ERIN IJESHA WATERFALLS

Erin-Ijesha Waterfalls (also known as Olumirin waterfalls) is located in Erin-Ijesha. It is a tourist attraction located in Oriade local government area, Osun State, Nigeria. The waterfalls was discovered in 1140 AD by one of the daughters of Oduduwa. However, according to The Nation,"Olumirin waterfall was discovered by hunters in 1140 AD" . Another source has it that the tourist site was discovered by a woman called Akinla, founder of Erin-Ijesha town and a granddaughter of Oduduwa,during the migration of Ife people to Erin- Ijesa.

The fall features seven floors, on top of which the village Abake is located.

The waterfall is said to have medicinal properties and people came from all over to drink from the waterfall and be healed..

Olumirin Waterfall

The awe-inspiring falls, also known as Erin-Ijesha Waterfalls is an assemblage of seven distinct cascades located on the south western slopes of the lush Effon Ridge, in Erin-Ijesha town, Osun state Nigeria. The gigantic Ridge constitutes a conspicuous eye-catcher for every traveller along the Ilesa-Akure expressway, as it towers into the distant skyline, forming a spectacular backrest for the sleepy towns of Erin-Ijesha and Erinmo in  Osun state.

Seven layers of rocks and seven waterfalls. The water flows majestically among the rocks and splashes down with great force on the vegetation around.

This is the most visited tourist site in Nigeria today. Over 100,000 visitors between January and November in 2015, no other tourist site has had that level of patronage.

It’s believed by people of Erin-Ijesa that the waterfalls exude from a big pot located at the top of the ridge.

The waterfall is a whole new exciting and awe inspiring experience with nature. Each step of the waterfall has a flowing fountain that marks the mystical nature of the place. The Olumirin Waterfall is one of natural wonders of the world. At the outset, you will find nothing unique, but as you climb the uphill plain, which is on seven levels, you will have breathtaking views of nature, boundless amount of nature stored.

At all the levels, the views are spectacular; you will also find the water refreshing. However the seventh level is somewhat difficult to climb, as you will find even the third level equal to trudging the snow-white sharp Mount Everest .

The seventh fall is the most wonderful, as you will be at the peak of the waterfall. The 7th fall also serves as a settlement for ancient inhabitants for a number of years. The cascading waterfall amidst the soaring mountains, gives a blend of wildlife with tranquility.

It should be noted that the second cascade is the most gigantic of all, with the waters diving down a 40m-high cliff. The copious plunge is most spectacular in the rainy season when the stream channel is at its flooding levels. Its plunge pool forms a shallow swimming pool for visitors at the site who are lucky and brave enough to get to the second fall.

MORE INFO ON OLUMIRIN WATERFALL

It is one of the very few water bodies where fresh prawns thrive and which has some feel of wildlife. The awe-inspiring falls, also known as Erin-Ijesha Waterfalls is an assemblage of seven distinct cascades located on the south western slopes of the lush Effon Ridge, The gigantic Ridge constitutes a conspicuous eye-catcher for every traveller along the Ilesa-Akure expressway, as it towers into the distant skyline, forming a spectacular backrest for the sleepy towns of Erin-Ijesha and Erinmo in  Osun state.

As part of South Western Nigeria, the area falls within the tropical climatic belt, with alternating hot/dry and a warm humid season. Atmospheric temperatures range slightly from 30 – 34 degree Celsius, while annual rainfall averages 1500cm. Erin Garden is a thick forest, which houses Olumirin Water Falls. The waterfall is 2km off Erin Ijesha town, which is a few kilometres east of Ilesa town on the Ilesa-Akure Road.

Often times, first time tourist at the waterfalls unconsciously starts to number the waterfalls from the last drop (the base of the ridge) as it is the first of all the falls to be encountered when visiting; whereas the numbering is supposed to be from the top. Nevertheless, going by layman’s standard, the seventh drop of the waterfalls is the first waterfall.

Socio-Economics Impacts Of Erin-Ijesa Water Fall

Erin Ijesa Waterfall, also known as Olumirin Waterfall is not only a site to behold; it is also one of the wonders of the world. The water flows among rocks and splashes down with great force to the evergreen vegetation around. The area can also serve as a mountaineering exercise. The breeze at the waterfalls is cool and refreshing. The whole scenery is fascinating and idyllic.

Direct benefits derived from the waterfall include: drinking water, irrigation for agricultural land, tourism activities, fishing and it has contributed significantly to the overall well -being of the people of the area. It was discovered that the full potentials of the waterfall are yet to be harnessed due to lack of commitment from stakeholders especially the Government to invest in the development of the waterfall. Developing the waterfall will not only be a source of revenue to the government, it will equally generate substantial employment, thus reducing the burden of unemployment in the State and the Country at large.

• Government should invest substantially in the development of Erin Ijesa waterfall so as to harness its vast potential for sustainable socio-economic development.
• Reputable private concerns could be partnered with to ensure profitability since attitude to government owned tourism agencies is mismanagement and official corruption
• Enabling law should equally be enacted to protect the investment of prospective investors due to inconsistent policy characterized by change in government.
• Adequate economic and social infrastructures should be provided for the communities around the waterfall to give them a face lift befitting the status of a tourism community.