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BY Oni Abidemi Martins, 9:31am September 09, 2015,

Poem: Abeokuta

by Oni Abidemi Martins, 9:31am September 09, 2015,
Olumo Rock
Olumo rock, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Nigeria, West Africa, sits in the ancient city center of Abeokuta – a name which means “Under the rock”. Abeokuta was originally inhabited by the egba people who found refuge at the Olumo rock during inter-tribal wars in the 19th century.

Olumo Rock

Olumo rock, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Nigeria, West Africa, sits in the ancient city center of Abeokuta – a name which means “under the rock.” Abeokuta was originally inhabited by the Egba people who found refuge at the Olumo rock during inter-tribal
wars in the 19th century.

Voice of *Olumo has long been heard
*Lisabi is a lonesome pathway dried
Saliva tires to return to the called
I know this for the yearns of the spirit aged

*Egba calls her child
Those both near and far in the wild
Sojourners in the wild

I will to you — the ancestors —
Return a valiant frost
Coming to terms with the harmattaned floors
For tales to tell of rigor
And hurdle, lakes as acid
And evidenced scars from journeys arid

I will to you — the mothermost —
Return a man-made
Proof of my long-lined descent

Leaves part the tree
Yet many sprout after the shed free
Each at its turn new or weary

I at mine
To be a green
I am still at sea

*Olumo – the name of the rock under which the Egba dynasty originated.
*Egba – ancestoral name for Abeokuta
*Lisabi – name of Egba’s ancestoral mother, the origin

Last Edited by:Abena Agyeman-Fisher Updated: March 25, 2016

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