₦airaland Forum

IKERE-EKITI, NIGERIA

In what has been widely described as a defining moment for adventure and heritage tourism in Ekiti State, the Discover Ekiti Tourism Club, in collaboration with the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, has successfully unveiled the historic Ugele–Iho Oloko Cave as the flagship destination for the 8th Edition of the Hike Ekiti Mountain Safari.

The event, held amid widespread excitement and participation, has not only showcased the breathtaking natural landscape of Ikere-Ekiti but has also firmly positioned the ancient cave as a significant Late Stone Age (LSA) heritage site with immense tourism value.

A Hidden Archaeological Treasure Revealed

Nestled within the rugged hill ranges of Ugele and Olosunta Mountains in Ikere-Ekiti, the Iho-Oloko Cave stands as a vast natural rock shelter comprising multiple chambers, interconnected corridors, and dense vegetation.

Scientific validation of the site’s historical importance adds weight to its global appeal. According to Raphael Ajayi Alabi, Professor of Environmental Archaeology at University of Ibadan, archaeological excavations at the cave revealed ceramics, microliths, hammerstones, and metal objects. Radiocarbon dating of 620±60 B.P. (circa A.D. 1310) confirms that the cave was inhabited from the Late Stone Age through later historical periods.

These findings suggest that the cave served as a long-term habitation site, possibly extending into the era of Yoruba internecine wars, making it one of the most culturally layered heritage locations in southwestern Nigeria.

Cultural Heritage Rooted in Oral Tradition

Beyond archaeology, the cave’s significance is deeply embedded in local history and oral traditions. The Traditional Custodian, Chief Lawrence Awe (Olotin of Oke-Ikere), explained that the cave derives its name from Oloko (hyena), animals once known to inhabit the shelter.

Local accounts trace its earliest human occupation to over five centuries ago, when a hunter from Ile-Ife reportedly used the cave as a refuge and settlement. During times of war, entire communities retreated into its concealed chambers for protection.

Key structural features of the cave include:

Five distinct compartments with multiple entry points
Extended tunnel networks and long corridors
Natural rock formations believed to have served as seating areas
A Unique Blend of Adventure and Natural Beauty

Ikere-Ekiti’s terrain—covering over 2,300 hectares of mountainous landscape—provides one of the most dramatic natural backdrops in Ekiti State. Visitors to the cave during the safari experienced:

Panoramic hilltop views stretching across Ekiti landscapes
Rich biodiversity within forest ecosystems
Thrilling exploration through long cave tunnels
Cultural immersion, including insights into traditional festivals such as the Ugele Hill Festival

Many hikers described the cave exploration as a rare and exhilarating experience, with some tunnels taking over an hour to navigate—an uncommon offering in Nigeria’s tourism space.

From Discovery to Global Spotlight

The journey to this landmark unveiling began in 2023 with a fact-finding mission led by the Founder of Discover Ekiti Tourism Club, Michael Peculiar Ekiran, alongside Vice President Samuel Seyi Ogunleye.

Their engagement with local custodians and community leaders laid the groundwork for:

Community-driven tourism partnerships
Preservation of archaeological and cultural assets
Strategic positioning of the cave as a premier eco-adventure destination

The overwhelming support from the host community has since become a cornerstone of the project’s success.

Youth-Led Tourism Driving Change

Founded in 2018, the Discover Ekiti Tourism Club has continued to play a transformative role in identifying and promoting Ekiti’s tourism assets. Since launching the Hike Ekiti Mountain Safari in 2019, the initiative has attracted thousands of participants from across Nigeria and beyond.

Under the leadership of its first female president, Opeyemi Agbaje Adebayo, the club remains a shining example of youth-driven innovation in tourism development.

Strong Institutional Backing

The success of the unveiling was bolstered by sustained institutional support from the Ekiti State Government, particularly through the leadership of Wale Ojo-Lanre, Director-General of the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development.

His long-standing advocacy for tourism—dating back to his career in journalism and subsequent public service roles—has been instrumental in elevating the Hike Ekiti Mountain Safari into a flagship tourism event.

The collaboration between government and a youth-led tourism body is increasingly being seen as a model for other states aiming to unlock their tourism potential.

Government Officially Opens the Site

In a significant policy move, the Ekiti State Government, under Biodun Oyebanji, has officially opened the Ugele Hill and Cave to the public as a tourist centre.

