Ado-Awaye: Seven Must-See Wonders of Ado-Awaye In Oyo State
Nigeria boasts of many natural wonders across its 36 states. The country is home to some of the most beautiful and fascinating tourist sites in Africa, one of which is Ado-Awaye, a small town in Oyo State formed in 1500 AD. Ado-Awaye has one of the most interesting histories and tourist attractions in Nigeria. This article highlights the seven tourist attractions in Ado-Awaye.
OKE ISHAGE (ISHAGE ROCK)
Ishage Rock serves as a rainmaker for the people of Ado-Awaye and as a tourist site. It is a large rock that stands firmly on one of its small edges. For years, it remains a mystery that the rock has not fallen off the steep mountainside on which it rests. Whenever it doesn’t rain for a while, the chief priest goes to the rock, covers the “waist” of the rock with a white cloth, and commands the rain. According to historians, the rain usually lasts between 3-4 days.
IYAKE LAKE
Iyake Lake is the only recognized (suspended) lake in Africa. It is one of the only two in the world, after the Hanging Lake in Colorado. Iyake lake is one of the favorite tourist locations to visit in Oyo State, Nigeria. The lake is said to be very deep and is ascribed as the main god of fertility of the Mountain. The people of Ado-Awaye believe that another world exists beneath the lake, and whoever dives into the lake, enters that world.
Read Also: The Origin of “Iyawo”, the Yoruba Word for Wife
ÌYÁ-ALÁRÓ LAKE
This is also one of the lakes on the mountain. Iya-Alaro lake was named after an old woman in the Ado-Awaye village, who specializes in the tie and dye batik. The old woman, known as “Iya Alaro”, worships the lakes and sacrifices to them at specific times of the year.
THE ELEPHANT TREE
This looks like the tangled trunk or root of a fallen tree that takes the form of the head and trunk of an elephant. The eyes of the elephant are also well represented in the formation. Hikers on the mountain often climb the formation to sit on the ‘elephant’s head’ while taking memorable pictures.
AGBÓMOFÚNYÀKÉ
This is a little hole located beside iyake lake. It is believed that, whenever the hole has water in it, whoever puts his leg into it might get to the Iyake lake.
ESÈ ÀWON ÀGBÀ
Esè àwon Àgbà means “the footprint of the elders”. It is an array of large “footprints” found all over the mountain. The people of Ado-Awaye believe that the gods once walked over the mountain to protect the villagers when they lived there.
ESÈ KAN AIYÉ ESÈ KAN ÒRUN
This is a broad and deep gorge on the mountain which separates one part of the mountain from the other. This steep and slippery path across the valley is the only link to the two parts of the mountain. Tourists and hikers are expected to tread carefully on this path.
Ado-Awaye and its rich natural abundance can be transformed into a great tourist site in Nigeria, Africa, and the world.
Photo Credit: Adedotun Ajibade