Ibadan, a bustling metropolis, is steeped in history. The city boasts a rich heritage, reflected in its diverse cultural landmarks and architectural wonders. Let’s delve into some of the significant historical sites and monuments that make Ibadan a captivating destination for history enthusiasts:
1. Captain Bower’s Tower
Located at Oke-Aremo, Ibadan North local Government. This scenic historical/cultural site was erected in 1936 in honour and memory of Captain R.L. Bower, one of the earliest colonial officers that once administered Ibadan metropolis between 1893 and 1897. From the tower, one can view 80% of Ibadan. It was erected as a watchtower to effectively check the anti-social behavior such as Kidnaping, human sacrifices and communal strife then common in the fast growing city of Ibadan. And protect the city against insurgency. Captain Bower’s rules witnessed the provision of basic and fundamental freedoms. It also ushered in an era of relative peace as well as progress in education.
2. Agodi Parks and Gardens
Located at Parliament Road, beside Oyo State secretariat, Ibadan North Local Government. This is an adventure site, owned by the State Government. Sprawling beautifully over 54 hectares of gently undulating terrain and almost circumscribing a lake at its Southern end, the Agodi Gardens is located in the heart of the metropolitan city in Africa. The Garden shares the same locality with Premier Hotel on the Hill over-looking an artificial lake, Cultural Centre and the university College Hospital. Agodi Gardens is a fine example of multiple use of land for forestry, park boating and fishery, zoo, recreational and relaxation purposes. The combination of a family recreational park, horticultural nursery, diverse aquatic life, an undisturbed ecosystem and wild life make Agodi Gardens a unique tourist site. The Gardens is now being re-habilitated into a world class resort centre without disturbing its natural endowments.The Agodi Garden was established.
3. Cultural Centre
Located at Mokola Hill, Ibadan North Local Government. This scenic historical/cultural site is an architectural master piece. Its walls are decorated with African traditional mosaics depicting life scenes. It is one of the best places to learn about the cultural heritage of the Yoruba people because of historical cultural artifacts and documents. It is situated at Ibadan North Local Government Area of the State.
4. Mapo Hall
Located at Mapo Hill, Oja-Oba, Ibadan South East Local Government. This Historical/ Cultural/ Memorial/ Architectural and Aesthestic is a Colonial legacy designed by Engr. Taffy Jones in 1925. The first Local Government council office in Nigeria. It is sited or the famous Mapo hill which is the centre of the metropolitan city of Ibadan. The imposing and ancient hall can be seen from most parts of the city and remains the symbol of authority and unity of the people.
5. David Hinderer’s House( Hinderers Bishops court)
Located at Kudeti, Ibadan South East Local Government. This is Historical/ Cultural/ Religious/Memorial site. It is the first story building in Oyo State owned by Anglican church.
6. Adebisi Mansion
Located at Idi-Ikan, Ibadan North West Local Government Area. This is a Historical/ Cultural/Architectural site. The mansion was constructed over 82 years ago. It is a combination of a number of buildings as well as burial grounds with a mausoleum occupying about 400sqm.
7. Ministry of Commerce and Cooperative
Located at Secretariat, Ibadan North Local Government Area. This is a historical/political center. It is the first building that housed all other ministries during the tenure of Late Chief Obafemi Awolowo as the premier of the defunct Western Region of Nigeria.
8. University of Ibadan, Zoological Garden
Located at University of Ibadan, Ibadan North Local Government. This is an Ecological/Amusement site. The University of Ibadan zoological garden has been a popular tourist center in Nigeria because the zoo is maintained by the University; it has continued to attract lovers of animals from all parts of the country. The zoo keeps various types and classes of animals. It contains wild animals like the elephant and different type of monkeys. Small animals like rat, squirrel, hares e.t.c. are in the zoo. Birds of all types, those that can fly and those like the ostrich and peacock that only walk on two are found at the zoo.
9. Trans wonderland Amusement park
Located at Bodija, Ibadan North Local Government. This is an Amusement/ Scenic site. This is the biggest amusement park in Nigeria. It is located on the site of Old Ibadan Airport. The park provides attractions similar to Disney World in the United States of America.
10. Odo Akeu Natural Spring Water
Located at Oke-Offa, Baba-Isale, Ibadan North East Local Government. This is a Relaxation/Scenic sites. It has been in existence over 400 years ago and said to have greater and higher volume of water during the raining season.
