Ìbàdàn is mostly tagged by the majority of people as a boring city, largely because of the slow-pace of life among it's residents.
Despite this, it hosts quite a number of historic monuments. One of them is the great Mapo Hall in Mapo area of Ibadan.
The neoclassical style of the building can be evidently noticed from wherever you see the structure. It gives me a feel of Athenian structures, especially with its towering pillars.
The front view of Mapo Hall in profile
Designed by a Welsh Engineer (Robert Jones), this monument was built between 1925 and 1929. The foundation stone was laid by the then Resident of Oyo Province, Captain Ross.
Costing about £24000, equivalent to a whooping £1.9 million in today's value, this edifice was commisioned by Sir Graeme Thompson (once Governor of Nigeria during the colonial era).
Rising in the horizon, the pillars are very characteristic of the building. They're quite massive when you get close to them as compared to seeing them from afar.
The massive pillars are quite characteristic of the structure
The building has hosted a lot of sociopolitical events since it's election.
It has also seen a number of renovations. In fact, it is currently under renovation, so access to its interior is restricted.
For now its compound is majorly used for social events and parties. It is also a common site for photoshoots because of the aesthetics.
Situated at the pinnacle of Mapo Hill, you could see a profile of Ibadan from different angles while standing inside the compound.
The building sits in the midst of Beere and Oja Oba, two major markets in Ibadan. So it is sitting right within a flurry of activities and the brimming population of the area.
The Mapo Hall main entrance gate overlooks the expanses of the market area
The roundabout overlooking the entrance and leading into the narket area
The Balogun Oderinlo (an ancient Ibadan warrior) statue within the roundabout
The Hall overlooks the Old Olubadan Palace. You can also see in the distance the expanses of Ibadan and the roofs and roads in the distance
The building houses a mini-museum also, which was not open to tourists at the time of visit.
For now, it's currently a relic structure standing in the centre of Ibadan, basically for the views.
It is open for anyone to come in and see the sights. However, if you plan to do professional shoots, you'll have to unofficially pay some money to the officials there.
I hope the renovation works are done on time and the building is open fully once again.
@draysax_shotit
[//]:# ([//]:# (!worldmappin 7.37580 lat 3.89700 long The Great Mapo Hall, built almost a century ago. d3scr))
