OSUN STATE PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEW UNIFORM: A REBIRTH OF YORUBA TRADITIONAL TEXTILES!
I heard in the news this morning that the Omoluabi Gomina, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has made all the preparations ready to distribute New School Uniforms to Students in all Public Primary and Secondary Schools in Ipinle Omoluabi (Osun State), as part of His Transformation Agenda for the State Education Sector.
Not only that, the about to be distributed New School Uniforms is made with locally-made fabrics. The Uniform for High School Students will be Batik, while the one for Pupils and Students in Elementary and Middle Schools will be Batik Clone. This is exactly what I’ve been dreaming of, but never expected would happen due to Western Civilization.
In that case, I will like to commend Ogbeni Gomina for looking inward to choose an appropriate Uniform for the Pupils and Students in all Public Schools in the Osun State. It’s commendable! This I must say is in the best interest of the people of the State, as said by Hon. Sunday Akere (Commissioner of Information & Strategy).
In the olden days, Batik production imprinted the name of Osogbo and Osun State as a whole, in the minds of many tourists; known Worldwide for Batik production. Thanks to Osun State Government for putting in enabling measures that will make Batik production that the State is reputed for, which is almost becoming a thing of the past, to rebound.
Batik is one of the unique traditional textiles made by the Yorubas and the art of making it passed down across generations, but later suffered a decline in popularity amongst practitioners and its patrons due to the patronage of Western Wears by today’s generation.
Locally-made fabrics are one of the strongest signs of African culture and I must say Ogbeni is indeed a true African by introducing a School Uniform with locally-made fabrics. It saddens my heart that the Western Wears like Jeans, T-shirts, e.t.c, are more popular than our Home-grown garments like Ankara, Adire, Sagbada, Buba & Shoro, Aso Ofi, e.t.c.
In fact, if I can turn the hands of time, I will like to be in a Public Secondary School in Osun State and wear that Batik as a School Uniform. This will affirm my African root and boost up my ego as a true born African. Wearing Batik as a Uniform will also boost up the reading habit in the Students as Africans are known for.
Once again, kudos to Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola
for reviving the extinct Batik production in Osun State and Yorubaland as a whole; though some celebrated practitioners of this elegant age old art form (Nike Davies-Okundaye & Co.) have been making spirited effort to ensure the re-awakening of interest in the locally-made fabrics and its sustainability, but the present intervention of Osun State Government will put it on the fast lane.
A veritable springboard in this direction will be the opening-up of a local industry for the large production of locally-made fabrics in the State. It will boost the local economy through increased production and sale of local Batik materials.
Batik production is not a man’s work, large number of people (artisans) engaged in making it due to its various stages of production. In that case, it will create job opportunities for our local artisans and experts in “Tyed & Dyed” and it will be another skill acquisition opportunity for jobless people in Ipinle Omoluabi.
I enjoin Our Omoluabi Gomina, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola to continue his good work in Ipinle Omoluabi, Osun State. May God in His Infinite Mercies grant You all Your Heart Desires, Crown Your Efforts with Resounding Success and Empower You to leave Osun State better than You met it. May God be with You and assist You to fulfill Your mission as Governor in Osun State. May God continue to be Your Guide as You continue to “Da ARA” in Osun State.
Bi “ARA”, bi “ARA” la o maa ri ni Ipinle Osun o!
Akoni ri ORAN o!!
God Bless You, Rauf “ADESOJI” Aregbesola!!!
ADESOJI means REBIRTH
Yours Truly,
Oluwatomilola K. Boyinde.
Thursday, 12 April 2012
Monday, 13 February 2012
MY CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE TO ZAMBIANS!
MY CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE TO ZAMBIANS!
I want to join the Zambians in Singing, Shouting, Screaming, Roaring “Chipolopolo Aweh” and Dancing the “Kwasa Kwasa Dance”, as they celebrate their Victory over the Highly Fancied Elephants of Ivory Coast, and being their first time in the History of African Football to be Crowned as African Champion, lifting the Prestigious African Nations Cup Trophy. It was a well-deserved victory.
It was indeed obvious that the Quiet Resilience, Confidence, Courage, Dedication, Determination and Cohesion of the Chipolopolo Boys gave them the chance to win against a side made entirely of professionals. They proved all Critics & Bookmakers wrong. It has shown now that African Football is not about where you play your professional football as said by my brother Enock Siankwilimba; it also shows that African Football has reached a stage of maturity where the least rated teams compete on equal footings with other so-called “Favourites” and even triumph over them.
More importantly, the spirit of Zambia’s lost Heroes never slept until yesterday. In 1993, Africans mourned 18 Zambian National Team Players and its Managements who perished at Libreville, Gabon when the plane carrying them plunged headlong and crashed into the Atlantic Ocean, yesterday Africans again celebrated with 18 Zambian players and its Managements for winning the African Nations Cup in the same Libreville, just kilometers away from where the incident happened; also led into victory by Kalusha Bwalya, the President of the Football Association of Zambia and the only saved soul of the 1993 ill-fated flight that crashed on April 27, 1993. He was the Captain of the team but was unable to fly to Gabon with his teammates due to a situation beyond his control. I congratulate Kalusha Bwalya for not surrendering due to lack of International players and for building a strong team to win the African Nations Cup in honouring his teammates who died on the duty call for his Nation.
God is great I must admit. This is indeed a miracle and a miraculous hand of God stretched and blessed the Zambians by turning their Refreshed Mourning Moment into a Jubilating Moment. Finally, the spirits of the lost Heroes on a Duty Call for the Nation Zambia will Rest in Perfect Peace. I know they’ll be jumping with joy in heaven celebrating with angels.
This is really a great time for Zambia and Zambians. Permit me go political, another funny coincidence in history of Zambia is that the highly loved and voted for Micheal Sata tried three times before he became the President last year, on the platform of an opposition party which seems unbelievable; it also took the Chipolopolo Boys of Zambia to reach to the Final of the Prestigious African Nations Cup before lifting the Trophy, as an Under-dog becoming the Super-dog, Unbelievable! Is this Coincidence or Fate??? To me, it was etched by God.
Once again, I say congratulations to all Zambians, most especially to my Zambian friends; Drh Guy- the African Jay-Z in the making, My brothers, Enock Siankwilimba, Daniel Nksokomela, Paul Monde Shalala, Clarence Moonde Muzyamba, Hon. Greyford Monde Monde and to my beautiful Queens, Tracy “Sparkles” Chipanza & Dominzo Mutenwa funshike, among others.
19 years ago, you people lined up along the streets of Lusaka with heads down to welcome the bodies of your dear departed from Libreville, Gabon, 19 years after, today, I saw you guys in spirit, lined up again along the same roads of Lusaka to welcome the Trophy your lost Heroes died for from Libreville, Gabon, but this time around with heads high, waving Zambia’s flag and praising the Lord Jesus Christ for He never forgot your Nation Zambia and for making your Gone Heroes died not in Vain. Glory be to God Almighty for wiping away your tears and turning the sorrowful memories into happiness.
I salute your players, technical crew, administrators, supporters and all who made it possible for your team to lift the African Cup of Nations Trophy and Crowned as the African Champion. I thank God and you guys for making me stood-tall and not being molested where I watched the Match, I was the only one amongst the throng who supported Zambia.
I was chastised when I hailed Katongo, Mayuka and others, but after your victory I was congratulated for my stance on the game and for your triumphant. This is just the beginning of the many more trophies to come to your Nation Zambia. How I wish I am over there to celebrate with you; anyway, am with you people via Muvi TV Africa Unit and I can see the joy and happiness in the joints of all beings in Zambia. I saw tears of joy flowing incessantly from the faces of your Countrymen. By God’s grace I’ll join you people over there when your team wins the World Cup, probably 2015. SMILES!
Am proud of you guys and am proud to sing your National Anthem along with you:
Stand and sing of Zambia,
Proud and free,
Land of work and joy in unity,
Victors in the struggle for the right,
We have won freedom’s fight.
All one, strong and free.
Africa is our motherland,
Fashion’d with and blessed
By God’s good hand,
Let us all her people join as one,
Brothers under the sun.
All one, strong and free.
One land and one nation is our cry,
Dignity and peace ’neath Zambia’s sky
Like our noble eagle in its flight,
Zambia, praise to thee.
All one, strong and free.
Chorus:
Praise be to God.
Praise be, praise be, praise be
Bless our great nation,
Zambia. Zambia, Zambia
Free men we stand
Under the flag of our land.
Zambia , praise to thee!
All one, strong and free.
Congratulations!
Yours Truly,
Oluwatomilola K. Boyinde
I want to join the Zambians in Singing, Shouting, Screaming, Roaring “Chipolopolo Aweh” and Dancing the “Kwasa Kwasa Dance”, as they celebrate their Victory over the Highly Fancied Elephants of Ivory Coast, and being their first time in the History of African Football to be Crowned as African Champion, lifting the Prestigious African Nations Cup Trophy. It was a well-deserved victory.
It was indeed obvious that the Quiet Resilience, Confidence, Courage, Dedication, Determination and Cohesion of the Chipolopolo Boys gave them the chance to win against a side made entirely of professionals. They proved all Critics & Bookmakers wrong. It has shown now that African Football is not about where you play your professional football as said by my brother Enock Siankwilimba; it also shows that African Football has reached a stage of maturity where the least rated teams compete on equal footings with other so-called “Favourites” and even triumph over them.
More importantly, the spirit of Zambia’s lost Heroes never slept until yesterday. In 1993, Africans mourned 18 Zambian National Team Players and its Managements who perished at Libreville, Gabon when the plane carrying them plunged headlong and crashed into the Atlantic Ocean, yesterday Africans again celebrated with 18 Zambian players and its Managements for winning the African Nations Cup in the same Libreville, just kilometers away from where the incident happened; also led into victory by Kalusha Bwalya, the President of the Football Association of Zambia and the only saved soul of the 1993 ill-fated flight that crashed on April 27, 1993. He was the Captain of the team but was unable to fly to Gabon with his teammates due to a situation beyond his control. I congratulate Kalusha Bwalya for not surrendering due to lack of International players and for building a strong team to win the African Nations Cup in honouring his teammates who died on the duty call for his Nation.
