[Tourist Guide] Nine tourist sites to visit in Ogun State
Ogun is a Nigerian state in the southwest of the country. It is also known as the “Gateway state.”
The Yoruba ethnic group dominates the state, with six major tribes: Egba, Ijebu, Remo, Egbado, Awori, and Egun. There are also subgroups like the Ikale, Ohori, and Anago.
Top Nigerian politicians have also come from the state, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Obafemi Awolowo, and Ernest Shonekan.
Olumo Rock is the most famous tourist attraction in Ogun state; however, there are other sites in Ogun state such as Ebute Oni Beach Tourist Resort, Lisabi Sacred Forest, and others.
- Olumo Rock
Olumo Rock is the most popular tourist attraction in Abeokuta and Ogun State as a whole. It is also one of Nigeria’s and West Africa’s most popular tourist destinations. During the late 19th century, the Egba people of Egba land used Olumo Rock as a fortress.
The Egba people lived in Abeokuta, which means “Under the Rock,” and the mighty Olumo Rock served as a sanctuary and a forte to monitor enemy movement, ultimately leading to war victory. Every day, thousands of tourists visit Olumo Rock, which stands 137 metres above sea level. The site is being renovated over time to make it easier to explore.
Olumo Rock now has an elevator, water fountain, and restaurant around it. Fascinating enough this mega rock still has its shrines and caves intact. The site is a must-see as it features a full view of Abeokuta, arts and craft, the marketplace, tie and dye, and more. A little climbing here and there and you’ll be on top.
- Lisabi Sacred Forest
Lisabi Sacred Forest is located in Oba Village, Obafemi/Owode Local Government, Ogun State, Nigeria. According to the history of Abeokuta, the Lisabi forest houses the remains of the great farmer turned warrior, Lisabi Agbongbo Akala. He fought to free the Egba people from slavery by the Oloyos. Annually, Lisabi day is celebrated with a march through the Lisabi forest. The Lisabi forest in all is regarded as sacred by the people of Ogun state. This is because it is bound on both sides by both Ogun river and Tegbelu Stream. It is said the forest is home to rare bird species and endangered animal species and reptiles.
- Centenary Hall
Cenetary Hall is located in Ake, Abeokuta. Sitting opposite the Ake’s Palace, the Centenary Hall was constructed in 1950 to commemorate the one hundred years Abeokuta had been in peace after the last inter-tribal war by his Majesty Oba Ladapo Ademola II, KBE, the then, Alake of Egbaland.
- Hi- Impact Planet
Hi-Impact Planet is a thrilling amusement park located along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. This fun amusement park has exciting outdoor rides and indoor games put in place for children and adults. This park provides a fun-filled experience for families and individuals of all ages. Hi-Impact Planet boasts of luxurious apartments, a well-equipped clinic, multi-purpose halls, and souvenir court with a variety of gifts. There are the uninterrupted power supply and adequate security to ensure smooth operations of the entire facility and safety for all.
- Hilltop Golf Resort
Hilltop Golf Resort is located Abeokuta, Ogun State. It is an enchanting gold result with a relaxing atmosphere. Relaxation at the clubhouse accompanied by fine music and an assortment of drinks. You can obviously play golf at the hilltop and follow it up by relaxing by the lake.
- Ebute Oni Tourist Beach
The Ebute Oni Tourist Beach is a waterfront at Oni waterside, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State. It was discovered by fishermen a long time ago and has since been transformed to a resort beach for tourism and leisure for foreigners and native visitors. The resort also has enough accommodation for numerous guests and tourists can lodge in these chalets.
- Abeokuta Museum
Abeokuta Museum as the name implies is located in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The museum houses ancient artifacts that tell the story of its people. The museum is a must-see to every visitor to Ogun State because present in the museum are handcrafts and ancient weapons used by the early settlers of the town and its environs.
- Ogunde Museum, Ososa
Ogunde Museum is located in Osasa, Ogun State. This museum came to be as a result of the existence of Hubert Adedeji Ogunde, a legend who changed the narrative. The Ogunde museum tells the story of the life of a pioneer, born to be so much more. The museum features the mausoleum and burial site of late Chief Dr. Hubert Ogunde, a minibus and lorry used in travelling around Nigeria, his bedroom where he spent the last 10 years of his life, some of his personal effects including his clothes, shoes and passport, his theatre, music and film memorabilia.These include costumes used in his plays and films, the original vivyl records, CDs, film and stage effects, the complete Ogunde family tree and more
- Osuuru Water Spring
The Osuuru Water Spring is a must-see for every eye in Ogun state. The fascinating thing about this spring is that it has no known source and the water flows even in dry season. Osuuru Water Spring is situated at Imeko town of Imeko/Afon local government area. Around the spring you can enjoy horseback riding and a walk.