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By Faith Ijeh
Osun State is blessed with a lot of beautiful and captivating places that individuals or families can go for relaxation.
Whether one is planning a get together, looking to escape from the stress of the city or just wanted to have fun in search of a weekend getaway with a difference, here is a list of places to consider.
1. Zenababs Half Moon Resort, Ilesa This grand resort is located in the central part of Ilesa. It is spread over a large expanse of Osun State’s water bodies and dense forest. It has a serene and calm environment. It also offers low-cost meals and budget rooms.
2. Osun groove
The groove has many sculptures of deities and artworks done by Susanne Wenger. It is a magical sacred forest along the banks of the Osun river and is home to the goddess of fertility, Yemoja. The first suspension bridge in Nigeria lies in the heart of the grove and was built across the Osun river. It is best to plan your trip in August to experience the Osun-Osogbo festival.
3. Erin Ijesa Waterfall
Erin Ijesa is one of the major waterfalls in Nigeria. The fall have seven steps which create multiple cascades of water pouring over a precipice. One is sure to get a lot of that and bliss from the waterfalls and there’s also an interesting story behind the origin of the place.
4. Ooni of Ife’s Palace
The Palace of the Ooni of Ife serves as both the residence and the court of the traditional ruler of Ife, the birthplace of the Yoruba race. This stately palace lies in the ancient city of Ife. Legend has it that this location contains the spot where the first blacksmith vanished from earth, to continue his existence underground.
5. Obatala centre of creative arts. This arts center was created for the purpose of showcasing the rich culture of the Yoruba people.It boats of numerous art pieces and mementos and also doubles as a museum, with a number of artifacts dating back centuries.
6. MicCom golf resort The resort is renowned for its leisure and golfing prowess. It is located in Ada. MicCom golf course is a prime tourist destination offering a wide range of fun filled activities for the family, golfers or people looking to unwind.
7. Oranmiyan Staff (Opa Oranmiyan)
This Staff is of historic and cultural importance as it is believed to be the felled sword-turned-staff of the warrior Oranmiyan, the youngest son of the great Oduduwa and the third Ooni of Ife. A popular tourist site, this 5.27 metre-high object is believed to be the staff used by Oranmiyan and it is marking the spot of his grave.