God is great I must admit. This is indeed a miracle and a miraculous hand of God stretched and blessed the Zambians by turning their Refreshed Mourning Moment into a Jubilating Moment. Finally, the spirits of the lost Heroes on a Duty Call for the Nation Zambia will Rest in Perfect Peace. I know they’ll be jumping with joy in heaven celebrating with angels.
This is really a great time for Zambia and Zambians. Permit me go political, another funny coincidence in history of Zambia is that the highly loved and voted for Micheal Sata tried three times before he became the President last year, on the platform of an opposition party which seems unbelievable; it also took the Chipolopolo Boys of Zambia to reach to the Final of the Prestigious African Nations Cup before lifting the Trophy, as an Under-dog becoming the Super-dog, Unbelievable! Is this Coincidence or Fate??? To me, it was etched by God.
Once again, I say congratulations to all Zambians, most especially to my Zambian friends; Drh Guy- the African Jay-Z in the making, My brothers, Enock Siankwilimba, Daniel Nksokomela, Paul Monde Shalala, Clarence Moonde Muzyamba, Hon. Greyford Monde Monde and to my beautiful Queens, Tracy “Sparkles” Chipanza & Dominzo Mutenwa funshike, among others.
19 years ago, you people lined up along the streets of Lusaka with heads down to welcome the bodies of your dear departed from Libreville, Gabon, 19 years after, today, I saw you guys in spirit, lined up again along the same roads of Lusaka to welcome the Trophy your lost Heroes died for from Libreville, Gabon, but this time around with heads high, waving Zambia’s flag and praising the Lord Jesus Christ for He never forgot your Nation Zambia and for making your Gone Heroes died not in Vain. Glory be to God Almighty for wiping away your tears and turning the sorrowful memories into happiness.
I salute your players, technical crew, administrators, supporters and all who made it possible for your team to lift the African Cup of Nations Trophy and Crowned as the African Champion. I thank God and you guys for making me stood-tall and not being molested where I watched the Match, I was the only one amongst the throng who supported Zambia.
I was chastised when I hailed Katongo, Mayuka and others, but after your victory I was congratulated for my stance on the game and for your triumphant. This is just the beginning of the many more trophies to come to your Nation Zambia. How I wish I am over there to celebrate with you; anyway, am with you people via Muvi TV Africa Unit and I can see the joy and happiness in the joints of all beings in Zambia. I saw tears of joy flowing incessantly from the faces of your Countrymen. By God’s grace I’ll join you people over there when your team wins the World Cup, probably 2015. SMILES!
Am proud of you guys and am proud to sing your National Anthem along with you:
Stand and sing of Zambia,
Proud and free,
Land of work and joy in unity,
Victors in the struggle for the right,
We have won freedom’s fight.
All one, strong and free.
Africa is our motherland,
Fashion’d with and blessed
By God’s good hand,
Let us all her people join as one,
Brothers under the sun.
All one, strong and free.
One land and one nation is our cry,
Dignity and peace ’neath Zambia’s sky
Like our noble eagle in its flight,
Zambia, praise to thee.
All one, strong and free.
Chorus:
Praise be to God.
Praise be, praise be, praise be
Bless our great nation,
Zambia. Zambia, Zambia
Free men we stand
Under the flag of our land.
Zambia , praise to thee!
All one, strong and free.
Congratulations!
Yours Truly,
Oluwatomilola K. Boyinde
Tuesday, 7 February 2012
Let Our “ENOUGH is ENOUGH” be ENOUGH!
Let Our “ENOUGH is ENOUGH” be ENOUGH
“The people Pray for a Messiah that will come and establish their power, a kind of Restoration of things; but they should be taught that the power is in their hands.”
“Nigerians don’t want change; they’re just pretending as if they want it”
~Oluwatomilola K. Boyinde (BKO)
There is something I noticed in this country but I don’t know whether you people also noticed it; wherever you see two, three or more people together, try to sneak on them, and all you’ll hear them talk is Politics in Nigeria; the Mal-Administration and Mis-Governance by our so-called Leaders. You’ll hear them ‘talking tough’; saying ‘this must stop’, ‘that must not continue’ (putting an end to things with their mouth) though you’ll see the disappointment in their faces but they never put their tough-talks into ACTION.
After their ‘tough-talks’, what next will they do? They’ll depart and accept their fate of ‘Free-styling in Pains’, ‘Enjoying in Despair’, ‘Suffering & Smiling’ as usual; but must things continue the way it is now?
We say ENOUGH is ENOUGH every time without ACTION; We still say what our hearts deny; we still say such things history would make no sense of, which posterity would make no light of; we still embroider noise with gumption and dash.
We have become the ones who spit words, and eat them. We have no hearts that could rationally dictate CHANGE. Revolution has become the delusion of the weaklings, it happens only in our dreams. Our pursuits are aimless now. We have made history as the people who never made history because we are too scared and brainless to rise above nil.
Napoleon Bonaparte Once said "‘I am not afraid of 100 men with guns, but I am afraid of one man armed with a pen". So I always looked at my writing as my weapon. I fight my battles with my pen.
Dear Young Generation of Nigeria, our lives are in our hands and not in our leaders. The price we are paying now and we shall continue to pay is that we are not acting. We all should remember, the choices we make now determine the type of future we will have including our children and our children’s children.
Our dear brother, SEGUN AKINLOLU (Beautiful Nubia) also hinted us in REVOLUTION TME, one of the songs, he said;
Wake up now from deep slumber
Break away the chains that hold us down
True freedom does not come to those who sit and pray,
Stand up, raise your voice and be heard
Time to throw away the yoke of slavery
We’ve been used and abused far too long
Even as I speak the exploitation continues
As long as some people feed fat on the profitable venture and greases the palms of those that matters in high places, our mournful song of darkness may as well continue into the next century. The time for Emancipation is Now; it is time for We Nigerians to brace up and set ourselves free; it is to chase these people out if Nigeria is to make any headway in the comity of nations.
The Time of Lamentation should by now be over. Our ENOUGH is ENOUGH by mouth should by now be ENOUGH. Let us stand up to say this is what we want from our leaders; we should be the one dictating for them and not them dictating for us; We need to get more ownership of Nigeria; we are in their bondage already (the earlier you know that, the better) and we need freedom but if we remain quiet, we will remain where we are today.
Is it really that we don’t want change and we’re just pretending as if we want it?
ENOUGH is ENOUGH! Nigeria needs FRESH PEOPLE with FRESH and REFRESHING IDEAS at the HELM of her AFFAIRS.
Let me remind you that this is just an opinion out of the opinions of 180 million Nigerians, don’t be quiet, because your opinion also counts. We mustn’t sit and do nothing. We must arise and effectively play our role or should we be silenced on our own land, even by own people?
Too much ‘NOISE’ and no ‘ACTION’ make you more a COWARD!
“Every generation must wage a new war for freedom against new forces which seek through new devices to enslave mankind”
~ Progressive Party Platform
God Bless Nigeria!
God Bless You All!
Oluwatomilola K. Boyinde.
“The people Pray for a Messiah that will come and establish their power, a kind of Restoration of things; but they should be taught that the power is in their hands.”
“Nigerians don’t want change; they’re just pretending as if they want it”
~Oluwatomilola K. Boyinde (BKO)
There is something I noticed in this country but I don’t know whether you people also noticed it; wherever you see two, three or more people together, try to sneak on them, and all you’ll hear them talk is Politics in Nigeria; the Mal-Administration and Mis-Governance by our so-called Leaders. You’ll hear them ‘talking tough’; saying ‘this must stop’, ‘that must not continue’ (putting an end to things with their mouth) though you’ll see the disappointment in their faces but they never put their tough-talks into ACTION.
After their ‘tough-talks’, what next will they do? They’ll depart and accept their fate of ‘Free-styling in Pains’, ‘Enjoying in Despair’, ‘Suffering & Smiling’ as usual; but must things continue the way it is now?
We say ENOUGH is ENOUGH every time without ACTION; We still say what our hearts deny; we still say such things history would make no sense of, which posterity would make no light of; we still embroider noise with gumption and dash.
We have become the ones who spit words, and eat them. We have no hearts that could rationally dictate CHANGE. Revolution has become the delusion of the weaklings, it happens only in our dreams. Our pursuits are aimless now. We have made history as the people who never made history because we are too scared and brainless to rise above nil.
Napoleon Bonaparte Once said "‘I am not afraid of 100 men with guns, but I am afraid of one man armed with a pen". So I always looked at my writing as my weapon. I fight my battles with my pen.
Dear Young Generation of Nigeria, our lives are in our hands and not in our leaders. The price we are paying now and we shall continue to pay is that we are not acting. We all should remember, the choices we make now determine the type of future we will have including our children and our children’s children.
Our dear brother, SEGUN AKINLOLU (Beautiful Nubia) also hinted us in REVOLUTION TME, one of the songs, he said;
Wake up now from deep slumber
Break away the chains that hold us down
True freedom does not come to those who sit and pray,
Stand up, raise your voice and be heard
Time to throw away the yoke of slavery
We’ve been used and abused far too long
Even as I speak the exploitation continues
As long as some people feed fat on the profitable venture and greases the palms of those that matters in high places, our mournful song of darkness may as well continue into the next century. The time for Emancipation is Now; it is time for We Nigerians to brace up and set ourselves free; it is to chase these people out if Nigeria is to make any headway in the comity of nations.
The Time of Lamentation should by now be over. Our ENOUGH is ENOUGH by mouth should by now be ENOUGH. Let us stand up to say this is what we want from our leaders; we should be the one dictating for them and not them dictating for us; We need to get more ownership of Nigeria; we are in their bondage already (the earlier you know that, the better) and we need freedom but if we remain quiet, we will remain where we are today.
Is it really that we don’t want change and we’re just pretending as if we want it?
ENOUGH is ENOUGH! Nigeria needs FRESH PEOPLE with FRESH and REFRESHING IDEAS at the HELM of her AFFAIRS.
