The legend of ikogosi - Episode 5

Present World…
Just after pouring water on me, I coughed then opened my eyes. My views were blur at first because I couldn’t see clearly. After some minutes, I could see a large amount of people surrounding me. Where am i? What happened to me? I kept asking. I managed to stand up from where I sat and looked around. I saw a large crowd surround me and they all have this iniquisive look on their face. Sanyaolu, the staff that was taking me round the place came to me and said, “We have been searching for you and await your arrival for the past 50 years.
What are you talking about? I asked with a worried look. Don’t worry. Kabiesi will soon be here to take you to the palace and explain things to you. Sanyaolo said.
When I stepped out of the room I was, I discovered it was still cloudy outside. Then I saw the king of Ikogosi coming alongside his chief and my brother. I ran to meet my brother. Tade, what is happening here? I asked my brother?
Kaye, let the Kabiesi explain to you. It’s a long story.
When the King got to where I was, I prostrated in front of him and he lifted me up before I got to the ground and said “Okun omo mi (Welcome my child). All citizens of Ikogosi, Kabiesi said

All episodes of this story can be found here >> https://www.ebonystory.com/story/the-legend-of-ikogosi

. Kabiesi o (Everyone prostrated and replied)
I am happy that I am witnessing today. For over 2 decades, we have been awaiting this day to come. As well all know, our fathers have always told us that the “Olukosi” will come to us at the appointed time. And for us to know, the chief priest told us it will come with a sign and the sign is what we have all witnessed today. This is the legend (pointing at me) we have all been waiting for. This is the “Olukosi”. The only person who witnessed the dreaded day in the history of our land. It is true that the Orunmila never lies. 3 months back, the Chief priest came to my palace and said the gods are bringing the “Olukosi” back to the village. I thank God today that it has finally come to pass. In two days’ time, we will be crowning him according to our custom as the Olukosi of Ikogosi Ekiti Land.
Immediately the king finished his speech, lightning strike towards the north side of the water spring. I looked at the sky, towards the north side then I saw the spirit of Adekanbi, waiving at me.

Read " My Nysc Diary season 2 (The Exodus of once upon a corper) " by the same author ( OlaOlowo )

. I waved back at him till I could see him no more…
Adekanbi, the palm wine tapper is the mighty rock surrounding the two sources of the warm and cold spring at Ikogosi today.
THE END
HISTORY OF THE IKOGOSI WATER SPRING
The Ikogosi warm spring is located in Ekiti west local government area of Ekiti state, Nigeria in a valley from the surrounding hills at the warm spring. The area covered by the springs about 31.38 and it is highly protected from erosion by tall and evergreen trees. The trees also serve as a sort of canopy under which tourist could stay during the dry season and sunny days.
Historically, there has been many version concerning the history of the spring and one of such version is that both springs (warm and cold) were wives of the same husband who turned to springs water in the wake of rift and rivalry between them. The hot and ill-tempered first wife was believed to have turned to the popular warm spring while the cool tempered second wife turned to cold spring water. The husband became the undulating hills that encompasses the springs. It is well established that some of the villagers still worship the springs as their deities.
The warm and cold spring of Ikogosi flow parallel and meet somewhere to form a confluence, with each maintaining its thermal quality. The warm spring has a temperature of 70â‚’c at the source and 37c after meeting a cold spring. The meeting point of the warm and cold spring is a unique attraction to tourist. Adding to natural beauty, there is a tree and a palm growing from the same source at the meeting area of the warm and cold springs. A wonderful work of Mother Nature!
Another unique quality of the Ikogosi warm spring is its acclaimed curative power. It is widely believed to have some kind of therapeutic effect which relieves body aches and all sorts of ailments.