Oke-Eiri: Home of the Forgotten Queen
Oke-Eiri is a quiet town on the outskirts of Ijebu-Ode, traditionally headed by a Baale and
various quarter heads. Farming and pottery are the main livelihoods here, but its true historical
significance lies in a little-known monument nestled within its land.
This town is home to Bilikisi Sungbo, a revered national monument declared as such in 1964.
Oral tradition links this site to Queen Sheba — the legendary ruler of Ethiopia known for her
wisdom and famed visit to King Solomon, as recorded in 1 Kings Chapter 10 of the Bible.
According to local accounts, Queen Sheba fled her kingdom during a civil war led by her son.
Through spiritual means, she arrived at Oke-Eiri. She was known for her royal grace, wisdom,
and strong ties with the local community. It is said that she received King Solomon here in
secret, foretelling his arrival and urging the community to welcome him. But when the
community failed to show up, she was deeply disappointed and placed a curse: no one should
visit her burial place after her death.
Her final resting place was once a sacred and untouched ground, covered by mysterious
cobwebs where no dirt ever settled, and a cool breeze swept through in the evenings. It became
a revered location, especially forbidden to women. Sadly, during the military era, a former
governor constructed a shelter on the site for dignitaries, unknowingly destroying the sacred
cobwebs and disrupting the ancient tranquility.
Today, Bilikisi Sungbo’s monument stands in neglect — no state or federal presence, and
access to it remains difficult. This once-glorious symbol of cultural and spiritual heritage now
calls for urgent preservation, attention, restoration, and promotion as a cultural and tourism landmark _not only Ijebu but for Nigeria as a whole.
Let’s not allow history to be forgotten .
share this story and join the call for the preservation of Bilikisi Sungbo’s legacy .
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