Ado-Awaye is an ancient town in the state of Oyo in Nigeria. One of only two suspended lakes in the world, Iyake, is situated on a hill (Oke Ado). After being amalgamated over centuries, Ado-Awaye, once ruled by the King of Ado, a disgraced crown prince from the larger Oyo kingdom, merged with the neighboring mountain communities Ado and Awaye.
Historically, the Ado people believed that whatever prayers were made with the lake’s water would produce supernatural results. This is one of only two suspended/hanging lakes in the world and the only one in Africa. There is a belief among the villagers that beneath the lake exists another world that looks like the earth, and whoever dives into it will never return to it.
It is estimated that Iyake Lake was discovered around 1500 A.D. It is said that the lake has no bottom, and people are forbidden to swim in it or go into it. Various people and groups feel united by the Ado Awaye Mountain, which is both a heritage and a center for unity. A yearly festival is held at the site called Oodua.
It takes roughly three hours to hike the Ado Awaye mountain, depending on how fast you are going. There are steep steps carved into the mountain that leads to a rocky terrain that shifts between forest and rock. Numerous ancient sites are encountered on the way to the top. Ishage Rock, or Oke Ishage, is thought to bring rain to Ado-Awaye.In order to bring rain, a priest visits the boulder-like rock and covers the bottom half with a white cloth. When wishing on the rock, some believe their wishes will be granted. A hiker comes across these Yoruba “footprints” as they climb the mountain.
In mythology, these footprint-sized holes are evidence of walking deities, but historians believe they were used to grind stones centuries ago. There are many archeological remains and broken crucibles of earthen pots in this natural gift from nature. In the lake, the geographical axiom of cooling becomes more evident as you go higher. Thick vegetation covers the hill all year round, making it a beautiful sight. A large sloping rocky plain surrounds the suspended lake, which is suitable for picnics and camping. One can see the beautiful scenery of the area from the top of the hill.
To get a full view of the mountains laying towards the border with the Benin Republic, one can climb the rocky outcrop. The inhabitants of the hill called the place “Esekan Iku” meaning “the verge of death” and write their names with stones on the rock. They lived on the hill and the lake still serves as a source of water. Even during the rainy season, this lake never dries out and retains the same volume of water.
Iyake’s depth is unknown, and legend has it that no one who enters it returns. When the hole near the lake is filled with water, it’s said that those who put their feet in it will be dragged to the bottom. Despite the lake’s sinister reputation, some mythology says its water can cure ailments and diseases when used as a bath.
A number of unique natural formations were revered by the Ado people while living on the mountain. Due to their devotion to the mountain, barren women at the time gave birth, despite being barren. Mountain attractions such as Iyake Lake are highly regarded. Read More – African Quadripoint – Only Place on the Earth, Where Four Distinct Territories’ are Touched
