DOCUMENTATION OF THE EGBA ORIGIN ORIGIN MYTH AND LEGENDARY AND THEIR HISTORICAL

NARRATIVES IN THE FOUNDING OF THE EGBA LAND.

Title: "Exploring Olumo Rock: Uncovering the Legends, Myths, and Cultural Significance to the Egba
Community’’

INTRODUCTION

Egba Land is a historical region located in present-day Nigeria. It is primarily inhabited by the Egba
people, who are part of the Yoruba ethnic group. The Egba people have a rich history and cultural
heritage. Egba Land is situated in the southwestern part of Nigeria, specifically in the present-day Ogun
State. The region is known for its significant contributions to the history and development of Nigeria,
particularly during the pre-colonial and colonial eras. One of the most notable aspects of Egba Land is its
historical significance in the fight against colonialism. The Egba people, under the leadership of figures
such as Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola, played a crucial role in resisting
British colonial rule during the 19th century. Egba Land is also recognized for its cultural traditions,
including festivals, music, dance, and arts. The region has produced renowned individuals in various
fields, including politics, literature, and education. A prominent city within Egba Land is Abeokuta, which
serves as the capital of Ogun State. Abeokuta is known for its distinctive rock formations and historical
sites, such as Olumo Rock, which holds cultural and historical significance for the Egba people. Egba Land
holds an important place in Nigerian history and continues to be celebrated for its cultural heritage and
contributions to the nation.

So therefore, in alignment with Sustainable development goals, which aims to ensure inclusive
and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all, this proposal seeks
to explore the potential of cultural heritage in enhancing educational experiences. By delving into the
legends, myths, and cultural significance of Olumo Rock, we aim to create innovative educational
resources that will engage students, foster cultural appreciation, and contribute to the overall
improvement of education in our community.

URGENCY OF THE PROJECT.

There is the need for collecting and preserving the oral literature of the Egba community due to several
critical reasons such as Cultural Preservation which highlights the need to document and safeguard
these traditional narratives before they are lost or diluted due to modernization, globalization, and the
impact of external influences on the community's cultural practices. Cultural identity emphasizes how
oral literature is an integral part of the Egba community's identity, providing a sense of continuity and
connection to their history, values, and worldview. Stress the importance of preserving these stories for
future generations to maintain a strong sense of cultural identity. Another is the threat of
disappearance, discussing how oral traditions are vulnerable to being forgotten or marginalized,
especially as younger generations may be less interested in or exposed to these stories, in contrary to us
the researchers that we are interested in this stories cause we are studying oral literature, lot of people
out there don’t know much about the legendary hill, so we are using this medium to emphasize the risk
of losing valuable cultural knowledge and heritage if urgent action is not taken, and if we are given this
opportunity, we will able to encourage the young ones to be interested in the history. Community
Empowerment also Illustrates how the preservation of oral literature can empower the Egba community
by fostering pride in their cultural heritage, enhancing intergenerational communication, and promoting
a sense of unity and resilience. Academic and Research Value highlights the significance of documenting
these oral narratives for researchers, anthropologists, linguists, and historians studying African cultures
and traditions. Emphasize the potential for new insights into the Egba community's history, language,
and belief systems.

The type of oral literature we intend to collect from the Egba community includes myths, legends,
folktales, and traditional stories that have been passed down through generations. These narratives
often contain elements of folklore, spirituality, history, and cultural values, providing a window into the
beliefs and traditions of the community.

When collecting oral literature from the Egba people, we want to focus on stories that are unique to
their cultural heritage and reflect their specific worldview. This could include myths about the creation
of the world, legends of ancestral heroes or supernatural beings, folktales that explain natural
phenomena or moral lessons, and stories that are associated with important rituals or ceremonies. By
documenting and preserving these oral narratives, we can help ensure that the rich cultural heritage of
the Egba community is safeguarded for future generations. Through our collection efforts, we can also
contribute to the promotion and appreciation of these traditional stories, fostering a deeper
understanding and respect for the cultural legacy of the Egba people.

