Visitors to Bower’s Tower, one of Ibadan’s historic tourist landmarks, have expressed disappointment over the state of facilities and management at the site, citing neglect, poor access roads, and the absence of tour guides.
Bower’s Tower, also known as Layipo, is a colonial-era monument located on Oke-Are Hill in Ibadan. Built in 1936, the tower was erected in memory of Captain Ross L. Bower, the first British Resident in Ibadan and Traveling Commissioner for Yorubaland. The monument is known for its spiral staircase and panoramic view of the city.
During a visit by Ibadan City Announcer, it was observed that several structures within the tourist centre, including administrative buildings, sheds, and a former restaurant, were in a dilapidated condition, with broken roofs, peeling paint, and abandoned facilities.
A visitor, Temilola, who traveled from Lagos with her spouse, described the site as confusing and underwhelming. She said there was no clear signboard indicating the main entrance, forcing them to enter through a back gate.
“This place is over-hyped,” she said. “It doesn’t look like a tourist centre, and the road leading here is bad.”
Her spouse, Busayo, added that the absence of an official tour guide affected their experience. “We were on our own. The only information we got was from the security man,” he said.
Students who visited the site for academic and leisure purposes also raised concerns. Eunice Elizabeth, a final-year student conducting research, said she visited the tower to verify its historical relevance for her project. Another student, Giwa Asiyat of the University of Ibadan, said the site did not meet expectations created by photographs she had seen online.
“The buildings look shabby, and there is nothing to do aside from climbing the tower and leaving,” Asiyat said.
A regular visitor, Hassan Nurudeen, lamented what he described as prolonged neglect of the monument. He recalled that entry was once free before fees were gradually increased to the current ₦1,000 charge.
“It wasn’t like this some years ago,” he said. “If it rains now, there is nowhere to take shelter. Most of the structures are abandoned.”
A security officer at the site, who requested anonymity, confirmed that tour guides are often unavailable due to official engagements, adding that he sometimes steps in to guide visitors. He disclosed that the tourist centre has been handed over to a private contractor and that government officials recently visited the site to inspect the access road for possible renovation.
Another guide, identified as Boluwatife, said the monument’s primary purpose is to provide a vantage view of Ibadan and preserve historical memory. He expressed optimism that ongoing plans would lead to improvements before the end of the year.
Bower’s Tower stands about 60 feet tall and offers views of key landmarks in Ibadan, including University College Hospital, the University of Ibadan, Cocoa House, Agodi Gardens, and Adamasingba Stadium.
Despite its historical significance, many visitors say the current state of the site does not reflect its cultural value, calling on relevant authorities and stakeholders to prioritise the preservation and proper management of the monument.
