The ancient "HALL OF MAPO" in IBADAN , OYO STATE. NIGERIA
The Mapo Hall is attractively located on the Mapo hill, with its beauty and splendor, which was perfectly and stylishly designed for that purpose. The hall can virtually be seen from different angles of the city, making it a center of attraction.
Designed by Engineer Robert Taffy Jones in 1925, this building still maintains its perfect condition from the colonial days. The location itself is another contribution to its attractiveness, maintaining its glory at the center of the metropolitan city of Ibadan.
Some prominent Ibadan citizens witnessed the construction of this monumental building.Citizens like, Arch S.B.Latunde, Chief Ebada Otiti, Chief Agbaje and Chief Ogunmola and others.
It was designed during the reign of Baale Shittu Aare and has since remained the symbol of authority and unity of the people of Ibadan.
At the roof top of the hall, we were treated to the awe-inspiring panoramic views of the ancient cityscape of Ibadan. It’s characteristic brown roofs spread and sprawled, racing into the distant horizon, kissing the dull blue skies at the skyline. From the rooftop, we could pick out the popular Ibadan Central Mosque, the palace of the Olubadan of Ibadan, the government secretariat and the notable roundabout of the Oja-Oba (King’s Market) where the statue of legendary warrior, Balogun Oderinlo stood. We could also see the old Cocoa house- the oldest and first sky-scrapper building in Ibadan, jutting gracefully out of the tight collage of rust-brown roofs.
exterior and side by side view of the great mapo hall with ancient looks
these are also the interior look of the great hall.... looking beautiful and awesome
Arial view of the Ibadan City from Mapo Hall, Ibadan.
it also serve has rally avenue for all the politicians. Any rally in OYO state that's not ended in MAPO HALL isn't relevant based to the BELIEVED of the indigenous and the people living in the city.Mapo Hall still maintains its original look, it has has been renovated to have a new look and now it’s mostly used for conferences.
The hall also has a mini-museum displaying the relics of chains that were used to hold tax evaders in those days. Also Inside the hall are pictures of all the past Olubadan[Kings of the city] ,that have reigned till date.