Asha’s Edenic Garden

During a recent visit to the palace of Ewi of Ado Ekiti, I was approached by one of the Chiefs, who extended a gracious invitation. Chief Rufus Kayode Ogunleye, also known as the Asha of Ado Ekiti, a man 76 years of age, a licensed surveyor with an average height and a slim build, lives in a modest architectural delight adorned with beautiful and exotic plants—a sight reminiscent of homes found in California or within some of the white enclaves of South Africa. It was a lush garden that I was able to behold, bringing about a sense of joy during my visit.

However, as delightful as the modest but gorgeous bungalow was, the true marvel lay adjacent to the house—a roughly 12-hectare expanse called Asha Botanical Garden and Ponds. Located within the town, off the old Iyin Road, in an area named Bashiri, the garden remains unpublicized and unsung. The existence of such an alluring garden spanning 12 hectares within the town was quite astonishing. As curiosity sparked, questions arose—how and when did this come to be?

Chief Ogunleye shared that the land was acquired in 1982 from his extended family holdings. He and Gladys, his academic wife (who recently retired from teaching at the university), set out to create a botanical garden by fencing the area. Their journey led them to scour the world for rare plants, which they cultivated gradually over the years. Now, 42 years later, they have fashioned a garden that would astonish the finest of conservationists worldwide. The premises house 12 ponds with fishes, hundreds of squirrels and snakes thriving in their natural habitat, and an assortment of trees, local plants, and herbs—some on the brink of extinction.

Within the garden, an African-themed bar awaits, where visitors can partake in freshly squeezed juices from fruits harvested on-site, offering a relaxing yet informal space for meetings. My visit to the garden proved to be an immersive two-hour experience, filled with the aroma and tactile experience of the rare and diverse plant life that Ogunleye had painstakingly assembled from different corners of the globe. Remarkably, Ogunleye possesses an extensive knowledge of virtually all the plants—where they originated, their value to both humankind and animal life, and when they were acquired.

This treasure trove of plants stands as a valuable asset not only for the Ogunleye family, but also for Ekiti and humanity at large, warranting preservation. Fortunately, one of Ogunleye's sons, Bolaji, has taken a keen interest in the garden's affairs, actively assisting his father in maintaining the premises since his graduation from university. Hopefully, Bolaji will take his father's vision to new heights by making available a few chalets within the garden for nature enthusiasts to stay, relax, and enjoy the surroundings—a perfect haven for writers and thinkers seeking inspiration.

The tranquil environment of the garden, combined with the harmonious symphony of various bird species and the playful chatter of gray squirrels, provides an idyllic setting for creativity to flourish. Therefore, if you ever find yourself in Ekiti, make sure to include a visit to the Asha Garden in your itinerary—an experience not to be missed.