Olumo rock stand as a pride and symbol of Egba Unity for the people of Egba.
The rock was discovered by a hunter named “Adagba”. Adagba usually hunts from one place to another so whenever he got tried, he will go under the rock (cave) to rest because the place was very cool. So later other hunters came to join him under the cave to rest.
During that time, Egbas’ stayed at Orile Egba because they were under the Oyo Empire or kingdom. So later an intertribal war, which began in the year 1830, between the Egbas and Idaomi i.e. now called Republic of Benin. From this period are the five historical events attached to Olumo rock;

EGBA WAR TIME HIDE OUT

During the war the Egba people needed shelter i.e. a place to hide from their enemies so they hid under the rock, which was then a jungle (thick forest) for 3 good years. Under the rock, they caved out five (5) rooms, where six (6) holes were made as a result of pounding pepper, and other food items, and at that time, the jungle was named after Adagba known as Adagba farm, because he was known to be a brave and giant hunter. During the war, the great warriors will go to the top of the rock to look for their enemies day by day while the wives and children stayed in the cave under the rock. From then the population increased.
Meanwhile during the intertribal war, the rock protested them, and the Egba people started to make sacrifice to the rock. So after the intertribal war which the Egba people
won, they consulted the oracle (IFA) to know the way forward, so the oracle advised them to stay close to the rock, and build house close to the rock, because there, they will find everlasting peace and their children which have been sold into slavery will return to them and help them even while people will join in helping them.
So, the Egba people concluded saying that “ibi yii ni Oluwa fi ogun ati wahala wa mosi” meaning that “This is where God has put an end to our suffering and wondering”. From this statement, the Egba people named the rock “Olumo” i.e. “Oluwa mosi”. And thereafter, the Egbas were named after the rock i.e. Abeokuta meaning “under the rock”.

OLUMO MAIN SHRINE

The Olumo shrine is where the people of Abeokuta offer sacrifice to Olumo rock. The sacrifice began during the reign of King Oyebade Lipede. The sacrifice usually comes up every 5th of August, which is once in a year. The Olumo shrine’s is opened once in which the Oba and the chief priests will be allowed to go into the shrine to make the sacrifices to the gods. Also, it was observed that in the ancient time, human beings were used for sacrifice, but as a result of civilization, a big black cow is used with many other things like, Kolanut, Honey, Pigeon etc.
The sacrifice usually starts by 12p.m till the following day, where they shoot the traditional guns and beat the drums (Ogboni drums). This is done in order to let the people know they are doing a sacrifice to the orisa Olumo. But now, the king usually sends the chief priest (Abore) and some other chiefs in Abeokuta. Other people go there to make obeisance to the god with the saying “Olumo abe e lowo, abe e lomo”. Meaning we are pleading for money and children.

THE GRAVE

There was a grave under the rock, and the man buried in the grave in named, Chief Soni Ajimatankunje. His chieftaincy name called “Osi” which means the man at the left hand side of the King.
According to traditional practices in the olden days, when a chief dies, they must be buried at the backyard of their house. So this Chief Soni Ajimatankunje was buried at the back yard of his house that is exactly beside the Egba wartime Hide Out.

ORISA IGUN SHRINE

Orisa igun means gods of longevity, orisa igun is a female worship. The festival usually holds on every March. The female worshippers will stay there for 2months and 11days before returning back to their various homes. Within the vicinity of the shrine, there exist some other gods like Ojubo Obaluaye. Ojubo (god of small pox and measles), Obaluaye, (god of iron) ogun. The Akoko tree was met and still remains on the rock, and the leaves of the tree have never withered but remain ever green, even in dry season. While some of the worshippers i.e. 6 or 5 remains to do the herbal works for people and also consult the oracle on their behalf if needed

PEAK OF OLUMO

Olumo rock is about 137meter above the sea level. When standing at the peak, one will see almost all the parts or places in Abeokuta. Standing on the peak of the rock, one can see vividly the first Church in Nigeria called Saint Peter Cathedral Church established in 1844. Also, the school in which important people in the society went to like President Olusegun Obasanjo, Governor Gbenga Daniel, NNPC Chairman, Former President of Federal Republic of Nigeria (Shonekan), called Baptist Boys High School. The first Central Mosque can be seen which was established in 1924. One can also see the family house of Moshood Kasimawo Abiola, which are the green houses with red roofing sheet. Also, the river named river ogun, which flows to different states within Nigeria, its flow to Osun, Lagos, Oyo, and Ondo. And also, the word “ogun” mean eight different things in Nigeria, its means, god of iron, war, medicine, sweat, inheritances, longevity, figure 20, and climb, aside the fact that the name of the State is Ogun.
RECENT INNOVATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF OLUMO ROCK.
The redesigned and reconstruction of Olumo Rock Tourist Complex was executed by the Executive Governor of Ogun State H. E. Otunba Gbenga Daniel, and its was commissioned by the President of Federal Republic of Nigeria, H. E. Olusegun Obasanjo. It was completed on 3rd of February 2006.
The re-development of Olumo rock are the following:
1) Creation of a big gate.
2) Creation of lifts that’s Elevator.
3) Creation of Museum.
4) Creation of Sweet Sensations and shops.
5) Creation of painted railings.
6) Creation of seat for relaxation.
7) Payment of entrance free increased.
8) Provision of modern day toilet.
9) Creation of power house.
10) Creation of pot of life
11) Availability of Parking Spaces.

Creation of Big Gate

Olumo rock has moved to the next level, thereby attracting scores of tourist daily, pretty more than before. In the compound of Olumo rock, we notice a lot of new development, such as a new gate, which is at the entrance, with the inscription “Welcome to Olumo Rock”, written in red on a yellow painted block. At the right hand side is the gate past, where ticket fees and other fees necessary for the tour in Olumo rock were paid.

The Museum

Then close to the post gate, is a building inscribed on it, “MUSEUM” but we were told that it was yet to be stocked with museum materials. Although, it is used for multi-purpose usage, such as wedding ceremony, burial ceremony, and other occasional ceremony events.
Creation of Lift/Elevator

There exist installation of three lifts named, A, B, and C. the lifts has endeared Olumo Rock to many people who may have not be able to climb or reach the top. Though, the ancient stair-way are still there but with a lifts, those who are physically challenged can now get to the top of Olumo.
Olumo Rock is a living museum, because we still maintain vestiges of the past belief system which allow the African traditional believers to carry out their activities without molestation. We still have the ancient caves, the mystery tree and sacred tombs. All these make Olumo Rock a tourist delight.

In conclusion, the advent of Otunba Gbenga Daniel of Ogun State has been described as a golden era for the tourism industry in the state. Making this assertion during an exclusive interview with TTH on the top of Olumo rock. Colonel Tunde Sawyer who manages the historical rock reveal that Governor Daniel is a God-sent messiah to salvary Olumo rock, that is, particular the tourism business in ogun state from prediction. More...................