Residents of Igbeti in Olorunsogo Local Government Area of Oyo State were gripped by fear on Saturday, June 7, 2025, after parts of the iconic Iyamopo Rock began to peel off in a dramatic and repeated geological event.
According to eyewitnesses, loud cracking sounds preceded the detachment of rock fragments from the mountain, occurring three times within ten minutes. The incident, which bore striking similarity to a previous one in April 2024, sparked panic among locals — particularly those living near the base of the mountain.
The Head of Disaster Management Unit of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Oyo State Command, DCC Olasedidun A.G., confirmed the event during a stakeholders’ briefing. “Our officers reported that there was an initial sudden noise, resembling an explosion, at Iyamopo Hill around 3:45 p.m., followed by the gradual disintegration of the rock down the slope,” he stated.
Geologists have attributed the incident to a natural phenomenon called “sheeting” — a process whereby outer layers of rock peel off due to the release of pressure, temperature variations, or weathering. Common in granite-rich regions like Igbeti, the process can result in loud bursts and visible rock sloughing.
DCC Olasedidun noted that no explosives or human activities were linked to the event, emphasizing that rock blasting is prohibited on the mountain. He also recalled a similar landslide on the same rock last year, believed to have been triggered by intense heat.
The Onigbeti of Igbeti Land, Oba (Engr.) Bashir Olalekan Abioye (Siyanbola IV), has advised residents near the mountain to vacate the area temporarily as a precaution. “Experts have been contacted and they assured us that the situation is being evaluated. While there is no immediate danger, it’s best for people living close to the rock to relocate for now,” the monarch said.
No casualties or property damage have been reported, but authorities have promised continuous monitoring and updates to the public. The event has once again raised conversations about geological awareness and preparedness in communities located near natural landmarks.
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