Seven Reasons Why Mapo Hall Is A Tourist Destination

MAPO HALL

My next visit during my last visit to Ibadan was Mapo Hall. You are probably wondering when did a hall become a destination for tourism in Nigeria right?😎 allow me convince you with seven reasons. Mapo Hall is one of the beautiful destination that constitutes tourism in Nigeria

As usual I went with someone, a travel enthusiast & a fellow blogger like me, Mercy who is also passionate about promoting Nigeria tourism and we made memories.

Though I was unable to enter the hall or climb the top as we were told there climbing to the top is breath taking. I guess that's a trip for another day but follow me and let me convince you first😉

How about History?

Bonus point:Mapo Hall looks like the ancient Roman Empire’s headquarters or ancient Greece wall

Mapo Hall is located on Mapo Hill (“Òkè Màpó”), the heart of the indigenous section of Ibadan.

Mapo Hall, Ibadan’s city hall, was built in 1929. The hall was first refurbished in 2008 after it had fallen into dilapidation. It first settled in 1829 by warrior refugees fleeing the ravages of the Fulani wars in the Guinea Savannah. Mapo Hill was an obvious strategic position for military defensive purposes because it gives a view of the surrounding country for miles around.

Now let me convince you👇

1.Mapo Hall is renowned for its seven columns, probably depicting the seven hills upon which the ancient city was built. Which include Oke Padre, Oke Ado, Oke Bola, Oke Mapo, Oke Are, Oke Sapati and Oke Mokola;

2. Mapo Hill (Oke Mapo), the site of the Hall, is the oldest part of Ibadan city and it is a high density area occupied mainly by the indigenes of the town. The hall itself is built on a piece of land measuring 5,969 acres;

3.Mapo Hall was commissioned during the Colonial era by Captain Ross in the year 1929. It is a Colonial-styled city hall which lies atop Mapo Hill, in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. Mapo Hall is strategically located close to the Olubadan’s Palace and has the statue of Balogun Oderinlo at a roundabout in front of the hall. Am I convincing you yet?

4. The hall hosts a mini museum where the relics of the chains used to hold tax evaders in the colonial era, are hung. There are also pictures of all Olubadans (Kings) that have reigned in the city;

5. Mapo  Hall, the Colonial-styled Ibadan City Hall was designed and constructed by Engineer Robert Jones a Welsh who also designed Bower’s Tower and  Manor House in Iseyin;

6. The Hall serves as an important landmark that could be seen from most part of the city, especially from the other six hills between which the city spreads out;

7. Mapo Hall, with an Arch sited atop its gates, and eight gigantic pillars hoisted in the front, the Mapo Hall stands imposingly on the historic Mapo Hills of Ibadan.

RECOMMENDATIONS
1. I think the entire building could use some good painting because the paints on the wall are already peeling off and this is decreasing its beauty

2. A tour guide should be attached to the destination to explain some rich historical facts about the Hall to the visitors.


I hope with this few points of mine I've been able to convince you and not confuse you that Mapo Hall is a tourist destination that is worth visiting and also Tourism in Nigeria is worth exploring.



Have you been to Mapo Hall? How was your visit? Do tell please 🙏

My name is Damilola and I am passionate about Tourism in Nigeria.

Follow me on Instagram @damiehindero for more pictures, travel stories and guides.

 I'm also available for writing or travel expo opportunities.

TOURERS NG  organizes private/ group tours to tourist destinations in Nigeria/ Africa as a whole. You can also book a private/ group tour   with TOURERS NG@tourersng.