The initial plan was to wander around Osun state alongside Shola, Ben, Dami, Niyi and Dapo but the riot (between the Hausa/Fulani and Yorubas) which reached its peak around this period discouraged Ben and Shola from joining the train.
It was painful to absorb but the journey as well can’t be cancelled. So since Niyi and Dapo are based in Osun, I asked if Dami is still interested in going to which he agreed in affirmative, then we set out as early as we can.
How we got to Osun
Oshodi was where we boarded a straight bus to Ife for #1700 each. This was after we have been released by the policemen who arrested us for looking overly dressed. How? we were both on dark shades and we had bags on our backs. Thanks to the market people in Oshodi who intervened when we created a scene.
We finally Alighted in front of OAU where we had planned to spend the night before joining Niyi and Dapo the next day.
The memorable night In OAU
Awo hall was our destination and our host (Kunle) was already outside to welcome us.
We settled down in his room which apparently was a 2-man style.
Kunle ensured we had a feel of why OAU remains the best university in Nigeria as we roamed the school premises all night.
The most memorable of the experience was the cultural night where different associations staged their versions in varying formats while we hopped from one gathering to another, eating drinking and feeding our eyes.
We decided to go back to Awo hall not cos we were tired (the parties haven’t even started), but cos we needed to travel to Osun the next day.
Read my adventures in Kwara State
The Nelson Mandela Freedom Park
We boarded a space wagon which plied Ife-Osun at #300 each.
Since we got to Osun before Niyi, who was driving down from Ila we decided to explore a bit before his arrival by seeing the freedom park.
We also touched down at embassy food canteen where we had portions of amala with Gbegiri (beans stew) and bush meat.
While we ate, Niyi waited in the car and we joined him as we all quickly headed for Dapo’s house. With the squad (of 4) now complete, the smooth asphalt leading to Erin Ijesha romanced the car’s tire as it propelled us towards the popular water fall, this was around 9:30am.
We discussed Aregbeshola for most part of our journey while Fela’s Zombie quietly sang continued from the stereo.
L-R: Dami, Niyi, Dapo at the entrance. Don’t be fooled, the journey from here to the fall itself took about another 20 minutes even with a car.
Here are few tips for you
- Do taking a personal/hired car/bike as this saves you a whole lot of stress.
- Do along with at least 2 friends. don’t forget, the more the merrier.
- The entrance fee is #500
- You are allowed to bring along food ad drinks but not alcohol and bottle containers.
- Take along spare clothes if you’d go under the showers from the fall.
- If you are afraid of heights or don’t really have stamina, don’t attempt to go past the second stage of the fall.