By Charis Ebiaghian
Have you visited Ikogosi Warm Springs?
Well, if your answer is No!, award winning documentary filmmaker Samson Ogaga recently visited the mesmerizing Ikogosi Warm springs, in Ekiti State Nigeria, where the dance of cold and warm waters captivated both his senses and camera lens.
Amidst this natural wonder, he stumbled upon captivating stories that unveil the rich tapestry of history and legend surrounding this enchanting place.
According to the profound wisdom of the Ifa oracle, the saga of Àọ̀pẹ́ẹ̀rẹ́ Ìjẹ̀ unfolds as a tale of courage and discovery. Centuries ago, Àọ̀pẹ́ẹ̀ Ìjẹ̀, a skilled hunter, embarked on a fateful journey from the ancestral lands of Ilé-Ifè alongside his companion, Eléfòṣán, and a band of intrepid hunters. Their quest led them to the rugged landscapes of what would later be christened Ikogòsì.
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Àọ̀pẹ́ẹ̀ Ìjẹ̀, a man of remarkable prowess and affluence, found solace in the bountiful embrace of this new territory. Endowed with a complexion as radiant as his fortune, he thrived as a hunter, a vintner of palm wine, a tiller of the earth, and a healer versed in the mystical properties of herbs.
Yet, amidst his prosperity, Àọ̀pẹ́ẹ̀ Ìjẹ̀ grappled with a poignant tale of love and longing. His first wife, the graceful Àwẹ̀lé, adorned with beauty that rivaled the dawn, bore the burden of barrenness despite her love for her husband. In an act of profound selflessness, she urged Àọ̀pẹ́ẹ̀ Ìjẹ̀ to take another wife in hopes of progeny. Thus, Òrósun entered his life—a vision of fairness, though lacking the serenity of Àwẹ̀lé.
Yet, amidst the complexities of their polygamous union, harmony reigned. Despite their shared plight of barrenness, Àọ̀pẹ́ẹ̀ Ìjẹ̀ and his wives endeavored as renowned herbalists, extending their healing touch to barren souls yearning for the blessing of offspring.
Watch a video showing the beautiful scenery of Ikogosi Warm Springs