11. A live crocodile
Located at Delesolu compound, Oje, Ibadan North East Local Government. This is a Historical site. History has it that the great grandfather of Delesolu’s descendants transformed into a crocodile and walked out of the house into the bush. Anytime a baby is born into the family, this crocodile will be found beside the baby the following morning blessing the baby by pouring water on his body. If the baby is a bastard, it will die before seven (7) days but if he is not, he will be spared. The present crocodile was put there in 1944 while the first one was believed to be their great grandfather. For this reason, the Delesolu’s descendants are forbidden to eat or take crocodile meat.
12. Irefin Palace
Located at Irefin, Ibadan North East Local Government. This is a historical, Cultural, Artistic, Spiritual and Traditional architectural site. One of the surviving legacies of our fore fathers is the Irefin Palace in Ibadan, built over 200 years ago in the traditional way of using mud to construct buildings and apartments. It also contains about 185 rooms and the building is still standing up till today. It is a fine example of our local indigenous architecture at its best. A visit to this palace will convince people of the Yoruba ingenuity in architecture.
13. St. Peters Anglican Church
Located at Aremo, Ibadan North East Local Government. This is a Spiritual, Religious and Architectural site. The church was constructed by Europeans missionaries over 150 years ago on a vast area of land on which hospitals, schools and burial ground among other things are also located. The church architecture was designed as a model church of England.
14. Oke- Ibadan Shrine ( Ojubo)
Located at Eleyele, Ibadan North West Local Government. This is a Recreation,Architectural and Scenic sites. Oke- Ibadan (Ibadan Hill) is located at Eleyele area of Ibadan. This Hill is home to the guardian deity of Ibadan city. At the foot of the hill is a beautiful lake open to fishing and canoe trips. From the hilltop, the city sprawls around as far as the eye can see. The city is an enigma to first- vistors. Ibadan is dotted with grandiose public buildings of modern architecture. The city is built on seven hills, a trait it shares with the ancient cities of Rome and Jerusalem.
15. St. James Cathedral
Located at Oke-Bola , Ibadan South West Local Government. This is a religious site. The church was established by European Anglican missionaries over 150 years ago. It is one of the earliest churches established in Ibadan. It is a great architectural master piece. The architecture of the church will be a fascination to the tourists.
16. Ojaa’ba Central Mosque
Located at Ojaa’ba, Ibadan South East Local Government. This is a Spiritual, Architectural site. The mosque constructed over 100 years ago in the traditional inner most part of the ancient city of Ibadan is in line with African Town planning system in which king palace, market and worshipping centre’s are located in the city centre.
17. Methodist Cathedral
Located at Agbeni/ Ibadan South West Local Government Area of Oyo State. This is a Spiritual site owned by the Methodist Communion. The church was constructed in 1905 and it is still structural sound.
18. Ibikunle Palace
Located at Ayeye, Ibadan North West Local Government. This is a Historical and architectural site privately owned. Ibikunle was one of the greatest warriors and leaders of Ibadan Land. Ibikunle’s palace, constructed over 150 years ago is still physically sound.
19. Agbaje Mansion
Located at Ayeye, Ibadan North West Local Government. This is a Historical and architectural site privately owned. The mansion was constructed almost a century ago and it is still physically okay. It has historical and memorial value.
20. University Of Ibadan Botanical Garden
Located at Ibadan North Local Govt.Area. This is a Ecological/Scenic Site owned by the Federal Government. University of Ibadan Botanical Garden was established as a full biological and relaxation center to provide recreational as well as educational services. It is a reference points to Botanists, Zoologists, Environmentalists, Naturalists and users of herbs in the trade-medicinal trades. Orogun River that passes through the botanical garden adds to the cool micro-climatic effect of the garden.
21. Osanyin Shrine
Located at Ijaye, Akinyele Local Govt.
22. Aare Latosa Mausoleum
Located at Along Aare Junction, New Bodija ,Ibadan North local Govt. Area This is a Historical/Cultural site, privately owned. Aare Latosa was a great warrior and leader of Ibadan Land. He died over 150 years ago. His mausoleum is Aare junction.
