If the conversation is brought down to Nigeria’s version of the wonders of the world, it would be an injustice if the ancient city, Sungbo’s Eredo, is omitted.
Sungbredo is reputed to be the largest single pre-colonial monument (or ancient fortification) in Africa. It is located in present-day Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State and when it was built a millennium ago.
While building, this ancient city required more sand to be moved during construction than that used for building the Great Pyramid of Giza (one of the Seven Wonders of The Ancient World).
The most astonishing thing is that Sungbo’s Eredo was the biggest city in the world (bigger than Rome and Cairo) during the Middle Ages when it was built.
Anyone familiar with these historical cities would know that the likes of Rome and Cairo were the centres of civilisation as well as the world powers of their time.
It is therefore astonishing and a thing of great pride that a city in Nigeria could outclass them in terms of size and magnificence.
Built in 800-1000 AD, the city was constructed in honour of the Ijebu noblewoman Oloye Bilikisu Sungbo. Today, the location is on Nigeria’s tentative list of potential UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Oloye Bilikisu Sungbo, as legend has it, was actually the Queen of Sheba according to biblical and Quranic accounts. A wealthy and industrious widow who was greatly revered by her people, she built this monument as a personal memorial.
It is located in close proximity to her grave in Oke-Eiri, a town north of the Eredo which pilgrims continue to visit to this day.
It is a site that elicits both mystery and curiosity since its discovery in 1999 by the late British archaeologist, Dr Patrick Darling. Since then, much attention and debate has centred around its existence and, indeed, its purpose.
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