Let me remind you that this is just an opinion out of the opinions of 180 million Nigerians, don’t be quiet, because your opinion also counts. We mustn’t sit and do nothing. We must arise and effectively play our role or should we be silenced on our own land, even by own people?
Too much ‘NOISE’ and no ‘ACTION’ make you more a COWARD!
“Every generation must wage a new war for freedom against new forces which seek through new devices to enslave mankind”
~ Progressive Party Platform
God Bless Nigeria!
God Bless You All!
Oluwatomilola K. Boyinde.
TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS IN IJESALAND!
TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS IN IJESALAND!
Ijesaland has highly invaluable tourism sites which are unknown to many people; the only well-known tourism site in Ijesaland is Olumirin waterfall. I will thereby inform you all that Ijesaland has in stock great tourism potentialities, waiting to be tapped. To mention a few:
Kiriji Memorial Battle Field, Imesi-Ile/Igbajo.
Kiriji Memorial Battle Field is also known as Kiriji War Site and again known as Kiriji Peace Treaty Site. It is a land area between Imesi-Ile and Igbajo. Kiriji War Site is where the “Treaty of Peace” for the cessation of war among Yoruba people, was signed. The “Treaty of Peace” was signed between the Twenty-Four Yoruba Obas, On September 23, 1886, to end a 400 year-old war which claimed lives of the strong and vulnerable people of race. Kiriji War lasted for Fifteen Years (1877-1892) and it was the last war among Yoruba people.
There are two giant “Peregun trees”planted at the site, one on Igbajo land and the other on Ibadan land. Notable features within the site of the treaty include the Peace Treaty Monument on which the details of agreement of the Peace Treaty is inscribed and the Peregun Trees which still exists to denote the spot of agreement.
Ogedengbe Cenotaph, Ereja Square, Ilesa:
Ogedengbe Cenotaph was built in memory of the renowned Orisarayibi Ogedengbe; the Mighty King of Ijesaland, ObaNla of Ijesaland, Seriki Ajanaku of Ijesaland, Balogun of Ilesa. He loved and defended Ijesaland during the days of inter-tribal war in the 19th century. He is still remembered today for his bravery. Ogedengbe was the General/Commander-in-Chief of the Ekiti Parapo Army who challenged the Ibadan hegemony.
The Cenotaph was built in his honour after his death. He died on 29th July, 1910; the sky rocked and thundered (3 times) to show that a great warrior had passed way. That is why Ijesa people always says that “God shot Gun throughout Nigeria the day Ogedengbe died” (Ojo ti Ogedengbe ku, Olorun yon ibon).
Oba-Ala’s Palace, Okesa, Ilesa:
Oba-Ala’s palace was first occupied by Late Chief Orisarayibi Ogedengbe in 1898, Oba-Ala Ogedengbe of Ilesa 1; ObaNla of Ijesaland, Seriki Ajanaku of Ijesaland, Balogun of Ilesa and the Generalissimo of Ekiti Parapo Army of the common cause in the 19th/20th Century. There are some historical places in the palace, like Ogun Shrine, Expansive Outer Court, Inner Courts; Royal Seats for Oba-ala himself and Inner Prison Cells & Dark Cell Rooms where General Ogedengbe’s captured slaves were kept.
In the palace, there are Ogedengbe’s Firearms, Swords, War Outfits and Guns. There are also Ogedengbe’s personal photographs and a group photograph taken with other notable warriors of old, including Fabunmi of Oke-Imesi, Faboro of Ido, Olugbosun of Oye, and Aruta. The large dishes and a full portrait picture sent to Ogedengbe by his foreign friend, late King George V of England are also in the palace, among others.
Ibodi Forest Reserve for Monkeys, Ibodi:
Ibodi forest reserve for Monkeys is called Igbo Edun by the natives. The forest houses Monkeys that reportedly came to Ibodi with an Oba of the town and Araomofe spirit from Ile Ife. Araomofe festival is held every September to appease the Araomofe Spirit and the Monkeys.
Allahu Rock, Allahu Enclave, Ipetu-Ijesa Territory:
Allahu rock is in an enclave in Ipetu-Ijesa territory. A verse of Quran is naturally written on the rock. It was discovered 6-7 years ago.
Source of Osun River, Iponda:
Historically, a woman called OSUN once lived in Iponda. She was a warrior. Later, she learnt that there was a war going on in Igede Ekiti and as a warrior, she left for the war front to settle the war. Unfortunately, the situation became unbearable and unfavourable as she expected at the war front; but powerful she was, she used her juju power and disappeared into the ground and turned to water spring and started flowing from Igede Ekiti to Iponda. She got to Iponda and changed back to her normal woman posture and narrated her ordeal to Aponda in Iponda. She later turned to water again and eventually became a River known as OSUN RIVER today which flows to Osogbo, Ede, Ibadan, Ijebu and other places in Western Nigeria.
The Renowned Olumirin Waterfall:
Olumirin waterfall has breathtaking seven-level waterfalls whose charm and tourism potential are underestimated. The thundering seven-level waterfall comes over the escarpment and tumbles in succeeding levels of waterfalls. It also has seven layers of rocks; the wall of its massive rock cleft is rugged in verdant colours; a verdant brushes of verdure.
It got seven levels to ascend, with each level revealing difference natural architectural magnum-opus and a great gift of nature from God. Each fall distinctly marks the mystical propensity of the fountain; broken pieces of rocks serves as stepping stones through which people climbs to each fall. Olumirin waterfall is indeed a craft of supreme architecture.
The view at all the levels is wonderful and the freshness of the water is energizing. Its falls are surrounded by towering mountains that gives one the sense of wildlife mixed with serenity. Its streams flows majestically amid the rocks and splashes down with great force on the vegetation around; it falls with thundering rush and loud thuds.
The breeze at the waterfall is cool and refreshing. Its springs never run dry in rainy and dry seasons. There are natural landscaping trees and sloppy areas. The whole scenery is fascinating and idyllic. Apart from the beautiful site present at the Olumirin waterfall are also fresh water prawns which belongs to the “Infraorder Caridea family, Atyidae and Genus Caridina” (Biological terms). Olumirin waterfall is a perfection of God’s handwork, I must confess!
The first fall plunges through a narrow opening in a cluster of luxuriant tree trunks blanketed in dark green leafage, down a steeply folded rock face of about 10 meters in height. Like a rain of a million limpid pins, the showers descend and inundates huge boulder reposed at its plunge pool below.
Fallen logs of wood laid dank in the pool and out-flowing stream channel. The air hung muggy with a heavy smoke of splashed water droplets. The sight sparks the first fire of excitement that pervades the veins of any tourist at the falls. The refreshing ambience is further thickened when one ascends the steep rocks to explore the other stages of the waterfalls.
The ascent to the second fall begins at this spring. It is tougher than the first but approaching it, one begins to see anew the overwhelming beauty of the perfection of God’s handwork. The second fall is the most gigantic of all, with the waters diving down a 40m-high cliff. The copious plunge is most spectacular in the rainy season when the stream channel is at its flooding levels. Its plunge pool forms a shallow improvised swimming pool for tourists at the site who are lucky and brave enough to get to the second fall. An adorable rainbow bedecks its floor.
Climbing to other falls is arduous and torturous, as there are no escalators or clear paths made up the ridge slopes, except depressions and projections on the surface, as well as roots and branches of huge trees, forest climbers and shrubs along the paths, which serves as hand and foot hands for the adventurous tourists. Nevertheless, the ascent of the enormous ridge is most rewarding, as one is treated to dazzling and panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape, depicting the true natural beauty of the Nigerian landmass.
The third level is simply spectacular and each increase means a corresponding rise in grandeur. For most tourists and fun seekers, climbing up to the third level can best be equated to traipsing the snowy steeply Mount Everest. The whole place is cool, calm and refreshing due to the permeation of the coolness of the streams. The fourth level beckons next and having come this far up, there is no way to go but higher still, taking the next torturous and joyful stride.
The most intriguing level is the seventh level, which is the peak of the falls. So enthralling, it takes determination, bravery and skills to get there; it is not a walk in the park at all. The environment is cool and reserving; it’s a flattish area covered in trees. There are all kinds of fruits like pineapple, oranges, among other; the view is captivating. At this level, one sees the source of the waterfalls. The source of the Olumirin waterfall is a rock-like shape of a pot from which the water gushes like a pump; the waterfalls exude from a big rock-like pot.
The seventh level hosts a settlement which is another great attraction at the waterfalls. The rural commune is called “Abake village”. The name “Abake” is a Yoruba word which is a combination of two Yoruba words: “Aba” “Oke”, meaning “the village on the top”, suggesting the location of the small village. Its inhabitants have been living there for hundreds of years. The village is said to be in Efon Alaaye Local Government, hence the villagers refer to their settlement as Efon Alaaye (Ekiti State).
The village basically consists of mud houses and the people there are predominantly farmers who specialized in growing food crops and cash crops. There women engages in Gari processing- using local method and trading. The commune suffers from inaccessibility of good roads, lack of electricity, hospitals, clinics or health centres, e.t.c; despite this deprivation, they are ever hospitable and delighted to see people climb the mammoth crest in order to visit their remote enclave. They host the tourists with fruits- oranges, pineapple, banana, and the likes.
Itapa Kingdom, Erinmo-Ijesa:
Itapa kingdom is in the town of Erinmo Ijesa, Oriade Local Government Area; it only made up of 2-3 buildings- 2 storey buildings and a bungalow. Dr. Olapade Agoro, the former presidential candidate of the National Action Council (NAC) parades himself as the Traditional and Paramount ruler of the Kingdom. Itapa-Ijesa kingdom is indeed a comical place to behold.
Other places are:
The Ancient Wall Clock , Obokungbusi Town Hall, Ilesa.
Ipole Ancient Palace of Owa-Obokun, Ipole-Ijesa.
Ipetu-Ijesa Forest Reserve (White Porcupine), Along Ilesa-Akure Expressway.
Owa Ajibogun Shrine and Groove, Igbadae.
Oke Erinmo (Erinmo Hill), Erinmo Ijesa.
Owa Obokun Statue, Ereja Square, Ilesa.
Owa Obokun Millenia Palace, Ilesa.