23. Government House
Located at Agodi,Ibadan North Local Govt .Area. This is a Political/ Historical site owned by the Oyo State Government. It is the Government House of the then Western Region of Nigeria out of which Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Ekiti, Ondo, Delta and Edo States were created. Many colonial Governors and Administrators once lived in this house. The first Military Head of State in Nigeria, General J.T.U AGUIYI- IRONSI and the first Military Governor of the defunct Western State, Colonel ADEKUNLE FAJUYI were both abducted and later assassinated at Lalupon ( a town outskirt the city of Ibadan) during the counter coup of 28th July, 1996.
24. Wesley College of Science
Located at Elekuro, Ibadan South East Local Govt, Area. This is an educational/historical site, owned by the Oyo State Government. The School established by European Methodist Missionaries in 1905 is one of the earliest Schools in Nigeria where eminent personalities were students. The building and layout of the School is an enigma to tourists despite the fact the school was constructed over a century.
25. Ali Balogun Palace
Loctated at Ali-Iwo, Ibadan North East Local Government. This is Historical/Architectural, privately owned. Ali Balogun was an Ibadan warrior and leader. His palace constructed over 80 years ago on a large expance of Land is a centre of attraction to tourists.
26. Baale Oyewole Palace Foko
Located at Ibadan South West Local Govt. This Historical/Cultural site is privately owned. Baale Oyewole was an Olubadan (King) of Ibadan Land. His Palace was constructed in 1925 at Foko area of Ibadan South West Local Government is still in good condition.
27. Taiwo Akinkunmi House
Located at Ekotedo, Ibadan North West Local Govt.Area. This Memorial/Historical site is privately owned. Mr Taiwo Akinkunmi designed the Nigeria National Flag of Green- White-Green in 1960. Anytime the National Flag is used or seen, Taiwo Akinkunmi’s name should come to memory. In recognition of what he has contributed. His house is repainted Green- White- Green in October of every year. He was one of the 100 awardees at the Centenary celebration of Nigeria amalgamation.
28. National Museum Of Unity
Located at Alesinloye, Ibadan North West Local Govt.Area . This Cultural/Traditional/Research site is owned by the Federal Government. The Culture and tradition of Yoruba people are displayed in this Museum. The Museum shows the inter relationship of different Cultures and gives the history of the people. It is a Museum of Unity. The car last used by Late Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola, the last Premier of the defunct Western Region is on exhibition in the Museum
29. University Of Ibadan U.I
Located at Ibadan North Local Govt. Area. This Historical/Educational /Research center is owned by the Federal Government. University of Ibadan (U.I). Established in 1948 is the first University in Nigeria. It was formerly affiliated to the university of London. It is a Center of Excellence. Majority of the cream de la cream of Nigeria’s Public and Private sector officers passed through this citadel of learning. Its imposing structures are architectural master-piece of modern design. Its human resources are unrivalled in Africa, South of Sahara.
30. University College Hospital (UCH)
Located at U.C.H, Ibadan North Local Govt.Area. This Education/Research\ Health is owned by the Federal Government. It’s the first teaching hospital in Nigeria.
31. International Institute Of Tropical Agriculture (IITA).
Located at Idi-ose,Ibadan Akinyele Local Govt. Area, This Education/Research center is Multinational.(Non-Profit Organization Supported By Several Countries). It is one of the world’s leading research partners in finding solutions to hunger, malnutrition and poverty. It was established in 1967. It is located on a very extensive tract of Land. Its well-kept gardens and Landscape are a delight to the eyes. It is a mini united Nation with men from all natives of the world working side by side to improve the resource base of tropical agriculture. It is a must for tourists interested in Africa crops.
32. Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).
Located at Agodi,Ibadan North Local Govt.Area. This Historical/Cultural/Edu-tainment center is owned by the Federal Government. Formerly known as Western Nigeria Television, it is the first television station in Africa. It was opened in October, 1959
33. Obafemi Awolowo Stadium (formerly Liberty Stadium).
Located at Oke-Ado, Ibadan South East Local Govt. Area. This Historical/Recreational/ Entertainment site is owned the Federal Government. This Stadium is one of the most important features in Ibadan. The stadium was opened on the eve of Nigerian’s independence on 30th September, 1960. The stadium, whose full capacity is about 40,000, possesses all modern amenities, including photo finish equipment, television facilities, a bar for sports writers, air conditioner, changing rooms, athletic track, a full-size football pitch, two hockey pitches, a cricket pitch, a practice track for athletes and lawn tennis courts.
