When we come across a familiar face among strangers, it often brings a sense of joy. Similarly, encountering a fellow Malayali or Indian in a foreign land can evoke a similar feeling. After a long time, seeing something from our past reignites memories, and we feel an urge to revisit those moments. Such experiences, like revisiting the past in a distant land, hold a unique charm. I spent a lot of time during my college days in Africa at this beautiful place beneath Kanakamala called Kunjaalipara. The area had great towering rock formations, a few looking like rockets or elephants. It was only beautified by the luscious green landscape around and, from a distance, it was equally scintillating as Abekutta is in Nigeria.
In Abekutta, after staying there for two days, my friend Mohan told me about a tourist center that was just a short 10-minute drive from the hotel. Nigeria is not known for its tourist destinations, but this center was an exception. I decided to visit the place, and when I reached the site, I was greeted by a grand rock formation. It conjured up memories of Kunjaalipara back home with me.
This local guide, who hails from Nigeria, tells the story of Olumo Rock. According to him, in the 19th century, a young warrior called Adgba, whose group belonged to the Egba trib, which is one of the heads of Yoruba people, discovered it. He said it was safe shelter from enemies. As stated in the guide, the name "Olumo" derived from the Yoruba words "Olu" meaning God and "Mo" meaning formed, and translates into that the rock was a divine creation meant to ensure the freedom of people from hardship. The belief here was that praying at the rock was going to ensure people's safety from harm.
Interestingly, Nigeria also shares similar practices to what we would experience in our mother country such as animal sacrifices. I was informed that chickens and goats are the common sacrifices during rituals to the deities. Climbing up the stairs toward the top, the view was breath-taking. Below one could see the Ogun River and the town of Abekutta along with small homes scattered all over the landscape.
The last thing the guide did was to give more information regarding the Olumo Rock. He went on to explain that in the rainy season, water accumulates in the crevices of the rock. This water, if consumed, has healing properties. The locals believe it cures diseases such as malaria and other diseases. It shocked me that despite many years, the rock remained a cure for wellness among the community.
I kept thinking the entire time we were in Olumo Rock about how similar locations of historical and cultural importance were in every corner of the globe. Just as we appreciate rocks and sacred sites in our homeland, the people in Nigeria respect their landmarks equally. The words of the guide and the history of Olumo Rock stayed with me. The visit was not just a journey through a physical space but also a connection to the spiritual and cultural practices of another land.
As I left the site, I couldn't help but feel that, like the Olumo Rock, many of our own cherished memories and landmarks hold a similar power, creating a profound sense of nostalgia and identity, even in the most unexpected places.