Imesi-Ile Mysterious Caves and Rocks.
Naturally Carved Foot-prints, Esa-Oke.
Igi-Nla (Mysterious Tree), Iwara.
Agirigiri Shrine, Ijebu Ijesa.
Kiriji Museum, Imesi-Ile.
Mineral Spring, Esa-Oke.
Ogun Shrine, Ipole-Ijesa.
Esa-Odo Dam, Esa-Odo.
Osun Shrine, Iponda.
There are also some cultural festivals in Ijesaland that are Recreational, Entertaining and also tourists’ attractions. To mention a few:
Playing of ‘Ayo Olopon’ in Ijesaland as a whole:
“Ayo Olopon” is also known as “Tota Tope”. It’s a popular traditional game in Yorubaland and Ijesaland as the Heart of Yorubaland. It is a game played on a wooden board with two rows of six holes by two to four competitors, and revered for its entertainment values.
Opa festival, Ipetu-Ijesa:
Odun Opa is the preeminent cultural carnival in Ipetu-Ijesa. It marks seasons. Opa festival does not involve rituals or making of sacrifices unto any idol, this is why throngs participate in the ceremony. It is all about singing and dancing while some physically fit men and women voluntarily flog each other on their back; the young and the old engage in severe flogging of each other to mark the clearing of the bush for the cultivation. Strong young men see it as an exercise while many people see it as a torturous festival.
Odun Obalogun, Iloko-Ijesa:
Obalogun was a warlord like many strong men, and the great warriors in history were used by the various Ajagbusi-Ekun to propagate their wars. Obalogun was an archer and very powerful in the use of charms. He hailed from Ogbe in Ondo State. He came to Ibokun on a mission from Alara of Ilara to assassinate Owa Obokun but he changed his mind because of Owa’s hospitality to him.
He lived with Owa for sometime. However, due to some friction with Owa, he was banished. Obalogun sought the favour and protection of Owaloko Oyewole (1518-1559), which was granted and he moved to Iloko as Owaloko’s warlord. Obalogun was widely renowned for his prowess and war victories; that is why he is celebrated in Iloko Ijesa till today.
The Imesi-Ile annual Egungun festival- “Owolewas” & “Daadouns”.
IKEDI Festival, Imesi-Ile: It features cultural dances and huge display of historical costumes.
Olokun and Ijesu festival, Erinmo-Ijesa: It marks the beginning of “New Yams.”
Imesi-Ile festival of Drums and Dance steps, Imesi-Ile.
Iwude-Ogun festival, Ilesa
Ibegun festival, Ipole-Ijesa
Erede festival, Itagunmodi.
Agbeleku festival, Erin Oke.
Odun Oniyo, Osu.
Yours Truly,
Oluwatomilola K. Boyinde,
Ijesaland Renaissance Initiative.
Ijesaland has highly invaluable tourism sites which are unknown to many people; the only well-known tourism site in Ijesaland is Olumirin waterfall. I will thereby inform you all that Ijesaland has in stock great tourism potentialities, waiting to be tapped. To mention a few:
Kiriji Memorial Battle Field, Imesi-Ile/Igbajo.
Kiriji Memorial Battle Field is also known as Kiriji War Site and again known as Kiriji Peace Treaty Site. It is a land area between Imesi-Ile and Igbajo. Kiriji War Site is where the “Treaty of Peace” for the cessation of war among Yoruba people, was signed. The “Treaty of Peace” was signed between the Twenty-Four Yoruba Obas, On September 23, 1886, to end a 400 year-old war which claimed lives of the strong and vulnerable people of race. Kiriji War lasted for Fifteen Years (1877-1892) and it was the last war among Yoruba people.
There are two giant “Peregun trees”planted at the site, one on Igbajo land and the other on Ibadan land. Notable features within the site of the treaty include the Peace Treaty Monument on which the details of agreement of the Peace Treaty is inscribed and the Peregun Trees which still exists to denote the spot of agreement.
Ogedengbe Cenotaph, Ereja Square, Ilesa:
Ogedengbe Cenotaph was built in memory of the renowned Orisarayibi Ogedengbe; the Mighty King of Ijesaland, ObaNla of Ijesaland, Seriki Ajanaku of Ijesaland, Balogun of Ilesa. He loved and defended Ijesaland during the days of inter-tribal war in the 19th century. He is still remembered today for his bravery. Ogedengbe was the General/Commander-in-Chief of the Ekiti Parapo Army who challenged the Ibadan hegemony.
The Cenotaph was built in his honour after his death. He died on 29th July, 1910; the sky rocked and thundered (3 times) to show that a great warrior had passed way. That is why Ijesa people always says that “God shot Gun throughout Nigeria the day Ogedengbe died” (Ojo ti Ogedengbe ku, Olorun yon ibon).
Oba-Ala’s Palace, Okesa, Ilesa:
Oba-Ala’s palace was first occupied by Late Chief Orisarayibi Ogedengbe in 1898, Oba-Ala Ogedengbe of Ilesa 1; ObaNla of Ijesaland, Seriki Ajanaku of Ijesaland, Balogun of Ilesa and the Generalissimo of Ekiti Parapo Army of the common cause in the 19th/20th Century. There are some historical places in the palace, like Ogun Shrine, Expansive Outer Court, Inner Courts; Royal Seats for Oba-ala himself and Inner Prison Cells & Dark Cell Rooms where General Ogedengbe’s captured slaves were kept.
In the palace, there are Ogedengbe’s Firearms, Swords, War Outfits and Guns. There are also Ogedengbe’s personal photographs and a group photograph taken with other notable warriors of old, including Fabunmi of Oke-Imesi, Faboro of Ido, Olugbosun of Oye, and Aruta. The large dishes and a full portrait picture sent to Ogedengbe by his foreign friend, late King George V of England are also in the palace, among others.
Ibodi Forest Reserve for Monkeys, Ibodi:
Ibodi forest reserve for Monkeys is called Igbo Edun by the natives. The forest houses Monkeys that reportedly came to Ibodi with an Oba of the town and Araomofe spirit from Ile Ife. Araomofe festival is held every September to appease the Araomofe Spirit and the Monkeys.
Allahu Rock, Allahu Enclave, Ipetu-Ijesa Territory:
Allahu rock is in an enclave in Ipetu-Ijesa territory. A verse of Quran is naturally written on the rock. It was discovered 6-7 years ago.
Source of Osun River, Iponda:
Historically, a woman called OSUN once lived in Iponda. She was a warrior. Later, she learnt that there was a war going on in Igede Ekiti and as a warrior, she left for the war front to settle the war. Unfortunately, the situation became unbearable and unfavourable as she expected at the war front; but powerful she was, she used her juju power and disappeared into the ground and turned to water spring and started flowing from Igede Ekiti to Iponda. She got to Iponda and changed back to her normal woman posture and narrated her ordeal to Aponda in Iponda. She later turned to water again and eventually became a River known as OSUN RIVER today which flows to Osogbo, Ede, Ibadan, Ijebu and other places in Western Nigeria.
The Renowned Olumirin Waterfall:
Olumirin waterfall has breathtaking seven-level waterfalls whose charm and tourism potential are underestimated. The thundering seven-level waterfall comes over the escarpment and tumbles in succeeding levels of waterfalls. It also has seven layers of rocks; the wall of its massive rock cleft is rugged in verdant colours; a verdant brushes of verdure.
It got seven levels to ascend, with each level revealing difference natural architectural magnum-opus and a great gift of nature from God. Each fall distinctly marks the mystical propensity of the fountain; broken pieces of rocks serves as stepping stones through which people climbs to each fall. Olumirin waterfall is indeed a craft of supreme architecture.
The view at all the levels is wonderful and the freshness of the water is energizing. Its falls are surrounded by towering mountains that gives one the sense of wildlife mixed with serenity. Its streams flows majestically amid the rocks and splashes down with great force on the vegetation around; it falls with thundering rush and loud thuds.
The breeze at the waterfall is cool and refreshing. Its springs never run dry in rainy and dry seasons. There are natural landscaping trees and sloppy areas. The whole scenery is fascinating and idyllic. Apart from the beautiful site present at the Olumirin waterfall are also fresh water prawns which belongs to the “Infraorder Caridea family, Atyidae and Genus Caridina” (Biological terms). Olumirin waterfall is a perfection of God’s handwork, I must confess!
The first fall plunges through a narrow opening in a cluster of luxuriant tree trunks blanketed in dark green leafage, down a steeply folded rock face of about 10 meters in height. Like a rain of a million limpid pins, the showers descend and inundates huge boulder reposed at its plunge pool below.
Fallen logs of wood laid dank in the pool and out-flowing stream channel. The air hung muggy with a heavy smoke of splashed water droplets. The sight sparks the first fire of excitement that pervades the veins of any tourist at the falls. The refreshing ambience is further thickened when one ascends the steep rocks to explore the other stages of the waterfalls.
The ascent to the second fall begins at this spring. It is tougher than the first but approaching it, one begins to see anew the overwhelming beauty of the perfection of God’s handwork. The second fall is the most gigantic of all, with the waters diving down a 40m-high cliff. The copious plunge is most spectacular in the rainy season when the stream channel is at its flooding levels. Its plunge pool forms a shallow improvised swimming pool for tourists at the site who are lucky and brave enough to get to the second fall. An adorable rainbow bedecks its floor.
Climbing to other falls is arduous and torturous, as there are no escalators or clear paths made up the ridge slopes, except depressions and projections on the surface, as well as roots and branches of huge trees, forest climbers and shrubs along the paths, which serves as hand and foot hands for the adventurous tourists. Nevertheless, the ascent of the enormous ridge is most rewarding, as one is treated to dazzling and panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape, depicting the true natural beauty of the Nigerian landmass.
The third level is simply spectacular and each increase means a corresponding rise in grandeur. For most tourists and fun seekers, climbing up to the third level can best be equated to traipsing the snowy steeply Mount Everest. The whole place is cool, calm and refreshing due to the permeation of the coolness of the streams. The fourth level beckons next and having come this far up, there is no way to go but higher still, taking the next torturous and joyful stride.