34. Coca Research Institute Of Nigeria (CRIN)
Located at Idi-Ayunre, Oluyole Local Govt. Area. This Education/Research center, is owned by the Federal Government. Research into cocoa and other seedlings are carried out in this establishment. It is located at Idi-Ayunre in Oluyole Local Government Area in Oyo State.
35. Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN).
Located at Jericho, Idi-Ishin, Ibadan North West and Ido Local Govt. Area. This Education/Research center is owned by the Federal Government. It is established for research on forests and other allied resources. It is located at Jericho, Idi-ishin in Ibadan North West and Ido local government area.
36. Horticultural Research Institute of Nigeria
Located at Idi- Ishin, Ido and Ibadan North West Local Government. This Education and Research center, is owned by the Federal Government. Research into horticulture and other ornamental plants are carried out in this Center. Tourists will find floral in this Centre attractive. It is located at Idi-ishin, Iddo Local Government area of Oyo State.
37. Oke Idan (Idan Hill)
Located at Ikereku, Akinyele Local Government. This is Ecological/Scenic site is owned by the community. At the apex of this Famous hill, places as far as Mapo hall in Ibadan can be viewed.
38. Stored Products Research Institute of Nigeria
Located at Onireke, Ibadan North West Local Government. This Educational/Research center is owned by the Federal Government. It is a Centre established for research into stored agricultural produce.it is located at Onireke, Ibadan North West Local Government Area.
39. Kunrunmi Palace (Kunrunmi Relics)
Located at Ijaye, Akinyele Local Government. This Historical/ Cultural site is owned by the community. It has undergone renovation. Relic of paraphernalia of office of the warlord can be found in this palace which has undergone renovation but still retain its originality.
40. Ose River
Ijaye, Akinyele Local Government. This Historical is owned by the community. It was this river that people believed that Kunrunmi drowned.
41. Ope Kunrunmi/ Ope Ijaye
Located at Ijaye, Akinyele Local Government. This Historical/ Cultural site is owned by the community. The famous palm tree that received partially all the bullets meant for kunrunmi and his warriors.
42. Ironsi-Fajuyi Memorial Park and Garden
Located at Oke- Orogbo ,Lalupon, Lagelu Local Government. This Historical site is owned the Oyo State Government. This is the site where Nigeria’s former Military Head of State, General Aguiyi-Ironsi was assassinated alongside his host, former Military Governor of Western Nigeria, Lieutenant Colonel Adekunle Fajuyi, on July, 29th 1966. The site sports the bullet ridden and bloodied tree that reminds us of Nigeria’s second Military coup.
43. Abata River
Located at Ikereku, Akinyele Local Government. This Traditional/Cultural/ Spiritual site is owned by the community. People are not allowed to catch fish in this river. it was believed no fishing is allowed. No talking while fetching.
44. Irewolede River
Located at Ikereku, Akinyele Local Government. This Spiritual and Traditional site is owned by the community. There should be no talking while fetching water.
45. Dominican Chapel
Located at Samonda, Ibadan North Local Govt. This Architectural/ Religious is owned by the Dominican Community. The Dominican Abbey is an architectural masterpiece that integrates traditional African roots with modern architecture. The architect Demas Nwoko used burnt tiles with abstract mosaics of African motifs and themes.it abbey has a wedge shaped almost expressionistic bell tower rising to a point. The chapel is listed among the ‘1001 Building You Must See Before You Die’.
www.listology.com/mattmakins/list/1001-building-you-must–see-you-die
46. Asejire Dam (water Works)
Located at Asejire, Egbeda. This Ecological / Scenic site is owned by the Oyo State Govt. Has potential for water recreation.
47. Nigerian Breweries
Located at Alakia Area, Egbeda Local Govt. This site is privately owned.
48. Lagelu Hill
Located at Apete /Awotan, Ido Local Govt. This Ecological/Cultural site is owned by the community
49. Obalogun
Located at Lalupon, Lagelu Local Gov. This Ecological site is owned by the community
50. Konmoka
Located at Offa-Igbo. Lagelu Local Govt. This Ecological site is owned by the community
51. Ogboewu
Located at Sukunu, Lagelu Local Govt. It is owned by the community.
