Mapo Hall is one of the oldest buildings in Nigeria located in Ibadan, Oyo State. Mapo Hall is a colonial building and it is the official City hall of Ibadan and Oyo state. It has witnessed lots of cultural and political events. It was built by the British Government during the colonial era. The ancient hall is located in the centre of Ibadan and is visible from almost every part of the city. Mapo hall has become a popular landmark in Ibadan and one of the most important places to visit. Over the years, Mapo Hall has become a symbol of love, strength and unity.
The City of Ibadan
Ibadan is the largest city in Nigeria and the third-largest city in Africa.
Ibadan is the city of Hills and it is made up of seven different hills which form part of what is today known as Ibadan. One of the famous Hills that made up the geographical location is the Oke Mapo. From the hills, you will have a vantage view of the entire Ibadan. This place is strategically chosen during battles because it gives a view of the entire city. So that warriors can easily sight any attacking army from the hill.
Mapo Hall was left to rot by previous administrations, it became dilapidated and abandoned due to lack of maintenance. However, in 2006 it was renovated by the then Governor of the state Governor Alao Akala. Mapo hall was recommissioned by the former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Chief Olusegun Obasanjo on 6th September 2007. Ever since, it has become the first choice for all social and political event. After its renovation, Mapo Hall Ibadan still maintains its original look. It has once again been made available for tourist visits and other ceremonial use.
About Mapo Hall
Mapo Hall was built by a Wellish Engineer named Robert Taffy Jones who was at that time a structural and road engineer. He was notable for his exceptional skills and he also built the popular Bowers Tower and Manor House in Iseyin Oyo State. Mapo hall was built by the British under the leadership of Captain W.A Ross the Resident of Ibadan province.
The hall was completed and commissioned in 1929 by the British Governor and Commander in Chief of Nigeria Sir Creame Thompson.
The Building
The construction of Mapo Hall took four years from 1925 to 1929 and was valued at £24,000. The foundation was laid by Captain W.A Ross who was then The Resident of Oyo Province. However, it was commissioned by His Excellency Sir Graeme Thompson during the reign of Oba Shiyanbola Ladugbolu, who was then the Alaafin of Oyo and Chief Oyewole the Baale of Ibadan.
It was built on 5,969 acres of land. The construction was modelled after St Georges’s Hall Liverpool in the United Kingdom. The building has the ancient British Architecture.
Mapo Hall is still standing till date after almost a century as a relics of the colonial administrative rule in Nigeria. It reminds us of the political, historical colonial rule and the slave trade era. After almost a century things have hardly changed. Mapo Hall still stands as a centre for all government administrative task, a meeting place for politicians etc.
A day in Mapo Hall will feature politicians carrying out their administrative task, residents coming to process one document or the other. Also, you may encounter couples getting married or seeking a divorce. In addition, you will always find market men and women doing their businesses and lastly tourist enjoying the beautiful view of this magnificent building. It has become a point for every political rally, protest, important events etc. There is a saying among the locals, a campaign is not complete without a visit to Mapo Hall.
This building serves as an administrative building for the colonial rulers and its mini museum contains relics of chains used to hold tax evaders during the colonial rule, it also contains pictures and of past and present Obas in Ibadan. Mapo Hall has witnessed the coronation of many kings and since its construction. It has served as the official event ceremony for a coronation.
This facility is currently owned and managed by Ibadan Local Government property Company Limited. A private company owned by the Ibadan Local Government. It is responsible of managing and maintaining the property.
Mapo Hall is one of the oldest buildings in Nigeria. It has witnessed the presence of several prominent Nigerian leaders like Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Goodluck Jonathan, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Mohammadu Buhari etc.
How Safe is it?
It is a safe place. It is owned by the Local Government, with a 24 hours security to ensure your safety. Feel free to explore this place.
Things to do At Mapo Hall
The hall offers a rich history of the people of Ibadan and the administration of the colonial leadership during that period. There are loads of activities to do here. If you are a lover of art, nature and history. Ibadan is the place to be. Here is a list of things to do:
- Plan a wedding: It has become one of the biggest destinations for weddings in Ibadan.
- Attend a show: It is also used for some shows within the city.
- Visit the mini-museum: You can learn more about the people of Ibadan and the hall from the mini-museum located within the facility.
- Take Photographs: Feel free to take lovely photographs.
- Learn about the people of Oyo: It will help you better understand the people, the culture and the landscape of the city of Ibadan.
- Order for a hot spicy amala: Your visit to Ibadan would not be complete without a hot spicy amala. Ensure you get a taste of this special delicacy.
Location of Mapo Hall
Mapo Hall is located on Oke Mapo (Mapo Hills) at Oje Area Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. Mapo Hall is a few minutes walk from the Olubadan palace. It is opposite Balogun Oderinlo roundabout which is located in front of the Hall. It is also facing popular Ogunmola Street.
The type of Events at The Hall
The hall is also known to play host to different kinds of events from political rallies, events, talk shows, retreats etc. Here are some of the events you can witness there.
- Annual Meetings
- Conventions
- Conference
- Party
- Weddings
- Product Launch
- Training and Workshop
Other Tourist Centres Close to Mapo Hall
- Bowers Tower
- Agodi Garden
- University of Ibadan Zoo
- National Museum Ibadan
Olubadan Palace
In conclusion, Mapo Hall Is not just a monument. It is a historical landmark that reminds us of how far the Nigerian people have come. It is a symbol of hope, strength and unity. After almost a decade it still stands strong as one of the favourite tourist destinations in Nigeria. Lastly, This should be on your list of things to do in Ibadan. Therefore, The next time you visit the city of Ibadan. Do not hesitate to tick this hall off your travel bucket list.
Did we miss anything? please comment below.
materials they used in buikding it