The most intriguing level is the seventh level, which is the peak of the falls. So enthralling, it takes determination, bravery and skills to get there; it is not a walk in the park at all. The environment is cool and reserving; it’s a flattish area covered in trees. There are all kinds of fruits like pineapple, oranges, among other; the view is captivating. At this level, one sees the source of the waterfalls. The source of the Olumirin waterfall is a rock-like shape of a pot from which the water gushes like a pump; the waterfalls exude from a big rock-like pot.
The seventh level hosts a settlement which is another great attraction at the waterfalls. The rural commune is called “Abake village”. The name “Abake” is a Yoruba word which is a combination of two Yoruba words: “Aba” “Oke”, meaning “the village on the top”, suggesting the location of the small village. Its inhabitants have been living there for hundreds of years. The village is said to be in Efon Alaaye Local Government, hence the villagers refer to their settlement as Efon Alaaye (Ekiti State).
The village basically consists of mud houses and the people there are predominantly farmers who specialized in growing food crops and cash crops. There women engages in Gari processing- using local method and trading. The commune suffers from inaccessibility of good roads, lack of electricity, hospitals, clinics or health centres, e.t.c; despite this deprivation, they are ever hospitable and delighted to see people climb the mammoth crest in order to visit their remote enclave. They host the tourists with fruits- oranges, pineapple, banana, and the likes.
Itapa Kingdom, Erinmo-Ijesa:
Itapa kingdom is in the town of Erinmo Ijesa, Oriade Local Government Area; it only made up of 2-3 buildings- 2 storey buildings and a bungalow. Dr. Olapade Agoro, the former presidential candidate of the National Action Council (NAC) parades himself as the Traditional and Paramount ruler of the Kingdom. Itapa-Ijesa kingdom is indeed a comical place to behold.
Other places are:
The Ancient Wall Clock , Obokungbusi Town Hall, Ilesa.
Ipole Ancient Palace of Owa-Obokun, Ipole-Ijesa.
Ipetu-Ijesa Forest Reserve (White Porcupine), Along Ilesa-Akure Expressway.
Owa Ajibogun Shrine and Groove, Igbadae.
Oke Erinmo (Erinmo Hill), Erinmo Ijesa.
Owa Obokun Statue, Ereja Square, Ilesa.
Owa Obokun Millenia Palace, Ilesa.
Imesi-Ile Mysterious Caves and Rocks.
Naturally Carved Foot-prints, Esa-Oke.
Igi-Nla (Mysterious Tree), Iwara.
Agirigiri Shrine, Ijebu Ijesa.
Kiriji Museum, Imesi-Ile.
Mineral Spring, Esa-Oke.
Ogun Shrine, Ipole-Ijesa.
Esa-Odo Dam, Esa-Odo.
Osun Shrine, Iponda.
There are also some cultural festivals in Ijesaland that are Recreational, Entertaining and also tourists’ attractions. To mention a few:
Playing of ‘Ayo Olopon’ in Ijesaland as a whole:
“Ayo Olopon” is also known as “Tota Tope”. It’s a popular traditional game in Yorubaland and Ijesaland as the Heart of Yorubaland. It is a game played on a wooden board with two rows of six holes by two to four competitors, and revered for its entertainment values.
Opa festival, Ipetu-Ijesa:
Odun Opa is the preeminent cultural carnival in Ipetu-Ijesa. It marks seasons. Opa festival does not involve rituals or making of sacrifices unto any idol, this is why throngs participate in the ceremony. It is all about singing and dancing while some physically fit men and women voluntarily flog each other on their back; the young and the old engage in severe flogging of each other to mark the clearing of the bush for the cultivation. Strong young men see it as an exercise while many people see it as a torturous festival.
Odun Obalogun, Iloko-Ijesa:
Obalogun was a warlord like many strong men, and the great warriors in history were used by the various Ajagbusi-Ekun to propagate their wars. Obalogun was an archer and very powerful in the use of charms. He hailed from Ogbe in Ondo State. He came to Ibokun on a mission from Alara of Ilara to assassinate Owa Obokun but he changed his mind because of Owa’s hospitality to him.
He lived with Owa for sometime. However, due to some friction with Owa, he was banished. Obalogun sought the favour and protection of Owaloko Oyewole (1518-1559), which was granted and he moved to Iloko as Owaloko’s warlord. Obalogun was widely renowned for his prowess and war victories; that is why he is celebrated in Iloko Ijesa till today.
The Imesi-Ile annual Egungun festival- “Owolewas” & “Daadouns”.
IKEDI Festival, Imesi-Ile: It features cultural dances and huge display of historical costumes.
Olokun and Ijesu festival, Erinmo-Ijesa: It marks the beginning of “New Yams.”
Imesi-Ile festival of Drums and Dance steps, Imesi-Ile.
Iwude-Ogun festival, Ilesa
Ibegun festival, Ipole-Ijesa
Erede festival, Itagunmodi.
Agbeleku festival, Erin Oke.
Odun Oniyo, Osu.
Yours Truly,
Oluwatomilola K. Boyinde,
Ijesaland Renaissance Initiative.
Together We Can Make Ijesaland Great!
Together We Can Make Ijesaland Great!
An adage says “A river that forgets its source will dry up.” Ijesaland is your source, forget not Ijesaland. You may be enjoying in London, Paris, Dublin, Washington D.C, even in Accra, est., try to remember where you come from, try to sit down and make a retreat about your beginning. You’re not just born in Ijesland by chance, it is God’s doing that you come from there.
If you’re the Governor today, President or even the Richest person in the world without contributing to the development of your community is of no meaning. What will be your happiness as the Governor, President, Richest person in the world, when the roofs that shelters you engulfed in flames?
Don’t think only about how to send money across to Mum and Dad; remember that an adage says “A rich person amidst of 7 poor people is also a poor person.” Think of how to contribute to the development of your community; if your community develops, your Mother and Father will also develop. It is a bitter truth I must say; I don’t care where it hits you.
For those who are thinking of how to invest in Lagos/Ibadan because you think Ijesaland is not a business boosting domain, it’s time you have a paradigm shift in your thinking and think of investing in your homeland. Perhaps you’re one of those who are afraid of coming home because you think there are Witches (Aje) at your homeland that may stop your progress, it’s time you get-out of your self-imposed isolation. Your invisible “Aje ile” have no time for you anymore; they are busy listening to more entertaining programmes on “UNIQUE FM” and sleeping in the night or watch their treasured Yoruba Movie.
Ijesaland is our Zion, our own Jerusalem here on earth. This haven needs our help, let’s build it together. Let’s make an Ijesaland which everyone will be proud of. Let’s build an Ijesaland that we will be boastful of. Let’s build an Ijesaland that Americans will be jealous of. Let’s build an Ijesaland that will be the centre-point of this country’s progress.
If Americans did not make America great, Can it be the world power today? If English did not make England great, can we be hearing of their greatness today? Therefore, it is You & I that will/must make Ijesaland great. Together We Can Make Ijesaland Great!!!
Ijesaland needs people like the Biblical Joshua to raise her hands every time!
Ijesaland needs You & I to make her a haven of God-fearing people!
Ijesaland needs You & I to put her on the Path of Greatness!
Ijesaland needs You & I to take her to a Greater height!
Ijesaland needs You & I to create a space for Progress!
Ijesaland needs You & I to move her forward!
Above all, Ijesaland needs Our Prayers!
Arise, Ijesaland is calling you!
It’s time for a call to duty!
Heed to the Clarion Call!
God Bless Ijesaland!
God Bless You All!
“The progress of Jerusalem is the progress of its inhabitants.”
Yours Truly,
Oluwatomilola K. Boyinde,
Ijesaland Renaissance Initiative.
An adage says “A river that forgets its source will dry up.” Ijesaland is your source, forget not Ijesaland. You may be enjoying in London, Paris, Dublin, Washington D.C, even in Accra, est., try to remember where you come from, try to sit down and make a retreat about your beginning. You’re not just born in Ijesland by chance, it is God’s doing that you come from there.
If you’re the Governor today, President or even the Richest person in the world without contributing to the development of your community is of no meaning. What will be your happiness as the Governor, President, Richest person in the world, when the roofs that shelters you engulfed in flames?
Don’t think only about how to send money across to Mum and Dad; remember that an adage says “A rich person amidst of 7 poor people is also a poor person.” Think of how to contribute to the development of your community; if your community develops, your Mother and Father will also develop. It is a bitter truth I must say; I don’t care where it hits you.
For those who are thinking of how to invest in Lagos/Ibadan because you think Ijesaland is not a business boosting domain, it’s time you have a paradigm shift in your thinking and think of investing in your homeland. Perhaps you’re one of those who are afraid of coming home because you think there are Witches (Aje) at your homeland that may stop your progress, it’s time you get-out of your self-imposed isolation. Your invisible “Aje ile” have no time for you anymore; they are busy listening to more entertaining programmes on “UNIQUE FM” and sleeping in the night or watch their treasured Yoruba Movie.
Ijesaland is our Zion, our own Jerusalem here on earth. This haven needs our help, let’s build it together. Let’s make an Ijesaland which everyone will be proud of. Let’s build an Ijesaland that we will be boastful of. Let’s build an Ijesaland that Americans will be jealous of. Let’s build an Ijesaland that will be the centre-point of this country’s progress.
If Americans did not make America great, Can it be the world power today? If English did not make England great, can we be hearing of their greatness today? Therefore, it is You & I that will/must make Ijesaland great. Together We Can Make Ijesaland Great!!!
Ijesaland needs people like the Biblical Joshua to raise her hands every time!
Ijesaland needs You & I to make her a haven of God-fearing people!
Ijesaland needs You & I to put her on the Path of Greatness!
Ijesaland needs You & I to take her to a Greater height!
Ijesaland needs You & I to create a space for Progress!
Ijesaland needs You & I to move her forward!
Above all, Ijesaland needs Our Prayers!
Arise, Ijesaland is calling you!
It’s time for a call to duty!
Heed to the Clarion Call!
God Bless Ijesaland!
God Bless You All!
“The progress of Jerusalem is the progress of its inhabitants.”
