Stand at the base of Olumo Rock and the city opens below you: the roofs of Abeokuta spreading out across the wooded savanna, the towers of Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral and the mosque rising from the streets, and the grey granite that gave the town its name. The rock is where the Egba took shelter in its crooks and crannies, and it remains the natural starting point for understanding the place.
Abeokuta suits travellers interested in Yoruba history, rock scenery and a slower pace than Lagos. It rewards those who plan around a handful of sites rather than trying to cover everything, and who treat the rock and the shrines with the respect they are owed.
This guide covers the main sights and experiences in and around the city, followed by a one-day plan and answers to common questions.
Top things to do in Abeokuta
1. Olumo Rock
A large granite dome on Ikija Rd from which you can view the entirety of the city and its surroundings, including Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral and the mosque of Abeokuta. The Egba peoples used to take shelter in the crooks and crannies of the rock to hide from slavehunters and other hostile people, and the site carries spiritual significance, so respectful behaviour is strongly recommended.
Opening hours are Mon–Sat 9AM–7PM and Sun noon–4PM. A small admission fee includes a tour guide, so you can explore the dome with someone who knows its history.
2. Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library Abeokuta
On Presidential Boulevard, Oke Mosan, this is less a library than a museum about the eventful life of the general and politician Olusegun Obasanjo. It holds documents pertaining to him, along with a research library, a recreational theater, an amusement park and a resort.
Opening hours are Mon–Sat 9AM–7PM and Sun 10AM–5PM. It sits within the grounds of the Green Legacy Resort, so you can combine a visit to the library with time at the resort.
3. Ake Palace (Alake of Egbaland Palace)
On Ake Rd, this is the home of the Alake of Egbaland. The palace gate carries the inscription "Aafin Alake Ti Ile Egba," meaning "the palace of Alake of Egbaland." It also houses the oldest Bible in Nigeria, a copy of the St James Version presented by Queen Victoria to Chief Akinrinlewo Sodeke in 1848.
Pair it with Centenary Hall, which is also in the Egba Alake's territory, for a morning of traditional and colonial-era history.
4. National Museum Abeokuta
Inside Baptist Girls College, Idi-aba, this museum holds a wide collection of artefacts, sculptures and relics of the Egba people that tell the history of the town and its people. Visitors are offered a tour, and there is a gift shop selling artefacts, bangles, crafts, magazines, books and souvenirs.
Opening hours are Mon–Fri 8AM–4PM. The gate fee is ₦100, and cameras are not allowed, so leave yours behind or be ready to store it.
5. Centenary Hall
On Ake Rd, the hall was built by the Egba people in 1950 to celebrate their one hundred years of peaceful existence at Abeokuta after the numerous inter-tribal wars. It reflects the culture of the locals and stands as a piece of historical heritage.
Opening hours are Mon–Sat 8AM–6PM. It is close to Ake Palace, so visit the two together.
6. Bilikisu Sungbo Shrine
Believed to be the tomb of the Queen of Sheba from the Bible, the shrine is tied to the legend that she hailed from Ethiopia, where she is known as Queen Balqis, and moved to Oke Eri in the Ijebu area of Ogun State, where she later died. It is worth the time if you are interested in Abeokuta's history.
Because the site is a shrine, approach it with the same respectful behaviour recommended at Olumo Rock.
7. Oyan River Dam
About 20 km north of Abeokuta, the dam was initially built to supply water to Abeokuta and Lagos and is being considered for irrigation and hydroelectric power supply. Visitors can have a picnic while enjoying the scenery, or try activities such as fishing and canoeing with locals.
Allow time for the journey out of the city and back, and treat it as a half-day rather than a quick stop.
8. MKO Abiola International Stadium
A multi-use stadium used mostly for football matches, and the home stadium of Gateway F.C. If your visit coincides with a match, it is a straightforward way to spend an afternoon with local supporters.
Check whether a fixture is scheduled before making the trip, as the stadium is otherwise simply a venue.
9. Funaab Zoo Park
A diminutive zoo on the Federal University of Agriculture campus. It is a modest stop, best suited to visitors already heading to that side of the city or travelling with children.
You can call +234 7032484259 ahead of your visit for current information.
10. Capricorn Cinema
At the Cultural Centre in Kuto, this cinema shows both local and international films and is a good option for an evening when you want to be indoors.
Opening hours are 10AM–10PM, so it fits neatly after a day of sightseeing.
If you only have one day
Morning: Start at Olumo Rock on Ikija Rd when it opens, since the hours are Mon–Sat 9AM–7PM and Sun noon–4PM. The admission fee includes a tour guide, and the view takes in Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral and the mosque of Abeokuta. From there, head to Ake Rd to see Ake Palace and its oldest Bible in Nigeria, then walk to Centenary Hall, open Mon–Sat 8AM–6PM.
Afternoon: Visit the National Museum Abeokuta inside Baptist Girls College, Idi-aba, which is open Mon–Fri 8AM–4PM, and note that cameras are not allowed. If you are visiting on a weekday and have time left, continue to the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library Abeokuta on Presidential Boulevard, Oke Mosan, open Mon–Sat 9AM–7PM and Sun 10AM–5PM.
Evening: End at Capricorn Cinema at the Cultural Centre in Kuto, open 10AM–10PM, for a local or international film.
Frequently asked questions
When can I visit Olumo Rock?
Olumo Rock is open Mon–Sat 9AM–7PM and Sun noon–4PM. A small admission fee includes a tour guide.
Are cameras allowed at the National Museum Abeokuta?
No. Cameras are not allowed at the museum, which is open Mon–Fri 8AM–4PM inside Baptist Girls College, Idi-aba. There is a gift shop selling artefacts, bangles, crafts, magazines, books and souvenirs.
What can I do at the Oyan River Dam?
Visitors can have a picnic while enjoying the scenery, or try activities such as fishing and canoeing with locals. The dam lies about 20 km north of Abeokuta.
Is there anything to see at Ake Palace?
Yes. The palace gate bears the inscription "Aafin Alake Ti Ile Egba," and the palace houses the oldest Bible in Nigeria, a copy of the St James Version presented by Queen Victoria to Chief Akinrinlewo Sodeke in 1848.
Use these places to sketch your route, check the opening hours that apply to your travel days, and start planning your trip to Abeokuta.