For weeks, we had embarked upon planning a trip to Idanre hills- the grand blessing of nature that sits majestically in its overwhelming glory in the town of Idanre, Idanre local government, Ondo state.
Idanre, a town which is few kilometers away from Akure, the capital of Ondo state rest its settlement at the feet of the gigantic ‘Idanre Hills’. When you ascend to the top of the hills, it becomes more obvious that the aforementioned which is one of the most sought after destinations in the South west is a large rock formation which surrounds the town as the latter confidently relax in the middle.
A brief background of Idanre
In the account of Chief Agboola Akintan, the Ojomu of Idanre land in his piece for the Santos club of Idanre in 1972, Aremitan, whose nickname was Olofin was the first son of Oduduwa. On the death of Oduduwa his father, Olofin left Ile Ife with a group of people and settled first at Ijama. A short while after, perhaps after only a season, he moved to Epe, It was believed that a group of people parted from Olofin at Ijama; and he bade goodbye to the rest at Epe. From Epe, Olofin moved out with those we might regard today as the fathers of Idanre and settled at Ojanla, not far from river Owena. From this time on, Idanre had maintained its distinct almost completely separated from all other children of Oduduwa.
According to chief Agboola, the myths and other stories about Idanre that survived are preserved in songs (Ogborogodo, Ogbagbara, Iden, Ola, Agba etc.) or in incantations (Ofo or Ohun) and also ceremonies in remembrance of their past heroes and heroines (e.g. Orosun, Ugbe, Ulesun and Iden festivals).
The town is currently under the kingship of Owa (Dr.) Frederick Adegunle Aroloye who had ascended the throne in the year 1976.
Arrival at Idanre
When we arrived at the town after a four-five hours drive from Ibadan yesterday. At the bottom of the hill, I was eager to climb the more than 500 steps which lie ahead of us with others to explore the beauties of this attraction including the great steps, an old school, Aghaga hill, Agboogun footprint, The wonderful mat, The ancient village- home to the ancient Owa’s palace and wonder stone.
The reception where an access fee of N1,000 is paid for each tourists present an artistic ambience with selective color combination and appealing art expressions scattered across different areas of the room.
Climbing
Climbing the hills to the top takes approximately an hour considering the fact that we stopped over at different points to enjoy the views, take pictures and interact with each other. The hike is not one to be rushed, one must take time to consume the flavors of the slopes, steeps and views of Idanre. With every step you take on the hill you are eager to unlock the next stage which enables you to keep it moving.
For me, descending from the hills is just as interesting as when you go up. You see the things you almost didn’t notice previously, you want more pictures and videos, you desire to sit and rest your knees because you are getting signals that they are tired.
What should you bring to Idanre?
You should bring the adventure spirit in you. Arrive in shoes with firm grip. This is not a party, it is an hike! Come along with one or two bottle of water, some snacks would do too. Please, go with a camera or good camera phone to capture best of your moments. Save some food in the car or bus, you would need to refresh your energy when you descend. In addition, go along with a group with the kind of vibes that you’d entertain. Lastly, I recommend that you travel with enough money.
Idanre hills and the attractions that you’d uncover during your hike are products of historical and ancient development. They challenge your curiosity while attempting to satisfy your crave for true adventure.
Credit: Images were sourced from Tour Ibadan’s group trip to Idanre.