Yours Truly,
Oluwatomilola K. Boyinde,
Ijesaland Renaissance Initiative.
OLUMIRIN WATERFALL: OSUN STATE GOVERNMENT SITTING ON A GOLDMINE!
OLUMIRIN WATERFALL: OSUN STATE GOVERNMENT SITTING ON A GOLDMINE!
Olumirin waterfall is one of the many wonders of the world. It is in Erin Ijesa, Osun State (Ipinle Omoluabi), Nigeria. It is 2 kilometres off Erin Ijesa town which lies 20 kilometres East of Ilesa on the well-known Ilesa-Akure Expressway. The waterfall is an assemblage of seven distinct cascades located on the lush Effon Ridge It is Situated within latitude 7°30’ and 8°45’ North and longitude 4°31’ and 5° East.
Historically, According to the custodian of the waterfall, it is said to have been discovered in the Year 1140AD, years after the Ife people migrated to Erin Ijesa which was led by “Akinla”- a Grand-daughter of Oduduwa (Progenitor of Yoruba race).
The custodian said after the migrants had settled for years, they were unaware of the waterfall. On a particular day, the hunters set out to hunt and they discovered the waterfall. They ran back and told their leader “Yeye Akinla” the mystifying thing they saw.
When the waterfall was first discovered, it was said to have given the appearance of a mysterious figure so that no one dared move near it for fear of being swallowed up. It was believed to be a living spirit through whose several months’ water gushed out; a very tall and huge spirit whose height reached to the high heavens.
The inhabitants thereafter named the fall “Olumirin”, meaning another god whose power over the whole area was only similar to “Akinla”- the founder of Erin Ijesa, but later it took another Ifa consultation to convince them that it was not another god but God’s handwork.
The road leading to Erin Ijesa is bumpy and outmoded. Driving down to Olumirin waterfall is a pain in the neck, because the road is not in a good condition. The asphalt on the road has worn off and has been overridden by sand and dirt. The path is overgrown with shrubs and bushes. On getting to the waterfall, there is a brownish black gate erected to keep intruders at bay and the fence painted in blue.
It is open to tourists throughout the year. The way-in does not capture the fascination of the gift of nature; it looks old and not well taken care of. At the entrance, a fading sign post that has seen better days confirms the arrival to the waterfall, the weather-beaten signpost reads “Welcome to Erin-Ijesa Waterfall, The Living Spring”. Although the inscription is almost fading, yet it’s still decipherable.
Stepping in, there is a crafted and molded small water-pouring pot which exemplifies the source of the waterfall. The environment is nothing to write home about, it is unkempt; Used packs of food, drinks litters everywhere. There is a stairway facing the entrance which leads to the waterfall. At the foot of the stairway lies a pile of debris which is an eyesore for a tourist centre, even the stairway is antiquated and in a ramshackle condition.
From the stairway, one has to engage in a little exercise of climbing and descending as one meanders through the enveloping rocks to get to the waterfall. It is mountainous, as one meanders and turns towards the right to the fall, what you’ll see are some dilapidated old styled cone-like structures. From that vantage point, one could also have a bird eye-view of the Erin Ijesa Community and its environs. The lapping sound of the spring could be heard as one strolls his way to the fall and the coolness of the spring permeates everywhere.
Olumirin waterfall is sincerely a beauty to behold. The water there itself is pure, white, clear, cold and refreshing; it serves for drinking and as medicine for indigenes and other tourists alike. As it was said, the water is capable of healing many ailments (which I consider as a superstitious believe), depending on the faith of its user. Many people come from all over the country to fetch the water which they use for curative purposes. It cures ailments such as headache, stomach-ache and skin diseases e.t.c.
Olumirin waterfall has a breathtaking seven-level waterfall whose charm and tourism potential is underestimated. The thundering 7-level waterfall comes over the escarpment and tumbles in succeeding levels of waterfall. It also has seven layers of rocks; the wall of its massive rock cleft is rugged in verdant colours; a verdant brushes of verdure.
It got seven levels to ascend, with each level revealing difference natural architectural magnum-opus and a great gift of nature from God. Each fall distinctly marks the mystical propensity of the fountain; broken pieces of rocks serves as stepping stones through which people climbs to each fall. Olumirin waterfall is indeed a craft of supreme architecture.
The view at all the levels is wonderful and the freshness of the water is energizing. Its falls are surrounded by towering mountains that gives one the sense of wildlife mixed with serenity. Its streams flows majestically amid the rocks and splashes down with great force on the vegetation around; it falls with thundering rush and loud thuds.
The breeze at the waterfall is cool and refreshing. Its springs never run dry in rainy and dry seasons. There are natural landscaping trees and sloppy areas. The whole scenery is fascinating and idyllic. Apart from the beautiful site present at the Olumirin waterfall are also fresh water prawns which belongs to the “Infraorder Caridea family, Atyidae and Genus Caridina” (Biological terms). Olumirin waterfall is a perfection of God’s handwork, I must confess!
The first fall plummets through a narrow opening in a cluster of luxuriant tree trunks blanketed in dark green leafage, down a steeply folded rock face of about 10 meters in height. Like a rain of a million limpid pins, the showers descend and inundates huge boulder reposed at its plunge pool below.
Fallen logs of wood laid dank in the pool and out-flowing stream channel. The air hung muggy with a heavy smoke of splashed water droplets. The sight sparks the first fire of excitement that pervades the veins of any visitor at the falls. The refreshing ambience is further thickened when one ascends the steep rocks to explore the other stages of the waterfalls.
The ascent to the second fall begins at this spring. It is tougher than the first but approaching it, one begins to see anew the overwhelming beauty of the perfection of God’s handwork. The second fall is the most gigantic of all, with the waters diving down a 40m-high cliff. The copious plunge is most spectacular in the rainy season when the stream channel is at its flooding levels. Its plunge pool forms a shallow improvised swimming pool for tourists at the site who are lucky and brave enough to get to the second fall. An adorable rainbow bedecks its floor.
Climbing to other falls is arduous and torturous, as there are no steps constructed or clear paths made up the ridge slopes, except depressions and projections on the surface, as well as roots and branches of huge trees, forest climbers and shrubs along the paths, which serves as hand and foot hands for the adventurous tourists. Nevertheless, the ascent of the enormous ridge is most rewarding, as one is treated to dazzling and panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape, depicting the true natural beauty of the Nigerian landmass.
The third level is simply spectacular and each increase means a corresponding rise in grandeur. For most tourists and fun seekers, climbing up to the third level can best be equated to traipsing the snowy steeply Mount Everest. The whole place is cool, calm and refreshing due to the permeation of the coolness of the streams. The fourth level beckons next and having come this far up, there is no way to go but higher still, taking the next torturous and joyful stride.
The most intriguing level is the seventh level, which is the peak of the falls. So enthralling, it takes determination, bravery and skills to get there; it is not a walk in the park at all. The environment is cool and reserving; it’s a flattish area covered in trees. There are all kinds of fruits like pineapple, oranges, among other; the view is captivating. At this level, one sees the source of the waterfalls. The source of the spring is a rock-like shape of a pot from which the water gushes like a pump; the waterfalls exude from a big rock-like pot.
The seventh level hosts a settlement which is another great attraction at the waterfalls. The rural commune is called “Abake village”. The name “Abake” is a Yoruba word which is a combination of two Yoruba words: “Aba” “Oke”, meaning “the village on the top”, suggesting the location of the small village. Its inhabitants have been living there for hundreds of years. The village is said to be in Efon Alaaye Local Government, hence the villagers refer to their settlement as Efon Alaaye (Ekiti State).
The village basically consists of mud houses and the people there are predominantly farmers who specialized in growing food crops and cash crops. There women engages in Gari processing- using local method and trading. The commune suffers from inaccessibility to good roads, lack of electricity, hospitals, clinics or health centres, e.t.c; despite this deprivation, they are ever hospitable and delighted to see people climb the mammoth crest in order to visit their remote enclave. They host the tourists with fruits- oranges, pineapple, banana, and the likes.
Olumirin waterfall is a must-visit for Nigerians, Africans and all lovers of nature in the world. I cannot but place Olumirin waterfall on the dais of one of the choicest tourist centres in Africa. Olumirin waterfall can be used for world class mountaineering, swimming, base jumping, bird and game watching competitions.
Olumirin waterfall is indeed a great gift to Osun State, but with what I saw, I cannot but conclude that the successive government in Osun State has not been up to their responsibilities. Just wondering how they could possibly be sitting on such a goldmine without making efforts to explore and dip up the gold. It is time the state government takes special interest in making it a site a money-spinner. This is another means to generate more revenue for Osun State.
I want to urge Osun State government to make Olumirin waterfall more befitting so that it can attract more tourists all over the world. All efforts should be made in ensuring Olumirin waterfall listed among international tourist sites by UNESCO. They should allocate more money for the development of the site.
To mention a few, the government should provide a good road network to Erin Ijesa Community and Olumirin waterfall. They should also provide Escalators- steps up the waterfalls, Electricity, Tourist Chalets, Motor Park, Recreational Facilities, and Relaxation Huts for tourists to rest their nerves after returning from the top of the mountain.
To climax it all, Osun State Government should tighten the security there, especially during the festive periods when so many people gather to frolic and enjoy themselves to the fullest. This is more important because gangsters, assailants do infiltrate the place during festive periods; Christmas and New Year to be specific. A case like that happened on January 1 this year; it was like “Olumirin yaabo” when everybody began to run helter-skelter.
Am also using this medium to call on the well-to-do people in Ijesa land to come and invest in Olumirin waterfall and make it a world class tourist centre. They could help in building Guest Houses and Hotels (in Erin Ijesa Community) for faraway tourists to lodge into, since the nearest Guest Houses and Hotels to the waterfall are miles away in Ilesa, Ada and Osogbo.
Finally, Erin Ijesa people should try to create a Mini-Supermarket at the waterfall, so that it will also boost the economy of the Community.
Yours’ Truly,
Oluwatomilola K. Boyinde,
Ijesaland Renaissance Initiative.
