Osun State, which was founded on August 27, 1991, is a state in southwestern Nigeria and is surrounded by its neighbouring states such as Ekiti State and Ondo State, Kwara State to the north, Ogun State to the south, and Oyo State to the west. It has an estimated population of 4.7 million as of 2016.
Osun State is periodically known and notable for its embedded magnificent places and its diverse culture and also a homeland for Yoruba ancient cultures, as well as activities and a place to learn more about Yoruba cultures.
Moreover, there is no way you would step your toes into the state if you didn’t have a passion for visiting interesting historical places that the state has been endowed with ever since its existence.
In this piece, I will be exploring 10 interesting places you can visit in this state to have a great adventure during your stay.
Erin Ijesha Waterfalls
Olumirin Waterfall is another name given to Erin Ijesha Waterfall, which was named after the town of “Erin-Ijesha”. It is located in Oriade local government area, Osun State, Nigeria. It is a magnificent waterfall with seven levels of rocks, and it is one of Nigeria’s most significant waterfalls that is calm and refreshing.
The Erin Ijesha Waterfall has been a tourist excursion for residents, schools, and natives around the place, while some regard the waterfall as a means of sanctifying their souls.
Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove
Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove, which is many centuries old, is regarded as the residence of the fertility goddess Osun and one of the pantheon of Yoruba gods. The environment of the forest and its meandering river is littered with sanctuaries and shrines, sculptures, and art pieces in honour of Osun and other deities. The grove is located on the outskirts of Osogbo and is also one of the ancient forests that are still in existence in southern Nigeria. It is seen as a symbol that portrays the Yoruba people’s identity. The Sacred Grove was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005 in consideration of its importance to humanity and its cultural significance.
Oduduwa Shrine and Grove
Oduduwa Shrine and Grove is a historical location of Oduduwa World Temple and Grove. It is significant since it served as both his ultimate resting place and the location where the fabled ancestor of the Yoruba people in Nigeria founded the ancient city of Ile Ife. Among the remarkable elements of this historic location are a statue of Oduduwa with the chain and staff, his final resting place, and an organically carved-out map of Africa.
Nike Art Centre
Nike Art Centre is located in Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria, on Old Ede Road. Other names for it are Nike Centre for Arts and Culture and Osogbo Ilu Aro. The Nike Centre for Art and Culture is a place where all Nigerians can receive free instruction in a variety of arts, including painting, batik, dancing, studying sculpting, theatre, quilting, and more. Over 3000 Nigerians who were trained at the centre, which was initially a shelter for vulnerable women and young people, are now making excellent livings.
Ooni of Ife palace
Ooni of Ife Palace, the epicentre of Yoruba history and culture, is noteworthy. The place contains fantastical objects and serves as a historical landmark. The palace also serves as the traditional ruler’s home and court. In the historic city of Ife, there sits this majestic palace.
Obatala Centre for Creative Arts
Obatala Centre for Creative Arts was built in 1987 by Chief Muraina Oyelami. This was built to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people. The Obatala Centre for Creative Arts serves as both a gallery and a museum, housing a variety of works of art and keepsakes as well as items from previous eras.
Ibodi Monkey Reserve
Ibodi Monkey Reserve is a monkey forest located in the Atakumosa West Local Government Area of Osun State, Nigeria. Ibodi Monkey Forest is also known as Igbo Edun by the natives of Ibodi. People believed that the monkeys came to Ibodi with an Oba of the town and the Araomofe spirit from Ile Ife. And it is also rumoured that the monkeys emerge around dawn to interact with guests, villagers, and everyone else.
Oranmiyan staff
The Oranmiyan Staff is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Ile Ife, Osun State, Nigeria, and is around 18 feet tall. Due to the history, story, and myth surrounding the Oranmiyan Staff, it is said to have played a vital role in connecting Ile Ife to Benin and the Oyo Empire. And he was a great traveller, a warrior who loved taking territories.
The National Museum Ile Ife
National Museum Ile Ife is one of the well-known tourist destinations in Ile Ife. The Ooni of Ife Palace is next to the museum. The National Commission for Museums and Monuments is in charge of its own on behalf of the federal government. It is an archaeological museum where certain artefacts found on Ile Ife are on display. Both ancient and modern artefacts can be found at this museum, which includes images of some historical events in Nigeria as well as archaeological digs, ceremonial attire, and antique artefacts.
Moremi Statue of Liberty
Queen Moremi Ajasoro was honoured by the construction of the Moremi Statue of Liberty at Ile Ife, Osun State. A heroine who helped her people defeat their adversaries and save them from the clutches of tyrants. The statue is 42 feet high and is the tallest statue in Nigeria and the fourth tallest in Africa.
Owa Obokun Statue Ilesha
The Owa Obokun Statue is a statue situated at Ilesha Roundabout in Osun State, Nigeria. The monument tells the tale of a blind King whose son was tasked with bringing the water of life so that his father might restore his sight.
He spent months making the tiresome journey to obtain the water. After succeeding on this journey, his father was still alive when he got home, despite the fact that he had been declared dead on the way back. In his excitement, he cleaned his eyes with the water of life, which helped his father regain his vision. And this made him become the King of Ilesha, and his statue today serves as a reference to the world about how the Ilesha king was crowned.
The statue also portrays the significance of the sword and the calabash he carried while the sword he raised represents defence which he uses to fight every battle in the land and the calabash represents the water he went to fetch for his father.
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