TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Some
of the tourist centres in the state are: Osun Shrine and Grove
International. Tourist Centre, Osogbo; Erin-Ijesa waterfalls,
Erin-Ijesa Museum , Ile-Ife; Mysterious tree, Iwara,
Ayinkunnugba waterfalls, Oke-Ila; Obafemi Awolowo University
Museum and Zodogical Gardens ; Ede , Oke Maria and Otan-Ayegbaju.
Others are Mysterious Footsteps, Esa — Oke; Mysterious cave and
movement of rocks, Imesi-Ile; Kiriji Memorial Battlefield,
Igbajo, Oduduwa Shrines, Ile-Ife; Oranmiyan Staff, Ile- Ife;
carved poles of Ikire, Ikire; and Abalagemo warm water spring,
Ila.
OSUN SHRINE
Oshogbo is located 80 kilometres north of Ibadan on the margin of deciduous forest and has a population of about 368,744 people. It was founded in the 18th century as a military outpost by a group led by Olarooye (Larooye). The group wondered about for a suitable site to settle. The people first settled at Ipole but due to scarcity of water, moved onward until they discovered a stream later known as "Osun". The river proved a reliable source of water supply but flooding of the lower terraces during successive rains became a menace to the people. Oracles were consulted to solve the flood problem and the people were ordered to move to the upper reaches of the river for permanent settlement. At the place where Larooye intended to build his palace now stands to this day an important Osun Shrine. In this sacred groove no fish may be caught. The shrine is attractive to tourists.
ERIN-IJESA WATERFALL
Erin-Ijesa Waterfall is located two kilometres off Erin-Ijesa Town . When it was first discovered, the waterfall was said to have given the appearance of a mysterious figure so that no one dared move near it for fear of being swallowed up. It was believed the figure was a huge and tall spirit whose height reached the high heavens. The inhabitants thereafter named the fall "Olumirin" meaning another god whose power over the whole area was only similar to that of Akinla, a grand daughter of Oduduwa.
Erin-Ijesa waterfall has about five layers and only few visitors can climb beyond the second layer. The area can also serve for mountain hiking. The breeze at the waterfall is cool and refreshing. The water flows among the rocks and splashes down with great force to the evergreen vegetation around. The whole scenery is fascinating and idyllic.
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