The new Olubadan palace was recently commissioned with much pomp and pageantry. Situated at Oke Aremo, it stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage and the evolving history of Ibadan.

The palace complex sits on a six-acre expanse of land adjacent to the University College Hospital (UCH). It features a main palace building serving as the office and residence of the Olubadan, guest chalets, staff quarters, a palace mosque, and a chapel.

All pictures courtesy BBC Yoruba.

The desire for a new Olubadan palace, befitting the status of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, arose due to the inadequacy of the old palace at Oja’ba. Commissioned during the reign of Oba Asanke, the old palace fell into disuse over time and was converted to stores by nearby market people.

Old Olubadan Palace at Oja’ba, Ibadan.

Ibadan is uniquely characterised by the numerous palaces dotting various parts of the town. These palaces, often found within walking distance of one another, are a sight rarely seen in other Yoruba cities. This abundance of palaces is rooted in Ibadan’s tradition: each ruler had a private residence that became the palace upon his ascension to the throne. This contrasts with the practice in other Yoruba towns, where a city’s palace remains a public trust, used by each succeeding king.

Palace of Olubadan Okunola Abass Aleshinloye (1930–1946) at Isale Ijebu

Palace of Baale Ogundeyi Irefin (1912 – 1914), Oke Offa

These numerous palaces are a testament to the lives of great men who have ruled the city throughout its history. They serve as visible reminders to the indigenes, particularly the younger generations, of their illustrious ancestry.

Palace of Aare Mohammed Obadoke Latoosa (1871 – 1885), Oke Are.

Baale Ogundeyi Irefin’s Palace, Oke Ofa (1912 – 1914)

Most palaces are located within inner-city communities, within the family compounds of the kings, in areas such as Oja’ba, Oke Are, Oranyan, Odinjo, Irefin, Eleta, Agbadagbudu, Isalẹ Ìjèbú, Oja’gbo, Monatan, Popoyemoja, and Aliiwo, to mention a few.