Olumirin waterfall is one of the many wonders of the world. It is in Erin Ijesa, Osun State (Ipinle Omoluabi), Nigeria. It is 2 kilometres off Erin Ijesa town which lies 20 kilometres East of Ilesa on the well-known Ilesa-Akure Expressway. The waterfall is an assemblage of seven distinct cascades located on the lush Effon Ridge It is Situated within latitude 7°30’ and 8°45’ North and longitude 4°31’ and 5° East.
Historically, According to the custodian of the waterfall, it is said to have been discovered in the Year 1140AD, years after the Ife people migrated to Erin Ijesa which was led by “Akinla”- a Grand-daughter of Oduduwa (Progenitor of Yoruba race).
The custodian said after the migrants had settled for years, they were unaware of the waterfall. On a particular day, the hunters set out to hunt and they discovered the waterfall. They ran back and told their leader “Yeye Akinla” the mystifying thing they saw.
When the waterfall was first discovered, it was said to have given the appearance of a mysterious figure so that no one dared move near it for fear of being swallowed up. It was believed to be a living spirit through whose several months’ water gushed out; a very tall and huge spirit whose height reached to the high heavens.
The inhabitants thereafter named the fall “Olumirin”, meaning another god whose power over the whole area was only similar to “Akinla”- the founder of Erin Ijesa, but later it took another Ifa consultation to convince them that it was not another god but God’s handwork.
The road leading to Erin Ijesa is bumpy and outmoded. Driving down to Olumirin waterfall is a pain in the neck, because the road is not in a good condition. The asphalt on the road has worn off and has been overridden by sand and dirt. The path is overgrown with shrubs and bushes. On getting to the waterfall, there is a brownish black gate erected to keep intruders at bay and the fence painted in blue.
It is open to tourists throughout the year. The way-in does not capture the fascination of the gift of nature; it looks old and not well taken care of. At the entrance, a fading sign post that has seen better days confirms the arrival to the waterfall, the weather-beaten signpost reads “Welcome to Erin-Ijesa Waterfall, The Living Spring”. Although the inscription is almost fading, yet it’s still decipherable.
Stepping in, there is a crafted and molded small water-pouring pot which exemplifies the source of the waterfall. The environment is nothing to write home about, it is unkempt; Used packs of food, drinks litters everywhere. There is a stairway facing the entrance which leads to the waterfall. At the foot of the stairway lies a pile of debris which is an eyesore for a tourist centre, even the stairway is antiquated and in a ramshackle condition.
From the stairway, one has to engage in a little exercise of climbing and descending as one meanders through the enveloping rocks to get to the waterfall. It is mountainous, as one meanders and turns towards the right to the fall, what you’ll see are some dilapidated old styled cone-like structures. From that vantage point, one could also have a bird eye-view of the Erin Ijesa Community and its environs. The lapping sound of the spring could be heard as one strolls his way to the fall and the coolness of the spring permeates everywhere.
Olumirin waterfall is sincerely a beauty to behold. The water there itself is pure, white, clear, cold and refreshing; it serves for drinking and as medicine for indigenes and other tourists alike. As it was said, the water is capable of healing many ailments (which I consider as a superstitious believe), depending on the faith of its user. Many people come from all over the country to fetch the water which they use for curative purposes. It cures ailments such as headache, stomach-ache and skin diseases e.t.c.
Olumirin waterfall has a breathtaking seven-level waterfall whose charm and tourism potential is underestimated. The thundering 7-level waterfall comes over the escarpment and tumbles in succeeding levels of waterfall. It also has seven layers of rocks; the wall of its massive rock cleft is rugged in verdant colours; a verdant brushes of verdure.
It got seven levels to ascend, with each level revealing difference natural architectural magnum-opus and a great gift of nature from God. Each fall distinctly marks the mystical propensity of the fountain; broken pieces of rocks serves as stepping stones through which people climbs to each fall. Olumirin waterfall is indeed a craft of supreme architecture.
The view at all the levels is wonderful and the freshness of the water is energizing. Its falls are surrounded by towering mountains that gives one the sense of wildlife mixed with serenity. Its streams flows majestically amid the rocks and splashes down with great force on the vegetation around; it falls with thundering rush and loud thuds.
The breeze at the waterfall is cool and refreshing. Its springs never run dry in rainy and dry seasons. There are natural landscaping trees and sloppy areas. The whole scenery is fascinating and idyllic. Apart from the beautiful site present at the Olumirin waterfall are also fresh water prawns which belongs to the “Infraorder Caridea family, Atyidae and Genus Caridina” (Biological terms). Olumirin waterfall is a perfection of God’s handwork, I must confess!
The first fall plummets through a narrow opening in a cluster of luxuriant tree trunks blanketed in dark green leafage, down a steeply folded rock face of about 10 meters in height. Like a rain of a million limpid pins, the showers descend and inundates huge boulder reposed at its plunge pool below.
Fallen logs of wood laid dank in the pool and out-flowing stream channel. The air hung muggy with a heavy smoke of splashed water droplets. The sight sparks the first fire of excitement that pervades the veins of any visitor at the falls. The refreshing ambience is further thickened when one ascends the steep rocks to explore the other stages of the waterfalls.
The ascent to the second fall begins at this spring. It is tougher than the first but approaching it, one begins to see anew the overwhelming beauty of the perfection of God’s handwork. The second fall is the most gigantic of all, with the waters diving down a 40m-high cliff. The copious plunge is most spectacular in the rainy season when the stream channel is at its flooding levels. Its plunge pool forms a shallow improvised swimming pool for tourists at the site who are lucky and brave enough to get to the second fall. An adorable rainbow bedecks its floor.
Climbing to other falls is arduous and torturous, as there are no steps constructed or clear paths made up the ridge slopes, except depressions and projections on the surface, as well as roots and branches of huge trees, forest climbers and shrubs along the paths, which serves as hand and foot hands for the adventurous tourists. Nevertheless, the ascent of the enormous ridge is most rewarding, as one is treated to dazzling and panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape, depicting the true natural beauty of the Nigerian landmass.
The third level is simply spectacular and each increase means a corresponding rise in grandeur. For most tourists and fun seekers, climbing up to the third level can best be equated to traipsing the snowy steeply Mount Everest. The whole place is cool, calm and refreshing due to the permeation of the coolness of the streams. The fourth level beckons next and having come this far up, there is no way to go but higher still, taking the next torturous and joyful stride.
The most intriguing level is the seventh level, which is the peak of the falls. So enthralling, it takes determination, bravery and skills to get there; it is not a walk in the park at all. The environment is cool and reserving; it’s a flattish area covered in trees. There are all kinds of fruits like pineapple, oranges, among other; the view is captivating. At this level, one sees the source of the waterfalls. The source of the spring is a rock-like shape of a pot from which the water gushes like a pump; the waterfalls exude from a big rock-like pot.
The seventh level hosts a settlement which is another great attraction at the waterfalls. The rural commune is called “Abake village”. The name “Abake” is a Yoruba word which is a combination of two Yoruba words: “Aba” “Oke”, meaning “the village on the top”, suggesting the location of the small village. Its inhabitants have been living there for hundreds of years. The village is said to be in Efon Alaaye Local Government, hence the villagers refer to their settlement as Efon Alaaye (Ekiti State).
The village basically consists of mud houses and the people there are predominantly farmers who specialized in growing food crops and cash crops. There women engages in Gari processing- using local method and trading. The commune suffers from inaccessibility to good roads, lack of electricity, hospitals, clinics or health centres, e.t.c; despite this deprivation, they are ever hospitable and delighted to see people climb the mammoth crest in order to visit their remote enclave. They host the tourists with fruits- oranges, pineapple, banana, and the likes.
Olumirin waterfall is a must-visit for Nigerians, Africans and all lovers of nature in the world. I cannot but place Olumirin waterfall on the dais of one of the choicest tourist centres in Africa. Olumirin waterfall can be used for world class mountaineering, swimming, base jumping, bird and game watching competitions.
Olumirin waterfall is indeed a great gift to Osun State, but with what I saw, I cannot but conclude that the successive government in Osun State has not been up to their responsibilities. Just wondering how they could possibly be sitting on such a goldmine without making efforts to explore and dip up the gold. It is time the state government takes special interest in making it a site a money-spinner. This is another means to generate more revenue for Osun State.
I want to urge Osun State government to make Olumirin waterfall more befitting so that it can attract more tourists all over the world. All efforts should be made in ensuring Olumirin waterfall listed among international tourist sites by UNESCO. They should allocate more money for the development of the site.
To mention a few, the government should provide a good road network to Erin Ijesa Community and Olumirin waterfall. They should also provide Escalators- steps up the waterfalls, Electricity, Tourist Chalets, Motor Park, Recreational Facilities, and Relaxation Huts for tourists to rest their nerves after returning from the top of the mountain.
To climax it all, Osun State Government should tighten the security there, especially during the festive periods when so many people gather to frolic and enjoy themselves to the fullest. This is more important because gangsters, assailants do infiltrate the place during festive periods; Christmas and New Year to be specific. A case like that happened on January 1 this year; it was like “Olumirin yaabo” when everybody began to run helter-skelter.
Am also using this medium to call on the well-to-do people in Ijesa land to come and invest in Olumirin waterfall and make it a world class tourist centre. They could help in building Guest Houses and Hotels (in Erin Ijesa Community) for faraway tourists to lodge into, since the nearest Guest Houses and Hotels to the waterfall are miles away in Ilesa, Ada and Osogbo.
Finally, Erin Ijesa people should try to create a Mini-Supermarket at the waterfall, so that it will also boost the economy of the Community.
Yours’ Truly,
Oluwatomilola K. Boyinde,
Ijesaland Renaissance Initiative.
OLUMIRIN WATERFALL: A TOURIST SITE TO BEHOLD!
OLUMIRIN WATERFALL: A TOURIST SITE TO BEHOLD!
Olumirin waterfall is one of the many wonders of the world. It is in Erin Ijesa, Osun State, Nigeria. It is 2 kilometres off Erin Ijesa town which lies 20 kilometres East of Ilesa on the well-known Ilesa-Akure Expressway. It is Situated within latitude 7°30’ and 8°45’ North and longitude 4°31’ and 5° East.
