Ayinkunugba Waterfalls, Oke–Ila excites American students of Yoruba Language, UI •Commend traditional ruler for being proactive
Written by Wale Ojo-Lanre
(LEFT) Logan McDonald and (RIGHT) Some American tourists and tourists in Nigeria at Ayinnukunugba waterfalls, Oke-Ila.
Gold to some may be just dust while diamonds to others is nothing but a rough, dirty ugly looking object of no use. And they are treated the way they are perceived.But for those who know the value and the fortune that the rough object called diamonds and the tiny dust (gold) bring, which are sought after by Kings, Emperors, the well – to- dos and eminent members of the society.
That Nigeria is blessed with a lot of natural resources is not a new song or something strange, but it is sadening that there has not been any concerted effort to enhance these resources for the benefit of all, but the custodians have not been able to even recognise them, not to talk of exposing them to those who can help.
There is no town or village in Nigeria that God has denied of resources which the people could harness to benefit their continued existence as noble people.
It is a pity also that most towns in Nigeria have not for once sat down to take the natural resources inventory of their communities. If this has been done, many of these towns and cities would be shocked to discover that they have not only been sitting on fortune, but wasting resources of immeasurable values.
However, the scenario is not this bad as some towns which have the luck of having proactive-minded and dynamic personalities as their traditional rulers are daily pushing forward, promoting and showcasing the natural resources to attract blessings to their communities.
And this is exactly what Oba Omoniyi Adedokun Abolarin has been doing since he was enthroned in Oke Ila–Oragun, Osun State.
Penultimate Friday, 13 October, 2012, Oba Abolarin hosted some Americans who are currently studying Yoruba Language at the University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State in his palace.
The Kabiyesi in sequential order explained to the visiting students why the Yoruba race is unique, deep in philosophy, and has been a paragon of culture.
He told them the relationship between the Oragun of Ila and Oragun of Oke – Ila and why the two brothers have to settle where the towns are today.
Oba Abolarin took them on a historical excursion of the feats performed by Ajagun Ila, his fore-father who never lost any battle throughout his time on earth.
As the Kabiyesi mentioned the tale of a hunter who discovered a waterfall called Ayikunugba, the visiting Americans were so excited and eager to visit and feel the allure of the fall.
Oba Abolarin immediately released one of his numerous exotic automobiles with three four palace guards to take the visitors to the sites.
One of the unique features of the Ayinkunugba waterfalls which excited the visiting students is the fact that while most falls are located on a hill and ridge which entails ascending some stair cases to access and view, Ayikunugba waterfalls is planted by God in a valley which necessitated the laying of over 250 steps down the valley!
It was with full excitement which was fuelled by the story of the fall heard from the king at the palace that the Americans jogged down the steps.
“Whao, this is awesome!! One of the students named Ayodele (Logan McDonald), a name he took when he arrived Nigeria having appreciated the essence of having a name with meaning according to the Yoruba culture exclaimed.
Another student, a lady, Abosede, (Chukuwanso Emordi) said “Good Lord. This is great.”
Ayodele, the only boy among the visiting tourists was very adventurous. On getting to the waterfall, he tried to explore one of the caves which has seven large rooms, each room big enough to accommodate 20 people.
He was restrained by the palace guard, but by Mrs who shepherded them from the University of Ibadan.
“The caves are safe and okay. There is nothing there. In the days of yore, history had it that the caves were inhabited by lions, but were eliminated by the hunters and warriors of those days who now turned it to their studio where they used to practice the art of warfare and prepare for it. But now the place is clean and safe,” one of the guards informed
Ayodele said: “Honestly, I am happy to be here today. I thank our coordinator for bringing us here not only to see this wonderful waterfall, but to meet and rub-minds with a brilliant, highly exposed, well educated and culturally sociable monarch. He treated us so warmly and made us feel as if we are in our homes. He has a full grasp of the tradition, the culture and well attuned with globally contemporary issues. I enjoyed the session he had with us.”
He pointed out: “He was so eloquent, so well that you cannot but be excited at visiting this waterfall after listening to the story behind it and the import to the town. He is passionate at developing the waterfall to an international standard. He meant well for the place and I agree with him.”
Ayodele revealed thus: “This is one of the best tourist sites I ever visited in my life. It is pure, rustic, exciting and natural. I enjoyed steeping down the valley and ascending the steps. It will definitely transform and project this town beyond the imagination of the people here. This is marvelous.
