AKOLU: The Rock with a Face Cap

 

Akolu Rock is situated at Akara Area, Ibarapa East Local Government, Eruwa, in Oyo State, Nigeria. This Rock has been in existence for years and can't be trace back by anyone. From history, Akolu Rock was said to be human and a veteran warrior before he turned to Rock base on the supernatural powers that he possessed.

According to Baba Ogunsanya Olawale, One of the Elders of  Eruwa town who lives at Alági, Ebenezer, Eruwa said, "Akolu Rock served as a refuge for the people of the town whenever war arises against them because it will protect them till the war passes by." So, that's why the hill is referred to as _"Safe Heaven"._ 

He said, the sacrifice to this  Rock usually been performed by it worshippers annually with killing of A Black Ram that would be prepared on the mountain. This sacrifice is to avoid calamities but to have peace in the Town.

Although, there are other Mountains in Eruwa town such as _Apánpá, Wéèwéè, Òkélé, Obasèékú, Àdúróbo, Àbèrèbo Hill and lot more_ but *Akolu Rock* is the most powerful of them all.

There are many miseries attached to this Akolu Hill from the time past. One of it is that, it is forbidden for the present King to set his eyes on the Hill because it is the people belief that the King must not see his forefathers because all past King Corpses were buried on the hill, else it will lead to his death.

Also, any pieces of the Ram sacrificed on the hill must not be taken home by anybody because it is dedicated for the Rock but anyone who eventually does that, will lose his or her entire family.

By and Large, it is unfortunate that, this Rock is not reckon with but this can serve as an advantage for the Oyo State Government to make Yoruba Traditions ever green and to make it a tourist center like _Olumo Rock_ in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria.

Adegoke Emmanuel Tosin