AIM AND OBJECTIVES.

The primary aim of this proposal is to secure funding to enhance the quality of education in line
with Sustainable development goals by conducting a comprehensive study of Olumo Rock and its
cultural significance to the Egba community. This study aims to develop educational materials and
programs that will enrich the learning experiences of students and contribute to the preservation of
local heritage.

■To explore the historical places and cultural significance of Olumo Rock.

■To the learn about the legends and oral literature associated with Olumo Rock.

■To experience the natural beauty and geological features of Olumo Rock To learn the deep meaning of
Olumo Rock and Abeokuta To discover the mythical elements and impact of Olumo Rock on local
community

RESEARCH QUESTION: What are the key themes, cultural significance, and linguistic nuances present in
the oral literature of the Egba community? How can the preservation of this oral literature contribute to
the revitalization of cultural heritage and community identity?

RESEARCH LOCATION : This research will be conducted In Olumo Rock, Ikija road, Abeokuta Ogun state,
Nigeria.
LOCAL COLLECTION TEAM.

1) Miss Tola Olori

2) Okuneye Olasubomi

3) Adebayo Lydia

4) Oki Ifeoluwa Juliana

5) Malik Oluwalonimi

6) Umunna Chisom

METHODOLOGY. The methodology for the project would involve a combination of qualitative research
methods, including:

Literature Review: Conducting a comprehensive review of existing literature on Egba oral literature,
cultural traditions, and linguistic studies to understand the historical context and previous research
findings. Coupled with engaging in fieldwork to collect oral literature directly from the Egba community
through interviews, storytelling sessions, and participatory observation. After which we'll perform
content Analysis by analyzing the collected oral literature to identify key themes, linguistic nuances, and
cultural significance using qualitative content analysis methods. Exploring and developing strategies for
the preservation and documentation of the oral literature, such as recording, transcription, translation,
and archiving. Applying interpretive methods to understand the cultural and symbolic meanings
embedded in the oral literature, as well as its implications for community identity and heritage.

While doing this we will ensure ethical practices in research by obtaining informed consent, respecting
cultural protocols, and protecting the intellectual property rights of the community. By employing these
methodologies, the project aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of Egba oral literature while
also contributing to the preservation and revitalization of this cultural heritage.

PROPOSED TIMELINE OF THE PROJECT: The project is proposed for 12 calendar month, the first 6th
month will be spent on documentation of myth and legends while the last 6 months will be for data
analysis, preservation strategies, interpreting and reporting our findings.

A BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE RESEARCHERS BACKGROUND

OKUNEYE OLASUBOMI

I am Okuneye Olasubomi, a female student of Yoruba origin from Nigeria currently studying
English at Chrisland University, Abeokuta. As a student of English studying Oral Literature, a field trip to
Olumo Rock is important to me for several reasons, one of which is cultural significance. Olumo Rock is a
culturally significant site in Nigeria with a rich history and mythology surrounding it. Visiting it will
provide more insights into the cultural context of oral literature because I will experience it firsthand.
This also adds to my understanding of oral tradition. The trip can serve as a source of inspiration for
creative writing and appreciation for oral literature, as I experience the sights and understand the
history that has influenced the Egba people’s nature and culture.

Overall, this field trip offers experiential learning, allowing me to connect theoretical knowledge
with practical experience, thereby deepening my understanding of oral literature as a course and
making it memorable.

ADEBAYO LYDIA

I am Adebayo Lydia, a female academic of Yoruba origin and I am currently a student pursuing a
degree in English literature, in Chrisland University. While I have a National Certificate of Education
(NCE), my focus on oral literature was not in-depth during my previous studies. However, I have
developed a keen interest in oral literature and its significance in the cultural heritage of different
communities. I am particularly drawn to the legends and myths surrounding Olumo Rock and its
significance to the Egba people. I believe that exploring these narratives will not only enrich my
understanding of oral literature but also provide me with valuable insights into the cultural traditions
and beliefs of the Egba land.

