Rejoice on the Rock: The Olumo Rock. Part 1

The historic city of Abeokuta, which is about 100 kilo metres from Lagos stands at a height about 300ft, above sea level. It has a hot, humid climate and an average annual rainfall of 47 inches. With an urban population of over 2 million, the town is set amidst a group of granite rocks of pre-Cambrian formation, the central one of which is the famous Olumo Rock, Abeokuta (meaning under the Rock) derives its name from the Rock. The Rock is sacred in Abeokuta history as the place where the first settlers found refuge from their attackers.

To the Egbas, Olumo Rock stands not only as a monument of faith in unity, but also a source of national strength and unfailing protection and sustenance from the Supreme Being who led their ancestors through the perplexities of life safely to Abeokuta. This refuge marked the end of their wanderings and struggles for existence. It marked the focal point of their 'promised land' where they were free from incessant persecution and fears of annihilation.

The main body of the Egbas that settled at the present site around 1830 gave the name Abeokuta to the town around Olufimo later shortened to Olumo ('the Lord built it). From that time onwards) the Egbas have regarded the Olumo Rock as their protection shrine, and so make annual sacrifices to its deity. The original home of the Egbas had been in the Egba Forests and Farms from where they dispersed. Olumo Rock thus became the rallying point when the Egbas re-grouped at Abeokuta.

The importance of Olumo Rock to the Egbas is conveyed in the saying that 'Abeokuta' was the gift of the Olumo as Egypt of the 'Nile'. This is said to agree with the predictions of the Ifa Oracle which when consulted, assured the Egbas that they would become a great nation under Olumo's protection. Today, the Egbas demonstrate their pride in their origin by singing annually in its honour a special, anthem captioned "I SHALL· REJOICE ON THE OLUMO ROCK".

EMI O MA YO LORI OLUMO