52. Mokore River
Located at Mokore Village, Oluyole Local Govt. This Ecological site is owned by the community
53. Ayoku Cave
Located at Lamalo/Orile Coker Village, Oluyole Local Govt. This Ecological site is owned by the community
54. Yemoja Shrine
Located at Oni-Aboderin Village, Oluyole Local Govt. This Religious/Cultural site is owned by the community
55. Youth Centre
Located at Samonda, Ibadan North Local Govt. . It is owned by the community
56. Twins Shrine
Loctaed at Aba-Ibeji, Oluyole Local Govt. It is owned by the community
57. Osanyin Shrine
Located at Lagunju Village, Oluyole Local Govt. It is owned by the community
58. Ogun
Located at Ogundipe Village, Oluyole Local Govt. It is owned by the community
59. Orisa-Oko Shrine
Located at Jasu Village, Oluyole Local Govt. It is owned by the community
60. Underground Water
Located at Taiye-Gboodo Village, Oluyole Local Govt. It is owned by the community
61. Oke-Ogun Hill
Located at Ojoku-Badeku Road, Ona-Ara Local Govt. It is owned by the community
62. Oke-Loto
Located at Ona-Ara Local Govt. It is owned by the community
63. Oke-Ayede
Located at Badeku, Ona-Ara Local Govt. . It is owned by the community
64. Odo Baba Bada (Natural Spring Water)
Located at Iso Pako Igbajo, Sango Area, Ibadan. Ibadan North Local Govt. This Ecological site is owned by the community. It is an underground running water. The water never dry during the dry season.
65. Zoological Garden
Located at University of ibadan ward 9 irepoden local council development area. It is situated inside university of ibadan. It is used for educational, entertainment and research purposes.it serves as a dynamic custodian of animal species and it conservation. I is owned by the Government.
66. Botanical Garden
Located at University of Ibadan word 9 irepodun local Council Development Area. It covered seventy [70] acres of the land .It is situated some 3km to the North of the city at Ibadan. It’s man-made. The garden over the years serves as recreational educational and conservative Centre The botanical garden undertakes conservation programmes on wide range of endangered and threatened plants like orchid bryrophyte /fern economic trees etc . It is owned by the Government
67. Historical Site
Located at Alelmuloke community word7 irepondun local council development area. Alemuloke community is endowed with a stone which we learnt was brought down from ‘ Gbanamu’ war by their great- grandfather. The stone later stone later grew up to big size. This big rock is presently worship during during annual festival in the community. It is owned by the Community (Oke-Esu) Esu Shrine Alemuloke Family
68. Festival
Located at Sango community word 8 irepodun local council development. This site is owned by the family Mrs . obaluaye yetunde Egbelade [yeye] worshiper of ‘sangona’ Olode. This saponna Olode was inherited from their great – grandfather Aduke Teledalase. It significance is in healing and curing od dreadful disposal and sickness like measles and chicken pox.
69. Natural spring water
Located at Sango [ iso –pako]temidire word8 irepodun local council development. It is owned by the community ‘odo baba dada’. It share the same locality 10. th Agbaja community word 10th The water never dry up during dry season it is used for domestic purpose and drinkable . it is currently maintained by this community constructed by undo and funded by Oyo state government.
70. Eleyele Lake
Eleyele Area, Ibadan. This Ecological site is owned by the Oyo State Government. Eleyele Lake is the feeder to the popular Eleyele Dam and Water works. It is located in an urbanized zones of Ibadan city close to The Polytechnic with its natural environment possessing great potentials of being transformed into a world class water front resort and recreation center.
71. Oyetunde Palace
Located at Eleta,Ibadan, Ibadan South- East Local Govt. This Historical/Cultural/ Architectural site is privately owned. He was an educated king; he reigned in 1946, He was the first Olubadan that was crowned the very day; he assumed office. He is significant in the history of Ibadan because his son also reigned after him. The palace was built about 200 years ago. There is an Osn groove in the palace. The structure of the palace says more about the architectural design of that time.
72. Oke Ibadan Rock
Located at Mokere village. This rock has two entrance, one of it is forbidden for anybody to enter through this or he/she will not come out again. It is owned by the community.
73. Oke-badan water pond
Located at Odo-okun village.The water is used for barren women to produce children. Another thing about this water pond is, there is a fish inside this water pond and its forbidden for anyone to kill and eat it. It is owned by the community.
Exploring Ibadan’s Historical Depths
By visiting these sites and delving into their histories, you can gain a deeper understanding of Ibadan’s past and its enduring legacy. Whether you’re a history buff or simply curious about the city’s roots, Ibadan’s historical sites offer a unique and enriching experience.
