Ogun is a Nigerian state located in the country’s southwest. It is also referred to as the “Gateway state”. The State is predominantly occupied by the Yoruba ethnic group with six major tribes: Egba, Ijebu, Remo, Egbado, Awori, and Egun. There are also other sub-groups such as the ikale, Ohori, and Anago. The State has also produced top Nigerian politicians such as Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Obafemi Awolowo and Ernest Shonekan.
Below are the top 5 tourist attractions in Ogun State, in no particular order
Olumo Rock: When you think of Ogun State, you usually think of Olumo Rock. It is one of Nigeria’s and Africa’s most visited tourist destinations. Abeokuta is home to the Olumo Rock. It is one of Abeokuta’s most intriguing destinations. According to legend, the city got its name from the rock, which means “below the rock.” During the inter-tribal warfare of the 19th century, the Olumo is supposed to have functioned as a fortification for the people of Egba. Olumo Rock has attracted both local and international visitors over the years. Around the grounds are shops selling artworks and artifacts, as well as cafés where tourists may buy food and relax.
- Ebute Oni Tourist Beach: This is not one of Ogun State’s most prominent tourist destinations, but it is one you may not regret visiting. There aren’t as many beaches in Ogun State as there are in Lagos. Ebute Oni Beach is located in Oni, Ijebu. Locals discovered it first, before the government intervened and began reconstruction. Visitors can stay in chalets with a beautiful view of the ocean. This is a great area to go if you need to get away.
- Kemta Adire Market: Adire, which means ‘Tie & Dye,’ is one of the most important exports from Abeokuta. The market is Africa’s largest Adire market. The market is one of the state’s main tourist attractions.The legendary Egba ladies of Abeokuta’s Kemta Adire Market guarantee that the Adire (Tie & Dye) industry do not die by passing on their sophisticated creative talents to their daughters. Traders mostly dress in traditional Adire Bubas and towering headgears.
- Lisabi Forest: Ogun State is one of Nigeria’s several states with a diverse history and culture. Another tourism destination in Ogun state is the Lisabi Forest. The woodland was named after Lisabi Agbongbo Akala, a warrior who emancipated the Egbas during the inter-tribal warfare. He is supposed to have led his troops through the woods. The sons and daughters of Egbaland commemorate his bravery with an annual march to the Lisabi forest. The woodland is also home to a number of unique bird and plant species. There are even rumors that the warrior’s remains may have been discovered in the forest. The Lisabi forest has attracted both local and foreign visitors over the years.
- Abeokuta Musuem: This museum is located in the center of Abeokuta. It houses arts and artefacts that illustrate the tale of prehistoric Nigeria, war relations and tactics among Yoruba warriors, particularly the renowned warriors of Egba region, and many other topics. Curators are on hand to show visitors around and answer questions about any items that catch their attention.
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