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.

Egba Land is home to several cities and towns, each with its own unique cultural and historical
significance. Some of the major cities and towns within Egba Land include:

Abeokuta: The capital city of Ogun State and a prominent city in Egba Land. It is known for its historical
sites, including Olumo Rock, and its rich cultural heritage.

Ijebu-Ode: While primarily associated with the Ijebu people, Ijebu-Ode is located close to the border of
Egba Land and has historical ties to the Egba kingdom.

Ifo: A town in Ogun State that is part of Egba Land and has a significant population of Egba people.

Ota: Another town in Ogun State that is part of Egba Land and is known for its commercial and industrial
activities.

The Egba people are a subgroup of the Yoruba ethnic group, and they primarily inhabit the historic Egba
kingdom located in present-day Ogun State, Nigeria. The Egba people have a rich cultural heritage,
including traditional festivals, music, dance, and arts. They have also made significant contributions to
Nigerian history and society, particularly during the pre-colonial and colonial eras. The Egba people are
known for their resilience, entrepreneurship, and commitment to education and development.

WHY IS OLUMO SO IMPORTANT TO THE PEOPLE OF EGBA LAND

Olumo Rock holds significant cultural and historical importance to the Egba people. It is a prominent
natural landmark located in Abeokuta, the capital city of Ogun State in Nigeria. The rock served as a
natural fortress for the Egba people during the 19th century inter-tribal wars and the later resistance
against colonial rule. For the Egba people, Olumo Rock symbolizes their strength, resilience, and unity. It
provided a strategic location for defense and served as a refuge during times of conflict. The rock also
has spiritual significance and is considered a sacred site in Egba culture, with various myths and legends
associated with it.
 In addition to its historical and cultural significance, Olumo Rock has become a popular tourist
attraction, drawing visitors from around the world who come to explore its caves, pathways, and enjoy
panoramic views of the surrounding area. The site also features a museum that showcases artifacts and
exhibits related to the history and culture of the Egba people. Olumo Rock is an enduring symbol of the
Egba people's heritage, resilience, and the rich history of Abeokuta and Egba Land. Olumo Rock is not
only a natural landmark but also a site rich in historical and cultural significance for the Egba people.
Here are some of the historical places within Olumo Rock and their significance to the Egba people:

LISHABI GARDEN: Lishabi Garden is a serene and beautiful garden located within Olumo Rock. It is the
first level in Olumo Rock,it is a grove shrouded by ancient trees and named in honor of the great Egba
warrior. The name of the warrior is LISBABI AGBONGBONAKALA, he was a warrior and a great hero in his
lifetime, he was one of those who fought for Egba to gain their freedom from old Oyo empire. The first
tree that covers Lishabi garden is called Dongoyaro tree, it is derived from an Hausa phase which means
‘’tall boy’’. The Dongoyaro tree is believed to be medicinal, it cures malaria, cures bad breath when turn
to chewing stick. The second tree is the flamboyant tree which is called Pansheke tree. The name
‘’pansheke’’ is derived from the Yoruba word ‘’seke seke’’ which refers to the rattling sound made by the
seeds inside the tree pods when they are shaken. Also, it serves a natural musical instrument for
dancers and nursing mothers before the advent of tambourine and other modern musical instruments.

OLUMO ROCK SHRINE: The Olumo Rock Shrine is a sacred site within the rock where traditional religious
ceremonies and rituals are performed by the Egba people. It is a place of spiritual significance where
prayers are offered, and blessings are sought from the ancestors and deities. They offer sacrifices to
Olumo Rock once in a year with a big black cow and during the festival only 2 people have access to go
into the shrine, that is why the shrine is always locked and the two people are the paramount ruler of
our land, Alake of Egba land and the Chief Priest who is called ‘’Abore’’ in yoruba land.

EGBA CAVE HIDEOUT: The Egba Cave Hideout is a series of interconnected caves within Olumo Rock
that served as a strategic hiding place for the Egba people during times of conflict. The caves provided
shelter and protection during wars and invasions, allowing the Egba warriors to defend themselves and
regroup. According to the history, another meaning olumo is ‘’olu’’ means ‘god’ that’s God almighty,
‘mo’ means ‘moulded’, that is God moulded it. The people believe that God benevolently moulded the
rock for them so that they can take refuge under it, that is ‘’oluwa lo mo fun wa, lati fi se ibi isadi kuro
lowo ota’’, so when people ask the survivors where they hid, they describe and reply that, they hid
under the rock and that’s where Egba people got the name ‘’abeokuta’’ that is ‘’we live under the rock’’,
and it is the the main ABEOKUTA.

ILE ORISA: Ile Orisa is a sacred space within Olumo Rock dedicated to the worship of Orisa (deities) in
the Yoruba religion. It is a place of spiritual connection and reverence where offerings are made, prayers
are said, and rituals are performed to honor the Orisa women and seek their guidance and blessings.
Also till today, Olumo Rock is still inhabited by women who serve as caretakers and spiritual leaders of
Olumo, and their building is next after the Egba hide out cave. It is customary to give the women
monetary tips in exchange of words of encourage and blessings before moving to the next part of the
tour.

MEMORIALS SYMBOLS OF THE WARRIORS: Throughout Olumo Rock, there are various memorial
symbols and markers that pay tribute to the brave warriors and leaders of the Egba people who fought
for their freedom and independence. These symbols serve as reminders of the sacrifices made by past
generations and inspire pride and unity among the Egba community. . Back then, there were no picture
to replicate faces of the warriors, that’s why they mould a memorial sculpture, or they do a wood carven
in the face of the warrior. The warriors lying on the floor are symbolic representations of the brave
warriors who defended Egba people during the inter-tribal wars in the 19 th century, these warriors were
known for their courage, strength, and sacrifice in protecting their community.

sssTHE PEAK OF OLUMO ROCK: The peak of Olumo Rock offers breathtaking panoramic views of
Abeokuta and its surroundings. It is a symbol of triumph, achievement, and resilience, representing the
heights that can be reached through perseverance and determination. The peak also serves as a
reminder of the strength and endurance of the Egba people in overcoming challenges and adversity. The
height of Olumo Rock is 137 meters above sea level, from the top hill, you’re treated to a beautiful wrap
around view of Abeokuta, the air feels crisp and fresh and you are filled with a sense of accomplishment
from conquering the climb.

Overall, these historical places within Olumo Rock reflect the rich heritage, cultural traditions, and
spiritual beliefs of the Egba people, highlighting their resilience, unity, and connection to the
land.Visiting these sites provides a deeper understanding of the history and significance of Olumo Rock
to the Egba community.