The Queen of Sheba is widely believed by locals to be buried in Oke-Eri, a community in Ijebu-Ode, where she is known as Bilikisu Sungbo. The site is situated on the outskirts of the town in Ogun State and is regarded as a sacred location. Her grave is surrounded by iron railings and cement pillars decorated with Arabic inscriptions. According to local customs, women and dogs are not allowed into the burial area, and many believe the ground possesses supernatural qualities that prevent grass or plants from growing there.
Among the Yoruba people, Bilikisu Sungbo is remembered as a powerful and wealthy woman who led groups of female potters and traveled across different regions. Over time, she became revered not only as a historical figure but also as a spiritual symbol, making the site an important destination for worshippers and pilgrims. The burial area is connected to the ancient earthworks known as the Eredo, which many believe are remnants of her lost kingdom. The cultural importance of the site led to its recognition by UNESCO in 1995.
Archaeologists, including researchers from Bournemouth University, have explored the area and uncovered evidence suggesting the existence of an ancient rainforest kingdom in Nigeria. These findings, together with oral traditions and longstanding cultural practices, have strengthened local claims linking Bilikisu Sungbo to the legendary Queen of Sheba, although historians continue to debate the exact historical details.
In Islamic tradition, the Queen of Sheba is known by names such as Bilkis or Bilqis and is often associated with the ancient city of Sheba in present-day Yemen. She is also celebrated in biblical accounts for her famous visit to King Solomon, where she presented gifts of gold, spices, and precious stones. In Nigerian tradition, these stories are blended with local history, identifying Bilikisu Sungbo of Ijebu-Ode as the same Queen of Sheba who later died and was buried there.
Although the exact location of the Queen of Sheba’s burial remains a matter of legend and interpretation, many people in Oke-Eri and beyond regard the site in Ijebu-Ode as her final resting place, supported by a mixture of oral history, cultural belief, and archaeological research.
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