Who Was Bilikisu Sugbon? Uncovering the History
The tale of Bilikisu Sugbon is not just a regular story or folktale but a true inspirational story that has been passed down in Ijebu land for generations. She was not just a powerful woman who was well-respected in Yorubaland during her lifetime, but also an important figure who was famous for her wealth and wisdom.
Many Yoruba indigenes who are deeply religious believe that Bilikisu Sugbon is also the same as “Queen Sheba,” a popular historical figure who paid a visit to King Solomon in ancient times.
Her story has served as an inspiration to many today, and it has also grown to become a historical legend.
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Who was Bilikisu Sugbon?
There have been many misconceptions about who BIlikisu Sugbon is. However, according to the local stories of old, Bilikisu Sugbon was a wealthy widow who was a native of Ijebu land in Nigeria. At a point in her life, she travelled around the world, visiting different countries and nations, after which she returned to her homeland.
Some category of people believe that she was Queen Sheba who visited King Solomon back in the olden days. Another set of people does not believe this because their research revealed that the timeline in which both of them lived does not match. Despite all these inequalities, her story is one that everyone in Ijebu still remembers today.
The Sungbo’s Eredo Wall
While she was alive, Bilikisu Sugbon had ordered her followers to build a wall that would serve as a monument to her memory. This wall was named “Sungbo Eredo”, and according to historical records, it is one of the walls with the largest width in Africa.
Many people believe that Bilikisu Sugbon wanted this wall to be built with the intention that it would serve as a protection for her land. However, today, the wall is seen as one of the most significant monuments in Nigeria and not just a form of protection alone.
Recent Discoveries
In 1999, a set of archaeologists decided to study the Sungbo Eredo’s monument. The team was led by a British archaeologist named Dr. Patrick Darling.
These scientists decided to put in the work using different modern technologies to determine the exact time the monument was built.
Based on their research, the wall was built between 800 and 1000 AD. This time frame is different from the estimated time that the honest Queen Sheba is believed to have lived. As a result of this, some researchers have argued that Bilikisu Sugbon and Queen Sheba are not the same person.
Bilikisu Sugbon’s Shrine
There is a particular tomb located at Oke-Eri, which is believed to be the burial ground of Bilikisu Sugbon. This particular place is considered a sacred location that is to be treated with great respect. Some people in Ijebu land have made it known that no woman or dog is allowed to go near the location or they will die.
A story has even been told of a British woman and her dog who tried to move close to the burial site. Unfortunately for them, they died shortly after they visited the site. This is the reason why the site is treated with utmost respect.
Cultural Importance and Pilgrimage
In our contemporary time, different people, including Muslims and Christians, come to the shrine to seek healing, wealth, and peace. Some people also come to the shrine to ask for help regarding different areas and aspects of their life, including marriage, health, etc.
Bilikisu Sugbon remains an important spiritual figure, especially in the hearts of the natives of Ijebu land. Her story still serves as an inspiration to many people, bringing different religions together, and keeping the Ijebu culture alive.
