The Gateway State
History
Ogun State is located in western Nigeria and was established in 1976. It was formed by merging the former Abeokuta and Ijebu provinces, which were part of the former Western state.
The state shares borders with Oyo and Osun states to the north, Lagos state to the south, Ondo state to the east, and the Republic of Benin to the west.
The majority of Ogun State’s population is Yoruba, and the Yoruba language is widely spoken throughout the state.
Islam and Christianity are the predominant religions in Ogun State, with a smaller number of people practicing traditional religion.
Economy
Agriculture forms the backbone of Ogun State’s economy, with a focus on the cultivation of rice, corn, cassava, yams, plantains, and bananas. The region is also known for producing cash crops such as cocoa, kola nuts, rubber, palm oil and palm kernels, tobacco, cotton, and timber.
Tourist Attractions
While Olumo Rock is undoubtedly the most famous tourist attraction in Ogun state, there are several other captivating sites worth exploring, such as Alake of Egbaland Palace, Ebute Oni Beach Tourist Resort and the intriguing Lisabi Sacred Forest, Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Oronna Statue, Bilikisu Sungbo Tourist Complex, among others.
Olumo Rock
Olumo Rock is a renowned tourist attraction in Nigeria and Africa. The city itself is named after this iconic rock, which holds historical significance and is a must-visit destination. This massive rock, once a protective refuge for the Egba people during the intercity wars of the 1830s, remains steadfast in its original location within the city of Abeokuta.
According to history, the city derived its name from the rock which translates literally as “under the rock”.
Alake of Egbaland Palace
One of the notable tourist sites in Ogun State is the Alake’s Palace. The Alake, who holds the title of Alake of Egbaland, is the traditional ruler of the Egba people.
The palace, with its prominent inscription “Alake Ti Ile Egba,” warmly welcomes visitors to explore its rich cultural heritage.
Cultural Heritage
Iganmode Cultural Festival
The Iganmode Cultural Festival, also known as Odun Omo Iganmode, is a vibrant celebration held annually by the Awori Yoruba people in Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria.
Every December, the week-long annual festival celebrates the cultural, spiritual, and mystical heritage of the Ota Awori people. It serves as a spiritual bugle, calling the sons and daughters of Awori sub-nationality, whether in Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Republic of Benin, diaspora, or anywhere else in the world, to come together for a cultural renaissance and awakening.
The festival showcases the rich traditions and customs of the Awori community, creating a sense of unity and belonging among its people.
Ojude Oba Festival
The Ojude Oba festival is a traditional celebration observed by the Yoruba people of Ijebu-Ode, a town in Ogun State, Southwest Nigeria. This annual event, serves as a tribute to the esteemed Awujale of Ijebuland.
The festival celebrates different cultural age groups known as “regberegbe,” comprising indigenes, friends, and associates from near and far. They gather at the king’s palace during the third day of the Eid al Kabir festival, commonly known as “Ileya” in Yoruba language.
Oba Adetona reintroduced the age groups in the 18th century, making it a widely accepted tradition among the Ijebu community. Today, it has become an integral part of the annual Ojude Oba festival in Ijebu. The purpose behind forming the age groups was to foster development and progress within the community.
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