Oke Maria Religious Site

The eco-tourism site is located in Otan-Ayegbaju, Boluwaduro Local Government of the State. It is a religious heritage site of about 30 kms from Ikirun

It is a sacred place where Christians especially the Catholic faithful all over the world hold their yearly Holy Pilgrimage on the second Saturday and Sunday of every February of every year. Christians and non-Christians always look up to the period because of the derivable immense benefits in terms of spiritualism, boosting the economic and social activities of the town and environs.

The peak of the patronage was during the yearly Pilgrimage of the Catholic faithful.

Uses and Potentials

Tourism and Recreation
Ideal spot for filming
Education and Research
Religious Activities

The Site has both religious and economic values

Oke Maria

Oke Maria, the Mountain Site started through God vision and Mans quest for God in a sacred place which is synonymous with every religion sects all over the world.

The origin of the Pilgrimage to the site for prayer could be traced to Miss. C.0. Otuyelu, with the approval of the then Bishop of old Oyo Diocese, Most Reverend Julius Adelakun. The first Pilgrimage took place in December 1980, and it has continued to serve as a spiritual gathering for the people.

The pilgrimage to Oke Maria by Catholic Faithful all over the world, holds on the second Saturday and Sunday of every February.

The annual pilgrimage starts by 3.00pm on the first day with Bible service and procession of about two hours from St. Nicholas Catholic Church to the shrine. The night is filled with a lot of programme ranging from the rosary, contention, penitential and healing service and end in the morning with the celebration of the sacrament of the Eucharist.

The host community, Otan Ayegbaju, and Osun State indigenes are benefiting immensely from the annual Oke Maria Pilgrimages, because the programmes boost the economic activities of Otan Ayegbaju and its environs. Souvenirs, food and transpiration are always in high demand.