<P> Oluma Rock is a popular tourist attraction in the city of Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria . It was used as a fortress by the Egba people in the early 19th century . Olumo rock, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Nigeria, West Africa, sits in the ancient city centre of Abeokuta--a name which means "Under the rock"; it has a height of 137 metres above sea level . Abeokuta was originally inhabited by the egba . People who found refuge at the Olumo rock during intertribal wars in the 19th century . The rock provided sanctuary to the people as well as a vantage point to monitor the enemy's advance leading to eventual triumph in war . The town of Abeokuta eventually grew as these new settlers spread out from this location . Abeokuta is just about an hours drive from the bustling metropolitan city of Lagos providing convenient access to an array of hotels, restaurants, clubs, casinos and various nightlife activities . Lagos is also home to the closest airport to Abeokuta, the Murtala Muhammed International Airport . Hotels in Abeokuta within minutes drive from the rock include Gateway Hotel and Olumo Guest House . </P> <P> New renovations completed early 2006 upgraded the infrastructure of the site to include a new museum, restaurants, water fountain and an The ancient Itoku market where local artisans and traders enjoy to haggle over price just as much as the customers like to find a bargain ies just outside the Olumo rock premises and is a must - see . The market is the center of the indigenous Abeokuta industry of tie - and - dye, locally known as adire . Adire crafters, usually women, both old and young show off their designs in sheds alongside the roads . Behind these sheds are buildings where many of these crafters live and work and their parents before them . In places where the plaster has cracked off the walls, you may see traces of the mud bricks used in the original construction . The locals are very friendly and if asked, will often give tourists and visitors informal tours of the dyeing processes . Other popular items to watch out for include local beads, bracelets, sculptures and musical instruments like the sekere and talking drum . </P>

The olumo rock is a choice tourist centre in nigeria located