The Forest of God is a mystical forest situated in a village called Igbo Olodumare, a town within Okeigbo in Ondo State, Nigeria. The mystical narrative surrounding the forest is simply breathtaking and the story behind it is just as intriguing.
History of Igbo Olodumare
The forest’s existence was brought to light in 1949 when Daniel Orowole Fanguwa authored a book titled “Igbo Olodumare (the Forest of God).”
The mystical beings within the forest described by D.O. Fagunwa in the book initially led many to question whether the place truly existed or if it was a product of imagination.
D.O. Fugunwa, the first person to write a literary work in the Yoruba language, extensively portrayed the forest in several of his books. However, it gained even more attention when Wole Soyinka translated one of D.O Fagunwa’s books, titled “Ogbo Ju Ode Ninu Igbo Irumole,” to “The Brave Hunter in the Forest of a Thousand Demons” in 1974.
Despite D.O Fagunwa’s books about the Forest of God being part of the Nigerian academic curriculum for years and studied by Yoruba students globally, only a few are aware of the forest’s actual existence. The majority perceive the forest he described as mere imagination.
The Forest of God is being guarded by villagers who still believe and discuss the extraterrestrial activities that go on within the forest. The forest’s mysterious nature, from its entrance to points where the tourist guardian ceases explanations, adds to its enigma.
One reason the entire forest remains unexplored is the community’s belief that mystical occurrences persist within, making it wiser to err on the side of caution.
Interesting Things To Know About Igbo Olodumare
1. Ogeri We-Se
This is a stream encountered before entering the forest. Everyone is expected to wash their legs with the stream water and pass through it. However, during the dry season, an exception is made for walking through the stream.
The stream is believed to possess magical purifying powers and protect people, preventing those with evil intentions from carrying them out. The people of Igbo Olodumare eschew involvement in magic or charms, relying on the stream water for protection.
They believe that sprinkling the water around their farmlands safeguards them from theft without resorting to charms.
This method of protection has been employed for years, consistently proving effective. Additionally, pouring a bit of the stream water at their doorposts is believed to expose anyone with evil intentions.
2. Apata Adimula (The Rock of Breakthrough)
Apata Adimula is believed to have supernatural powers. The rock is under a bigger rock win an opening. Prayers and thoughts are believed to manifest immediately upon touching the rock. This is why visitors are required to maintain positive thoughts. There are seven small statues in front of Apata Adimula called Akoni Je Meji, which means “where strong men are seven”.
3. The T-Junction (The Two-Path Road)
The T-Junction signifies two pathways—one leading to Ìsálú Òrun and the other to Òkè-Lángbòdò.
Ìsálú Òrun (pathway to heaven) is forbidden due to the belief that it leads to a place of no return—a land of spirits. Òkè-Lángbòdò is a hill symbolizing the inevitable challenges every person must face in life.
4. Effigy of Baba Onirugbon Yenke
Baba Onirugbon Yenke is believed to be alive in the forest despite it just being an Effigy holding a flute. The people of Igbo Olodumare claim that the tree comes to life every night and several lights are seen at the place. He is thought to have been close to “Akara Ogun,” the first hunter to discover the village called Igbo-Olodumare.
5. Aginju Idake Roro ( Silent Place)
Aginju Idake Roro is a quiet place within the forest where absolute silence is required. When passing through this place, everyone must be quiet. No sounds, whether from insects or animals, can be heard. This is the reason why it is Aginju Idake Roro.
6. Ejo La Ibunu ( The Angry Snake)
The angry Snake, “Ejo La Ibunu,” is said to reside deep within the forest and emerges only once a year, on the 25th of August. During this time, heavy rainfall occurs, and anything in its path is believed to be consumed.
Igbo Olodumare is the most visited tourist attraction in Ondo state. The entrance to Igbo Oludumare is guarded by a gate requiring three knocks before opening. This gate serves as a symbolic boundary between the people of the town and the forest.
