Overview:

is an ancient geo-religious monument. The sacred site is a series of monuments, shrines and earthen embankments dating back to 11th-century CE. It is believed to have served as a royal cemetery for the Yoruba people of the region as well as a centre for celebrating the divine feminine or goddess of fertility. The site’s immense historical and spiritual significance is further highlighted by the many sculptures and walled parapets that encircle the shrine. It has become an important site of pilgrimage, particularly for adherents of the Yoruba religion, and is now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Nigeria
Prominent Features:

1. Last known ancient monument created by African people: Sungbo's Shrine is believed to be the last known ancient monument created by African people before colonization. It dates back to the 11th century, showing the engineering ingenuity of the Egba people and their artistic depiction of cultural heritage. 2. Situated on a hill: Sungbo's Shrine is located on a hill at the confluence of three rivers – the Eruoda, Arowola, and Eran Rivers, near Ijebu-Ode in Ogun state, Nigeria. 3. Greenish-grey rectangular embankment: The shrine is composed of a large greenish-grey rectangular embankment, standing about five meters high and running a length of over 90 meters. It is made of quartz and soil mixed with pounded stones. 4. Pillars and four entrances: It features several pillars on its four entrances, constructed from decomposed granite and topped with earthen heads or animal sculptures. 5. Representation of Western Sudanese culture: The site is thought to be a representation of Western Sudanese culture and has a spiritual significance attributed to the ancient Egba people. In addition, the term ‘Sungbo’ is believed to refer to a mysterious African woman who was deified and venerated as a deity at the site. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Nigeria.

History:

Sungbo’s Shrine is a shrine located near Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State, Nigeria. It is believed to be around 2000 years old and has become an important spiritual and cultural center for many Yoruba people in Nigeria. The shrine is named after Erejupa, the woman known as Sungbo who originated from Ijebu-Ode and who became famous for performing miraculous acts. The origin of Sungbo’s Shrine is shrouded in mystery, but it is believed to have been created to honor Erejupa, the woman believed to have supernatural powers. According to local legend, she was able to transform into different animals and perform other miracles, such as increasing the fertility of the land and promoting peace between warring tribes. The shrine is a relatively small complex with a few buildings surrounding a courtyard. It is still used today as a site of worship and celebration, and is one of the most important sites of religious importance in Nigeria. Over the years, the shrine's original purpose has become less important, and it has become a tourist destination where visitors come to pay their respects to Erejupa and experience the culture and customs of the Yoruba people. In 2018, the Nigerian government recognized the historical importance of the shrine and declared it a National Monument. This was an important milestone in the preservation of the shrine and its cultural and spiritual significance. In addition, the government of Nigeria has declared the shrine a protected area and put measures in place to ensure its protection and preservation for many generations to come. Visit one of the famous monuments of Nigeria with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Songbo’s Eredo is an ancient walled complex located near Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State, Nigeria. It is one of the largest earthworks of its type in the world, taking up an area about 8km in circumference. 2. It is estimated to have been constructed between the 11th and 17th centuries, making it one of the oldest earthworks in Africa. 3. The purpose of the wall was to protect Ijebus from raids from neighbouring communities, as well as to act as a boundary marker. 4. Inside the wall there are several barrows (burial mounds) believed to have been build for the King of Ijebu. 5. There are temples, Mud clay foundations, stone circles, Palm nut groves and artifacts such as pottery, iron tools and coins scattered throughout the site. 6. It is a sacred site and remains an important symbol of Yoruba culture and traditional beliefs. 7. It has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001. One of the historical monuments of Nigeria, it tells the story of a bygone era