Represented by Deputy Governor Monisade Afuye, the government reiterated its commitment to transforming the site into a world-class destination capable of generating employment, boosting commerce, and preserving cultural heritage.

The Director-General emphasized that the development aligns with the state’s broader tourism policy and strategic development plan, positioning Ekiti as a leading destination for eco and cultural tourism.

Royal Endorsement and Community Pride

The unveiling also received strong endorsement from the Chairman of the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers, Adejimi Adu-Alagbado, who described the cave as a heritage asset capable of placing Ikere-Ekiti on the global tourism map.

Echoing this sentiment, Babafemi Ojudu highlighted the economic benefits of developing the site to international standards, while local government authorities stressed its role in community development and cultural preservation.

A New Frontier for Nigerian Tourism

With its compelling mix of archaeology, culture, and adventure, the Ugele–Iho Oloko Cave has emerged as one of Nigeria’s most promising eco-tourism destinations.

The resounding success of the 8th Edition of the Hike Ekiti Mountain Safari has not only brought global attention to this hidden treasure but has also reinforced Ekiti State’s growing reputation as a hub for sustainable tourism development.

As explorers, researchers, and adventure seekers continue to troop into Ikere-Ekiti, one thing is clear: a new chapter has begun in Nigeria’s tourism story—written boldly from the hills and caves of Ekiti.

Too many people in the way, we can't even see what the tourist site is all about. I wish we can boost our tourism industry like African countries like Kenya and Tanzania but we need to fix our security first.

Hin Yan ra awe... Originally

Let no person from developer come. Keep to developer region. We don't want you.

Tourism in Nigeria is dead. Bandits would just come there and March you all into the bush. The worse part is that dem go flog you join while they await ransom from your family. I doubt people go on holidays in this country anymore. We're all stuck at our location year in year out.

Nice one.... Anything to bring money to the state's coffers.

Gbadugbakun:
Tourism in Nigeria is dead. Bandits would just come there and March you all into the bush. The worse part is that dem go flog you join while they await ransom from your family. I doubt people go on holidays in this country anymore. We're all stuck at our location year in year out.

There is little or zero hope of safety in that location where you are sticked.

Naija is in a mess right now

[quote author=DiscoverEkiti post=139057139]IKERE-EKITI, NIGERIA

In [/]

I like to travel to visit all these places but nowadays, traveling by air is 150k , traveling by road is N100 million

I'm I the only one here that didn't see anything?

Gbadugbakun:
Tourism in Nigeria is dead. Bandits would just come there and March you all into the bush. The worse part is that dem go flog you join while they await ransom from your family. I doubt people go on holidays in this country anymore. We're all stuck at our location year in year out.

na the flogging part na him make things worst, I no wan even commot inside house go road ,people wey dey travel get mind...I no fit let person kidnap me

Chai na true ooh ..no thanks to Bandits, the tax collectors

b0rn2fuck:
na the flogging part na him make things worst, I no wan even commot inside house go road ,people wey dey travel get mind...I no fit let person kidnap me

People and Goods will still move around so longa as there is a demand, people will always find a way to make the supply available, so long as theres money to be made from it

How protected is this site and it's environs in this time of security despair?

Hmmmm .... when advertising the best is shown .. as with a hotel .. shows clean rooms.. great furnishings... well lit ...but when you get there ....a different story. This one background with bush and dilapidated buildings ... the only people I can see this attracting are bandits ... great place for hideouts .

louqas:
People and Goods will still move around so longa as there is a demand, people will always find a way to make the supply available, so long as theres money to be made from it

this Nigeria situation, it's like government should give all youth arms make we go comb the forest for all north and part of south ...

lampard8877:
I'm I the only one here that didn't see anything?

In fact..: you’re not alone….

Nothing to see here…

Baba na site you discover abi na people.
because na just pple I dey see.

Western states of Nigeria
gat most accient structures
but lack maintenance

Newyorkitis:
How protected is this site and it's environs in this time of security despair?

I lived in that street sometimes in 2007 while I was in the university.
The site is located in a residential community. And most people on Ughele street live communal life in the sense that the site is closed to so many houses. In my own assessment as a criminologist, i don't think there's a security threat and even if there are relics kept at the site, they have traditional mechanism of crime control... There at least about four shrines on that street at the time.
However, the town has been known to be peaceful.