Breaking: Ogun Ends Free Entry to Olumo Rock Citing Safety Concerns
ABEOKUTA – The Ogun State Government has announced that the free entry initiative to the newly renovated Olumo Rock Tourist Complex will officially end on Saturday, August 23rd, 2025.
In a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, the government expressed its “profound appreciation to the general public, tourists, and visitors for the overwhelming and unprecedented turnout” recorded since the initiative began.
The statement described the massive public response as a testament to the vision and commitment of His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, towards “repositioning Olumo Rock as a world-class tourist destination of pride for Ogun State, Nigeria, and the global community.”
The free entry program was introduced by the Governor as a gracious gesture to allow residents and visitors the opportunity to rediscover and appreciate the cultural and historical significance of the iconic site following its extensive renovation. The government noted that this objective has been “fully achieved, with thousands of visitors taking advantage of the initiative.”
However, the statement cited significant safety concerns as the reason for discontinuing the free access. It revealed that the “unprecedented influx of visitors has raised concerns about overcrowding and public safety.”
It further detailed that “at certain points, the volume of the crowd posed risks that could have resulted in a stampede but for the swift and professional intervention of security agencies and on-site personnel.”
“Given this, and in line with the government’s priority to safeguard lives, His Excellency has directed that the free entry initiative will come to an end on Saturday, 23rd August, 2025. Thereafter, normal access procedures will resume,” the statement read.
The Ogun State Government expressed regret for “any inconvenience this adjustment may cause” and assured the public of its “unwavering commitment to providing a safe, enjoyable, and memorable experience for all visitors to the Olumo Rock Tourist Complex.”