Olumirin waterfall has breathtaking seven-level waterfalls whose charm and tourism potential are underestimated. The thundering seven-level waterfall comes over the escarpment and tumbles in succeeding levels of waterfalls. It also has seven layers of rocks; the wall of its massive rock cleft is rugged in verdant colours; a verdant brushes of verdure.
It got seven levels to ascend, with each level revealing difference natural architectural magnum-opus and a great gift of nature from God. Each fall distinctly marks the mystical propensity of the fountain; broken pieces of rocks serves as stepping stones through which people climbs to each fall. Olumirin waterfall is indeed a craft of supreme architecture.
The view at all the levels is wonderful and the freshness of the water is energizing. Its falls are surrounded by towering mountains that gives one the sense of wildlife mixed with serenity. Its streams flows majestically amid the rocks and splashes down with great force on the vegetation around; it falls with thundering rush and loud thuds.
The breeze at the waterfall is cool and refreshing. Its springs never run dry in rainy and dry seasons. There are natural landscaping trees and sloppy areas. The whole scenery is fascinating and idyllic. Apart from the beautiful site present at the Olumirin waterfall are also fresh water prawns which belongs to the “Infraorder Caridea family, Atyidae and Genus Caridina” (Biological terms). Olumirin waterfall is a perfection of God’s handwork, I must confess!
The first fall plunges through a narrow opening in a cluster of luxuriant tree trunks blanketed in dark green leafage, down a steeply folded rock face of about 10 meters in height. Like a rain of a million limpid pins, the showers descend and inundates huge boulder reposed at its plunge pool below.
Fallen logs of wood laid dank in the pool and out-flowing stream channel. The air hung muggy with a heavy smoke of splashed water droplets. The sight sparks the first fire of excitement that pervades the veins of any tourist at the falls. The refreshing ambience is further thickened when one ascends the steep rocks to explore the other stages of the waterfalls.
The ascent to the second fall begins at this spring. It is tougher than the first but approaching it, one begins to see anew the overwhelming beauty of the perfection of God’s handwork. The second fall is the most gigantic of all, with the waters diving down a 40m-high cliff. The copious plunge is most spectacular in the rainy season when the stream channel is at its flooding levels. Its plunge pool forms a shallow improvised swimming pool for tourists at the site who are lucky and brave enough to get to the second fall. An adorable rainbow bedecks its floor.
Climbing to other falls is arduous and torturous, as there are no escalators or clear paths made up the ridge slopes, except depressions and projections on the surface, as well as roots and branches of huge trees, forest climbers and shrubs along the paths, which serves as hand and foot hands for the adventurous tourists. Nevertheless, the ascent of the enormous ridge is most rewarding, as one is treated to dazzling and panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape, depicting the true natural beauty of the Nigerian landmass.
The third level is simply spectacular and each increase means a corresponding rise in grandeur. For most tourists and fun seekers, climbing up to the third level can best be equated to traipsing the snowy steeply Mount Everest. The whole place is cool, calm and refreshing due to the permeation of the coolness of the streams. The fourth level beckons next and having come this far up, there is no way to go but higher still, taking the next torturous and joyful stride.
The most intriguing level is the seventh level, which is the peak of the falls. So enthralling, it takes determination, bravery and skills to get there; it is not a walk in the park at all. The environment is cool and reserving; it’s a flattish area covered in trees. There are all kinds of fruits like pineapple, oranges, among other; the view is captivating. At this level, one sees the source of the waterfalls. The source of the Olumirin waterfall is a rock-like shape of a pot from which the water gushes like a pump; the waterfalls exude from a big rock-like pot.
The seventh level hosts a settlement which is another great attraction at the waterfalls. The rural commune is called “Abake village”. The name “Abake” is a Yoruba word which is a combination of two Yoruba words: “Aba” “Oke”, meaning “the village on the top”, suggesting the location of the small village. Its inhabitants have been living there for hundreds of years. The village is said to be in Efon Alaaye Local Government, hence the villagers refer to their settlement as Efon Alaaye (Ekiti State).
The village basically consists of mud houses and the people there are predominantly farmers who specialized in growing food crops and cash crops. There women engages in Gari processing- using local method and trading. The commune suffers from inaccessibility of good roads, lack of electricity, hospitals, clinics or health centres, e.t.c; despite this deprivation, they are ever hospitable and delighted to see people climb the mammoth crest in order to visit their remote enclave. They host the tourists with fruits- oranges, pineapple, banana, and the likes.
Olumirin waterfall is a must-visit for Nigerians, Africans and all lovers of nature in the world. I cannot but place Olumirin waterfall on the dais of one of the choicest tourist centres in Africa and the World at large. It is commonly said that “the taste of the pudding is in the eating”. So, it wouldn’t be enough to just read this piece, you need to schedule a vacation to Olumirin waterfall. I tell you, it’s a sight to behold.
Yours’ Truly,
Oluwatomilola K. Boyinde,
Ijesaland Renaissance Initiative.
Olumirin waterfall is one of the many wonders of the world. It is in Erin Ijesa, Osun State, Nigeria. It is 2 kilometres off Erin Ijesa town which lies 20 kilometres East of Ilesa on the well-known Ilesa-Akure Expressway. It is Situated within latitude 7°30’ and 8°45’ North and longitude 4°31’ and 5° East.
Olumirin waterfall has breathtaking seven-level waterfalls whose charm and tourism potential are underestimated. The thundering seven-level waterfall comes over the escarpment and tumbles in succeeding levels of waterfalls. It also has seven layers of rocks; the wall of its massive rock cleft is rugged in verdant colours; a verdant brushes of verdure.
It got seven levels to ascend, with each level revealing difference natural architectural magnum-opus and a great gift of nature from God. Each fall distinctly marks the mystical propensity of the fountain; broken pieces of rocks serves as stepping stones through which people climbs to each fall. Olumirin waterfall is indeed a craft of supreme architecture.
The view at all the levels is wonderful and the freshness of the water is energizing. Its falls are surrounded by towering mountains that gives one the sense of wildlife mixed with serenity. Its streams flows majestically amid the rocks and splashes down with great force on the vegetation around; it falls with thundering rush and loud thuds.
The breeze at the waterfall is cool and refreshing. Its springs never run dry in rainy and dry seasons. There are natural landscaping trees and sloppy areas. The whole scenery is fascinating and idyllic. Apart from the beautiful site present at the Olumirin waterfall are also fresh water prawns which belongs to the “Infraorder Caridea family, Atyidae and Genus Caridina” (Biological terms). Olumirin waterfall is a perfection of God’s handwork, I must confess!
The first fall plunges through a narrow opening in a cluster of luxuriant tree trunks blanketed in dark green leafage, down a steeply folded rock face of about 10 meters in height. Like a rain of a million limpid pins, the showers descend and inundates huge boulder reposed at its plunge pool below.
Fallen logs of wood laid dank in the pool and out-flowing stream channel. The air hung muggy with a heavy smoke of splashed water droplets. The sight sparks the first fire of excitement that pervades the veins of any tourist at the falls. The refreshing ambience is further thickened when one ascends the steep rocks to explore the other stages of the waterfalls.
The ascent to the second fall begins at this spring. It is tougher than the first but approaching it, one begins to see anew the overwhelming beauty of the perfection of God’s handwork. The second fall is the most gigantic of all, with the waters diving down a 40m-high cliff. The copious plunge is most spectacular in the rainy season when the stream channel is at its flooding levels. Its plunge pool forms a shallow improvised swimming pool for tourists at the site who are lucky and brave enough to get to the second fall. An adorable rainbow bedecks its floor.
Climbing to other falls is arduous and torturous, as there are no escalators or clear paths made up the ridge slopes, except depressions and projections on the surface, as well as roots and branches of huge trees, forest climbers and shrubs along the paths, which serves as hand and foot hands for the adventurous tourists. Nevertheless, the ascent of the enormous ridge is most rewarding, as one is treated to dazzling and panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape, depicting the true natural beauty of the Nigerian landmass.
The third level is simply spectacular and each increase means a corresponding rise in grandeur. For most tourists and fun seekers, climbing up to the third level can best be equated to traipsing the snowy steeply Mount Everest. The whole place is cool, calm and refreshing due to the permeation of the coolness of the streams. The fourth level beckons next and having come this far up, there is no way to go but higher still, taking the next torturous and joyful stride.
The most intriguing level is the seventh level, which is the peak of the falls. So enthralling, it takes determination, bravery and skills to get there; it is not a walk in the park at all. The environment is cool and reserving; it’s a flattish area covered in trees. There are all kinds of fruits like pineapple, oranges, among other; the view is captivating. At this level, one sees the source of the waterfalls. The source of the Olumirin waterfall is a rock-like shape of a pot from which the water gushes like a pump; the waterfalls exude from a big rock-like pot.
The seventh level hosts a settlement which is another great attraction at the waterfalls. The rural commune is called “Abake village”. The name “Abake” is a Yoruba word which is a combination of two Yoruba words: “Aba” “Oke”, meaning “the village on the top”, suggesting the location of the small village. Its inhabitants have been living there for hundreds of years. The village is said to be in Efon Alaaye Local Government, hence the villagers refer to their settlement as Efon Alaaye (Ekiti State).
The village basically consists of mud houses and the people there are predominantly farmers who specialized in growing food crops and cash crops. There women engages in Gari processing- using local method and trading. The commune suffers from inaccessibility of good roads, lack of electricity, hospitals, clinics or health centres, e.t.c; despite this deprivation, they are ever hospitable and delighted to see people climb the mammoth crest in order to visit their remote enclave. They host the tourists with fruits- oranges, pineapple, banana, and the likes.
Olumirin waterfall is a must-visit for Nigerians, Africans and all lovers of nature in the world. I cannot but place Olumirin waterfall on the dais of one of the choicest tourist centres in Africa and the World at large. It is commonly said that “the taste of the pudding is in the eating”. So, it wouldn’t be enough to just read this piece, you need to schedule a vacation to Olumirin waterfall. I tell you, it’s a sight to behold.
Yours’ Truly,
Oluwatomilola K. Boyinde,
Ijesaland Renaissance Initiative.
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