Meet Iya Orisa, The 137 Years Old Priestess Who Lives Under Olumo Rock To Celebrate Her Birthday Today. [Photos]

Meet Iya Orisa, The 137 Years Old Priestess Who Lives Under Olumo Rock To Celebrate Her Birthday Today. [Photos]

Have you ever heard of the famous Iya Orisa, the old woman whose abode is within the hollows of Olumo rock? Yes!, I often hear about Olumo Rock from travellers, even I have privilege to be in Abeokuta on several occasions. But I have never heard of the 137 years old ‘Iya Orisa’ who lives under the rock for centuries.

BEFORE WE MUCH TALK ABOUT HER, LET US KNOW A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THE OLÚMỌ ROCK.

Olumo rock is a rock sited in South-Western part og Nigeria, precisely Ogun State at Abeokuta. And it served as a natural fortress and also a bravery hideout for the Egba’s people during the inter-tribal warfare in the 19th century.

It was mainly used as protection to the Egba people when they needed it. The patron spirit is venerated in the Yoruba religion as an Orisha. Now, Olumo rock is held in high esteem by the members of the clan in Oduduwa land.

Olumo-Rock is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Nigeria and one the major attractions of tourists around that area in Ogun State.

NOW, LET’S TALK ABOUT IYA ORISA:

THE OLDIES LIVING INSIDE UNDER THE OLUMO-ROCK

THE ROCK SHRINE SPOT

Chief Mrs Sinatu Aduke Sanni also called Iya Orisa is 137 year old this year 2021. Iya Orisa who was allegedly said to be born in 1885. She is also called Iya Orisa Olumo which means ‘Mother Goddess of the Olumo Rock’. It is believed that Sinatu has witnessed the coronation of not less than four Alakes (Egba Kings) since 1898 and still counting. She is the one who always completes the coronation rites of the Alakes of Egbaland by handing over the leaves from the ‘tree of life’ to the Egba Kings.

THE OBAS INCLUDE…

i. Oba Osokalu (Sept. 18, 1891 to June 11, 1898)

ii. Oba Gbadebo I (Aug. 8, 1898 to May 8, 1920)

iii. Oba Ladapo Ademola II (July 10, 1920 to Dec. 27, 1962)

iv. Oba Adesina Gbadebo II (Aug. 12, 1963 to Oct. 26, 1971)

v. Oba Oyebade Lipede (Aug. 5, 1972 to Feb. 3, 2005)

vi. Oba Adedotun Gbadebo III (Aug. 2, 2005 till date)

Finally, Sinatu is said to always spiritually help the barren, job seekers and those suffering from strange illnesses to meet their needs. Though, not much people know about this priestess who offers prayers and divinations for many atop the rocks.

Iya Orisa lives within the hollows of the rock. But climbing became easy with the carved-out staircase, which provides assistance. At the entrance of the house, you will notice a sign which read ‘Orisa Igun Shrines’.