People who found refuge at the Olumo rock during intertribal wars in the 19th century. The rock provided sanctuary to the people as well as 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. Abeokuta is just about an hour’s drive from the ancient city of Ibadan. The ancient heritage of the Egbas in the Southwestern part of Nigeria are numerous, from the tie and dye (Adire), to mat making, sculptures, festivals and finally the natural monument of the Olumo Rock. Olumo rock has great significance to the economic and geographic stability of the Egbas in Ogun state, Nigeria.