ABEOKUTA—FAMILY members, tourists and residents of Ikija area in Abeokuta, where Olumo Rock is located, have announced the death of the custodian of Olumo Rock deity, Mama Sinatu Sanni.

The mother goddess of the tourist centre, who was also known as  Mama Sinatu Sanni,  died at the age of 137 years.

Through the years, Sanni fed people with peculiar information about the popular Olumo Rock, she was therefore seen as another attraction to tourists.

History has it that the Abeokuta settlers, Egba people,  during the 19th-Century inter-tribal war, would revere the mountain for the natural refuge it created for them and it is widely believed that the rock, which is being worshipped by traditionalists in Abeokuta, is inhabited by spirits.

Additionally, the rock is now a popular destination for travelers traveling to and from Abeokuta.

Since then, the Olumo Rock, which rescued the Egba people from their enemies, has grown in popularity and is now a popular tourist destination in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Her son, Solomon Adio, confirmed her death saying she died of a brief illness at her residence in her Itoko residence in Abeokuta.

“Mama will be 138 years old by August 5. She died after a brief illness. She was the mother of the deity. We are going to miss her a lot. Mama lived her life for the rock, for the deity. She was dedicated to the gods”, he said.