Bower’s Tower | Ibadan

Bower's Tower is one of Ibadan's most iconic historical landmarks, rich in colonial and cultural significance. It stands as a symbol of the city's heritage and offers a breathtaking vantage point over the sprawling cityscape.

Historical Background

Constructed in: 1936

Purpose: Built in honor of Captain Robert Lister Bower, who was the first British Resident and Travelling Commissioner of the interior Yoruba states between 1893 and 1897.

Location: Situated on Oke-Are Hill, the highest point in Ibadan, which itself is the largest city in West Africa by land mass.

Engineer: Designed and constructed by Taffy Jones, a British engineer also credited with building Mapo Hall in Ibadan.

Architectural Details

Height: 60 feet (approximately 18.3 meters)

Base: 11-foot square foundation

Structure: Cylindrical stone tower with two narrow doors at the base and a spiral staircase of 47 steps leading to the viewing platform at the top.

Material: Built from locally sourced stone and mortar, designed to withstand the tropical climate.

Panoramic Viewpoints

From the top of Bower’s Tower, visitors enjoy a 360-degree view of Ibadan. On clear days, one can see:

University College Hospital (UCH)

University of Ibadan

Cocoa House – the first skyscraper in West Africa

Mapo Hall – colonial-era civic center

Dugbe Market – one of the busiest commercial hubs

Agodi Gardens

Ibadan Golf Club

Brown rooftops that characterize traditional Ibadan homes

Cultural Significance

Known locally as "Layipo", derived from the Yoruba word "to spiral", referencing the tower’s winding staircase.

A Yoruba saying, "Ibadan lo mo, o mo Layipo?", translates to "You say you know Ibadan, but do you know Layipo?", emphasizing that visiting the tower is a rite of passage for those who claim familiarity with the city.

Visiting Information

Opening Hours: Daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Entrance Fee: Around ₦200 per person (subject to change)

Best Time to Visit: Dry season (November to March) for clearer views

Facilities: Minimal on-site amenities; it’s advisable to come with refreshments

Access: Reachable via a rough hill road; private transportation or local guides are recommended

Safety: Generally safe during the day, but not advised for nighttime visits

Recent Developments

There have been periodic calls for renovation and development of the surrounding area into a more formal tourist attraction, including proposals for improved infrastructure, visitor centers, and guided tour services. However, maintenance varies depending on local government support.

Bower’s Tower remains not just a tourist attraction but also a symbol of the city’s historical intersection between tradition and colonial history.