By delving into the legends and myths of Olumo Rock, I hope to gain a deeper appreciation for
the oral traditions of the Egba people and how these narratives have shaped their identity. I believe that
this exploration will not only benefit my academic pursuits but also provide me with a unique
perspective on the power of storytelling and its impact on communities.

OKI IFEOLUWA JULIANAH.

My name is Oki Ifeoluwa Juliana, a female academic of Yoruba origin from Nigeria and a
student of oral literature at the department of English language, Chrisland university, Nigeria. My
interest in Oral literature is drawn to cultural heritage, exploring oral traditions and to connect more to
the traditional roots, family history and ancestral wisdom involving the use of narratives , folklore, myth
and legend in their storytelling which fascinates me and I am sure, it will fascinates a lot of other people.
Oral literature is a very fascinating field of study and that is more of a reason for me to go on this field
trip to olumo rock to explore the traditional and cultural roots.

MALIK OLUWALONIMI DEBORAH

My name is Malik Oluwalonimi, and I am a Yoruba girl from Nigeria. Currently, I am a student at
Chrisland University in Nigeria, where I am pursuing a degree in English Language. As a student, studying
oral literature is crucial for several reasons, especially when considering a field trip to Olumo Rock in
Abeokuta. Oral literature helps connect us to our heritage and traditions. Visiting Olumo Rock, a site
with rich historical and cultural significance, allows us to experience these stories firsthand, deepening
our appreciation of our roots. Oral narratives about Olumo Rock offer insights into the history and
legends of the Egba people. Understanding these stories helps us grasp historical contexts that shaped
the present.Engaging with local guides and storytellers at Olumo Rock improves our ability to
communicate effectively. By learning and sharing the stories associated with Olumo Rock, we contribute
to the preservation of our cultural heritage, ensuring it is passed down to future generations. A field trip
to Olumo Rock integrates knowledge from history, geography, and literature, providing a holistic
educational experience that broadens our academic perspective.

In summary, going on this field trip in oral literature will enrich my education by connecting me
to my culture, improving my communication skills, and preserving our cultural heritage, all of which are
exemplified by a visit to Olumo Rock.

UMUNNA CHISOM

I am Umunna Chisom a female student of Igbo origin from Nigeria and a student of oral
literature in the department of English language, Chrisland university Nigeria. The interest I have in oral
literature is drawn from, cultural exploration. As i am not of the origin of Yoruba, going to Olumo Rock,
will immerse myself in the culture and historical significance, which is deeply connected to the oral
traditions of Yoruba people. Also, experiencing the site firsthand can provide a deeper understanding
and appreciation of the stories and legend associated with Olumo Rock to me. And I am also interested
in conducting this research to deepen my knowledge about oral literature and how it is preserved and
conveyed in cultural sites like olumo rock.

Overall, this field trip offers an opportunity to complement my academic studies with practical,
real-world experiences, and I hope to gain a deeper, more personal understanding of oral literature and
cultural history associated with Olumo Rock, while both enriching my academic and personal life.

BUDGET: Our research project aims to explore the historical and cultural significance of Olumo Rock to
Egba community, to achieve our objectives, we require essential equipment such as high-resolution
camera for accurate documentation which is CANON POWER SHOT G7 and VOICE RECORDERS will be
used to capture detailed interviews and observations during our exploration of the site. The team will
also need, TRANSPORT FARES, EQUIPMENT RENTALS, and INSURANCE, to ensure the safety and
efficiency of our operations. CUSTOMIZED TSHIRT FOR THE TEAMS will not only foster a sense of unity
but also serve as a form of identification during our fieldwork at Olumo Rock. Furthermore, ENTRANCE
FEE to the site and MISCELLANEOUS EXPENSES are integral parts of our budgets. Lastly, a CONTIGENCY
FUND has been allocated to address any unforeseen challenges that may arise during our research.